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 organelle pushes water out of the cell?

A. Lysosomes
B. Vacuoles (contractile)
C. Mitochondria
D. Nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vacuoles (contractile). Vacuoles (contractile) are responsible for expelling excess water out of the cell. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and removal of waste materials, mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell involved in energy production, and the nucleus contains the cell's genetic material but does not play a role in pushing water out of the cell.

3. Which two bases are purines?

A. Adenine (A)
B. Cytosine (C)
C. Thymine (T)
D. Guanine (G)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adenine (A) and guanine (G) are the two bases that are purines. Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure containing two carbon rings, distinguishing them from pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are purines because they possess this unique double-ring structure. Therefore, choices A and D, adenine and guanine, respectively, are the correct answers. Choices B and C, cytosine and thymine, are pyrimidines and do not exhibit the double-ring structure characteristic of purines.

4. Cytosine and thymine are known as:

A. Purines
B. Pyrimidines
C. Both
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cytosine and thymine are known as pyrimidines because they have a single carbon ring structure. Purines, on the other hand, have a double-ring structure. Choice A ('Purines') is incorrect because purines have a double-ring structure, unlike cytosine and thymine. Choice C ('Both') is incorrect as it implies they are both purines and pyrimidines, which is not true. Choice D ('None of the above') is incorrect because cytosine and thymine are indeed pyrimidines.

5. In an example of a male with hemophilia and a female carrier, what ratio of the offspring is predicted to have the disease?

A. 0 female : 2 males
B. 1 female : 0 males
C. 1 female : 2 males
D. 2 females : 1 male

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the male offspring will inherit the hemophilia trait from their mother due to the sex-linked inheritance pattern. The female offspring will inherit one X chromosome from their mother, becoming carriers of hemophilia. Therefore, the predicted ratio of offspring with the disease would be 1 female as a carrier and 2 males with hemophilia. Choice A is incorrect because there would be male offspring with the disease. Choice B is incorrect as there would be male offspring with hemophilia. Choice D is incorrect as it does not reflect the inheritance pattern of hemophilia.