which is true of gametes

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which is true of gametes?

A. They are diploid cells
B. They are haploid cells
C. They are somatic
D. A & C are true

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Gametes are sex cells (sperm and eggs) that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are haploid cells, meaning they have half the number of chromosomes (n) compared to diploid cells. This is necessary for the formation of a diploid zygote when two gametes unite during fertilization. Somatic cells are non-reproductive cells in the body, so they are not gametes. Choice A is incorrect because gametes are not diploid but haploid. Choice C is incorrect because gametes are not somatic cells.

2. What are the three main events of the haploid cell cycle?

A. DNA replication, mitosis, and cytokinesis
B. DNA replication, meiosis, and cytokinesis
C. DNA replication, cytokinesis, and degradation
D. Mitosis, meiosis, and apoptosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the haploid cell cycle, the three main events are DNA replication, where the cell's genetic material is duplicated; mitosis, which is the division of the nucleus to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes; and cytokinesis, the division of the cell cytoplasm to separate the two daughter cells. Meiosis is not part of the haploid cell cycle as it occurs in diploid cells to produce haploid gametes. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and is not a routine event in the cell cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as meiosis and apoptosis are not part of the haploid cell cycle, and degradation is not a typical event in the cell cycle.

3. How are lipids different from other organic molecules?

A. They are indivisible.
B. They are not water soluble.
C. They contain zinc.
D. They form long proteins.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'They are not water soluble.' Lipids are not water-soluble, which distinguishes them from other organic molecules. Choice A is incorrect because lipids are not indivisible; they can be broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. Choice C is incorrect as lipids do not necessarily contain zinc; they are a diverse group of molecules. Choice D is incorrect because lipids do not form long proteins; proteins are made up of amino acids, not lipids.

4. Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis?

A. Dogs like treats
B. Red is the best color
C. If I eat 100 donuts, then I will feel sick
D. If a plant is exposed to red light, then it will show less growth than natural light

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D is the best example of a hypothesis because it presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship that can be tested through experimentation. It follows the format of 'If [cause], then [effect]' which is characteristic of a hypothesis in scientific research. The statement is specific, testable, and does not rely on personal opinions or biases, making it a strong and valid hypothesis. Choices A, B, and C do not follow the structure of a hypothesis as they lack the cause-and-effect relationship that can be tested through experimentation. They are more like statements or opinions rather than hypotheses.

5. Which color of light is least effective at driving photosynthesis?

A. Violet
B. Green
C. Orange
D. Red

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Green light is the least effective at driving photosynthesis because chlorophyll, the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light in plants, does not absorb green light well. Instead, chlorophyll absorbs more effectively in the blue and red regions of the light spectrum. Therefore, green light is relatively less efficient in promoting photosynthesis compared to violet, orange, and red light. Violet light, although at the shorter wavelength end of the spectrum, can still drive photosynthesis better than green light. Orange and red light are more efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, making them more effective in driving the process of photosynthesis.