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. What type of cells possess a cell membrane?
- A. Prokaryotic cells only
- B. Eukaryotic cells only
- C. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cell membranes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cell membrane serves as a barrier that encloses the cell contents and regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell. It is a fundamental structure found in all types of cells, regardless of whether they are prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus) or eukaryotic (containing a nucleus). Choice A is incorrect because eukaryotic cells also possess cell membranes. Choice B is incorrect as prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, also have cell membranes. Choice D is incorrect as both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have cell membranes.
3. 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.
4. A cell is in a solution in which the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside the cell. What would you expect to happen to the cell?
- A. It will swell and possibly burst.
- B. It will shrivel and shrink.
- C. It will maintain its current size.
- D. It will grow a supportive cell wall.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a cell is in a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, it is in a hypertonic environment. In this situation, water will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane through the process of osmosis. As a result, the cell will swell as it takes in more water, potentially leading to bursting or cell lysis. Choice B is incorrect because a cell in a hypertonic solution will not shrivel and shrink due to water moving into the cell. Choice C is incorrect because the cell will not maintain its current size; it will swell. Choice D is incorrect because growing a supportive cell wall is not the immediate response to being in a hypertonic environment.
5. What is the function of water in photosynthesis?
- A. Combine with carbon dioxide
- B. Absorb light energy
- C. Supply electrons in the light reactions
- D. Transport hydrogen ions in the dark reactions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Supply electrons in the light reactions.' In photosynthesis, water is split during the light reactions of photosynthesis, releasing electrons that are used in the formation of ATP and NADPH, crucial for the synthesis of glucose. Choice A is incorrect because water does not combine with carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Choice B is incorrect as water does not absorb light energy directly. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of hydrogen ions mainly occurs in the electron transport chain, which is part of the light reactions, not the dark reactions.
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