HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. Which names a final step in protein synthesis?
- A. DNA unzips.
- B. Amino acids bond.
- C. Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA.
- D. Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.
2. Bacillus subtilis may be described as ___________.
- A. spiral
- B. globular
- C. rod-shaped
- D. grape-like clusters
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bacillus subtilis is a rod-shaped bacterium. Its name "Bacillus" refers to its rod-like shape, which is a characteristic feature of this bacteria.
3. Why do gardeners sometimes use salt to get rid of slugs?
- A. The salt moves from the exterior into the slug’s body.
- B. The salt causes water in the slug to move outward.
- C. The salt and slug slime merge to form a new compound.
- D. The salt’s corrosiveness breaks down the slug’s cell walls.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Gardeners use salt to get rid of slugs because salt is corrosive and breaks down the slug's cell walls. When the slug comes into contact with salt, the salt draws moisture out of the slug's body, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to the slug's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary mechanism of salt in eliminating slugs is its corrosive action on the slug's body, not the movement of salt into the slug's body, outward movement of water in the slug, or merging with slug slime to form a new compound.
4. Which of the following is not found within a bacterial cell?
- A. mitochondria
- B. DNA
- C. vesicles
- D. ribosome
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mitochondria. Mitochondria are not found in bacterial cells. Bacterial cells lack membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, which are commonly found in eukaryotic cells. Choices B, C, and D are all components that can be found within a bacterial cell. Bacterial cells contain DNA as their genetic material, vesicles for various cellular functions, and ribosomes for protein synthesis. Therefore, the presence of mitochondria is the distinguishing factor that is not found in bacterial cells, making option A the correct answer.
5. Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?
- A. RNA
- B. Virus
- C. Blue-green alga
- D. Saprophyte
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.
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