HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the most important component of the cell, contributing to protection, communication, and the passage of substances?
- A. Cytoplasm
- B. Cell Membrane
- C. Cytoskeleton
- D. Vacuole
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cell membrane is the correct answer. It is the most important component of the cell as it provides protection, facilitates communication, and regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell. The cytoplasm (Choice A) is the gel-like substance within the cell that holds organelles, but it is not primarily responsible for the functions mentioned in the question. The cytoskeleton (Choice C) provides structural support to the cell but is not directly involved in protection, communication, or substance passage. Vacuoles (Choice D) are responsible for storage and maintaining turgor pressure but do not play a primary role in the functions specified in the question.
2. How do animal cells divide?
- A. Through a contractile ring
- B. Via a cell plate
- C. Both methods
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Animal cells divide through a contractile ring made of actin and myosin filaments. The ring contracts, pinching the cell membrane in the middle to form two daughter cells. Plant cells use a cell plate due to their rigid cell walls, making choices B and C incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as animal cells do use the contractile ring method for division.
3. Which type of passive transport uses proteins that change shape to move a target molecule through the membrane?
- A. Diffusion
- B. Carrier proteins
- C. Channel proteins
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carrier proteins. Carrier proteins are involved in facilitated diffusion, a type of passive transport where specific target molecules are moved across the membrane with the help of proteins that change shape. These carrier proteins bind to the target molecule on one side of the membrane, undergo a conformational change, and then release the molecule on the other side. This process is crucial for the selective transport of certain molecules that cannot pass through the membrane by simple diffusion. Choices A and C are incorrect because diffusion and channel proteins do not involve proteins that change shape to transport target molecules selectively. Choice D is incorrect as carrier proteins fit the description provided in the question.
4. Huntington’s disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.
5. In which phase of mitosis do new nuclear membranes form around sets of chromosomes?
- A. Prophase
- B. Anaphase
- C. Telophase
- D. Interphase
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Telophase. During telophase, the final phase of mitosis, new nuclear membranes form around sets of chromosomes at the opposite poles of the cell. This process marks the completion of nuclear division in mitosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in prophase, chromosomes condense but nuclear membranes are not formed; in anaphase, chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles but no new nuclear membranes are formed; and in interphase, the cell prepares for division but nuclear membranes are not forming around sets of chromosomes.
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