HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. Which cellular structure is largely protective in function?
- A. Mitochondrion
- B. Vacuole
- C. Cell membrane
- D. Ribosome
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is largely protective in function as it serves as a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, providing structural support and helping to maintain cell integrity. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thus protecting the cell from harmful external factors while allowing essential nutrients to enter. Mitochondrion (choice A) is responsible for energy production, not primarily protective. Vacuole (choice B) is mainly involved in storage and transport. Ribosome (choice D) is involved in protein synthesis, not protective functions.
2. What is the term for the movement of ions and other molecular substances across cell membranes without the need for energy?
- A. Active Transport
- B. Passive Transport
- C. Diffusion
- D. Osmosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Passive transport refers to the movement of substances across cell membranes without the need for energy input. In contrast, active transport, choice A, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. Diffusion, choice C, is a type of passive transport where substances move from an area of high concentration to low concentration. Osmosis, choice D, specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
3. Tundra, savannas, grasslands, deserts, and rainforests are examples of what?
- A. Biomasses
- B. Biospheres
- C. Biodiversity
- D. Biomes
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Tundra, savannas, grasslands, deserts, and rainforests are examples of biomes. A biome is a large geographical area with similar climatic conditions and distinct flora and fauna. Each biome has its unique characteristics, such as temperature, precipitation levels, and types of vegetation, which define the ecosystem within that region. Biomasses refer to the total mass of living organisms in a given area, biospheres are the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, and biodiversity represents the variety of life forms in a specific habitat.
4. Why does cellular respiration happen?
- A. Cells can copy DNA
- B. Cells can breathe
- C. Cells can convert nutrients to energy
- D. Cells can divide
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cellular respiration is the process through which cells break down nutrients such as glucose to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This process allows cells to extract energy from food molecules and use it for various cellular activities and functions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because cellular respiration is specifically about converting nutrients to energy, not about DNA copying, breathing, or cell division.
5. What is the main function of the ribosomes in the cell?
- A. DNA Replication
- B. Protein Synthesis
- C. Lipid Breakdown
- D. Cell Division
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protein Synthesis. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for synthesizing proteins. This process is crucial for various cellular functions. Choice A, DNA Replication, is incorrect as ribosomes are not involved in this process. Choice C, Lipid Breakdown, is also incorrect as ribosomes do not play a role in lipid metabolism. Choice D, Cell Division, is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in the process of cell division.
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