HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the process by which cells divide to form two identical daughter cells?
- A. Mitosis
- B. Meiosis
- C. Binary Fission
- D. Cellular Division
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Mitosis. Mitosis is the process in which a cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. Choice B, Meiosis, is a type of cell division that results in four non-identical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes. Choice C, Binary Fission, is a form of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotic organisms. Choice D, Cellular Division, is a general term that encompasses various processes of cell division, but specifically, mitosis refers to the division resulting in two identical daughter cells.
2. Dogs are part of a larger animal group, the Carnivora. What classification is this?
- A. Kingdom
- B. Class
- C. Order
- D. Genus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The classification 'Carnivora' refers to an order in the taxonomic hierarchy. In the Linnaean classification system, the order comes below the class but above the family level. Therefore, Carnivora is a higher classification that includes dog species as well as other carnivorous mammals like cats, bears, and weasels. Option A (Kingdom) is too broad and refers to the highest taxonomic rank. Option B (Class) is a lower taxonomic rank than order. Option D (Genus) is a much more specific rank that comes below the family level in the Linnaean hierarchy.
3. Which, if any, of the following statements about the biosphere is correct?
- A. The biosphere is the part of the Earth that supports life.
- B. The biosphere encompasses the entire surface of the Earth.
- C. A and B are correct.
- D. None of these statements is correct.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Statement A is correct. The biosphere refers to the part of the Earth where life exists, including the land, water bodies, and atmosphere. It is the zone where living organisms and ecosystems exist. Statement B is incorrect because the biosphere covers various ecosystems on Earth but does not encompass the entire surface of the planet. The biosphere includes regions such as the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water bodies), and atmosphere, but not every part of the Earth's surface. Therefore, option C, stating both A and B are correct, is inaccurate. The correct answer is option A, as it accurately defines the biosphere.
4. 72 chromosomes undergo meiosis. How many chromosomes will be in each gamete?
- A. 18
- B. 36
- C. 72
- D. 144
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved in each gamete. Since 72 chromosomes undergo meiosis, each gamete will contain half of that number, which is 36 chromosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is 18 chromosomes in each gamete. Choice B (36 chromosomes) is incorrect because it represents the total number of chromosomes that undergo meiosis, not the number in each gamete. Choice C (72 chromosomes) is incorrect as it represents the initial number of chromosomes, not the number in each gamete after meiosis. Choice D (144 chromosomes) is incorrect as it doubles the initial number of chromosomes, which is not the outcome of meiosis.
5. Why are bacteria and blue-green algae often classified together?
- A. Both are gymnosperms.
- B. Both are prokaryotes.
- C. Both are autotrophs.
- D. Both are pathogens.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bacteria and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are often classified together because they are both prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This characteristic distinguishes them from eukaryotic organisms, which have these membrane-bound structures. Choice A is incorrect because gymnosperms are seed-producing plants with naked seeds, not bacteria or blue-green algae. Choice C is incorrect because being an autotroph (able to produce its own food) is not a reason for classifying them together. Choice D is incorrect because not all bacteria and blue-green algae are pathogens; many of them are beneficial or neutral to other organisms.
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