HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the primary function of the endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?
- A. Energy production
- B. Protein synthesis
- C. Waste removal
- D. Transport of materials
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum's primary function is the transport of materials within the cell. It acts as a network of membranes to assist in the transportation of proteins and other substances throughout the cell. Choice A, 'Energy production,' is incorrect because the endoplasmic reticulum is not directly involved in energy production. Choice B, 'Protein synthesis,' is incorrect as protein synthesis mainly occurs in ribosomes, although the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in modifying and transporting proteins. Choice C, 'Waste removal,' is also incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by other organelles like lysosomes and peroxisomes.
2. In a strand of DNA, you would expect to see adenine paired with ___________.
- A. cytosine
- B. uracil
- C. thymine
- D. guanine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a strand of DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds. This pairing is a fundamental aspect of DNA structure, where adenine and thymine complement each other in the double helix. Choice A (cytosine) is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA. Choice B (uracil) is incorrect as uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. Choice D (guanine) is incorrect as guanine pairs with cytosine, not adenine, in DNA.
3. Cytosine and thymine are known as:
- A. Purines
- B. Pyrimidines
- C. Both
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cytosine and thymine are known as pyrimidines because they have a single carbon ring structure. Purines, on the other hand, have a double-ring structure. Choice A ('Purines') is incorrect because purines have a double-ring structure, unlike cytosine and thymine. Choice C ('Both') is incorrect as it implies they are both purines and pyrimidines, which is not true. Choice D ('None of the above') is incorrect because cytosine and thymine are indeed pyrimidines.
4. Why is yeast used to make bread rise?
- A. It engages in photosynthesis, which produces oxygen gas.
- B. Carbon dioxide forms while yeast carries out photosynthesis.
- C. Yeast carries out fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
- D. Yeast breathes in oxygen and produces carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Yeast is used to make bread rise because it carries out fermentation, producing carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and create a fluffy texture in the bread. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because yeast does not engage in photosynthesis, so it does not produce oxygen gas, does not carry out photosynthesis to form carbon dioxide, and does not produce carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration. Yeast's fermentation process is essential for bread rising.
5. Most enzymes are made up of what?
- A. proteins
- B. lipids
- C. starches
- D. simple sugars
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Most enzymes are made up of proteins. Proteins are large biomolecules composed of amino acids that are vital for the structure and function of enzymes. Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms. They exhibit high specificity and efficiency due to their unique protein structures. Lipids, starches, and simple sugars are not typically the primary components of enzymes, making them incorrect choices.
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