HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What process involves the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane?
- A. Diffusion
- B. Osmosis
- C. Active Transport
- D. Facilitated Diffusion
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Osmosis is the process specifically involving the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane, from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. This process helps balance concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Choice A, Diffusion, refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, not specific to water. Choice C, Active Transport, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, unlike osmosis. Choice D, Facilitated Diffusion, involves the use of transport proteins to move specific substances across membranes, not limited to water molecules.
2. How many pairs of homologous chromosomes do humans have?
- A. 13
- B. 23
- C. 26
- D. 46
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 46. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which include 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes. Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that contain the same genes, one from each parent. Therefore, humans have a total of 46 chromosomes, with 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the total number of chromosomes in humans or the number of pairs of homologous chromosomes.
3. In a phospholipid molecule, the head:
- A. Is hydrophilic
- B. Is hydrophobic
- C. Is on the inner side of the layer
- D. Both A and C
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic (water-loving) and is located on the outer side of the lipid bilayer, interacting with water molecules. This arrangement positions the hydrophobic tails inward, away from water. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the head is hydrophilic, not hydrophobic. Choice B is incorrect as the head is on the outer side, not the inner side of the layer.
4. During which phase is the chromosome number reduced from diploid to haploid?
- A. S phase
- B. interphase
- C. mitosis
- D. meiosis I
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'meiosis I.' During meiosis I, the chromosome number is reduced from diploid to haploid through two rounds of division. Choice A ('S phase') is incorrect as the S phase is part of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated. Choice B ('interphase') is also incorrect as interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division. Choice C ('mitosis') is incorrect as mitosis is a process where a diploid cell divides to produce two identical diploid daughter cells, maintaining the chromosome number.
5. Which statement regarding energy content is true?
- A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
- B. Primary consumers < producers
- C. Producers > secondary consumers
- D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access