which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

1. 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.

2. What is the purpose of phloem tissue in plant stems?

A. It conducts water up through the stem.
B. It conducts the energy of light to leaves.
C. It conducts food throughout the plant.
D. It conducts carbon dioxide throughout the plant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of phloem tissue in plant stems is to conduct food, particularly sugars produced in the leaves during photosynthesis, throughout the plant. The phloem transports these organic compounds to various parts of the plant where they are needed for growth and energy. Choice A is incorrect because water is primarily transported by xylem tissue, not phloem. Choice B is incorrect as the energy of light is captured by chlorophyll in the process of photosynthesis, not conducted by phloem. Choice D is incorrect because carbon dioxide is mainly absorbed through the leaves and transported to other parts of the plant through diffusion, not by phloem.

3. The phases of mitosis include:

A. Prophase, interphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
B. Prophase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and cytokinesis
C. Prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
D. Prophase, interphase, prophase, anaphase, and telophase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct phases of mitosis are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Prophase is the first phase where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle forms. Prometaphase follows prophase, involving the full disintegration of the nuclear envelope and the attachment of spindle fibers to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. Metaphase is where chromosomes align along the metaphase plate. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles. Telophase marks the final stage of mitosis, involving the decondensation of chromosomes and the reformation of the nuclear envelope. Choice A is incorrect because it includes interphase, which is not a phase of mitosis. Choice B is incorrect as it repeats prophase, which is the initial phase. Choice D is incorrect because it includes interphase and repeats prophase.

4. How is mitosis different from meiosis?

A. Mitosis is the process by which body cells are formed.
B. Meiosis creates cells with half the chromosomes of the parent cell.
C. Telophase occurs in both mitosis and meiosis.
D. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis occur via meiosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Meiosis is the type of cell division that creates cells with half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell. This is essential for sexual reproduction as it ensures that when the sex cells (sperm and egg) combine during fertilization, the resulting offspring has the correct number of chromosomes. In contrast, mitosis results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because mitosis is responsible for the division of body cells, not sex cells. Choice C is incorrect because telophase is a phase that occurs in both mitosis and meiosis. Choice D is incorrect because spermatogenesis and oogenesis involve meiosis, not mitosis.

5. Which of these molecules contains glucose?

A. Proteins
B. Lipids
C. Nucleic acids
D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Glucose is a type of simple sugar and is classified as a carbohydrate. It is commonly found in various carbohydrate-containing foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and sugary snacks. Therefore, the molecule containing glucose would be a carbohydrate, making choice D the correct answer. Proteins (choice A) are made up of amino acids, lipids (choice B) are fats, and nucleic acids (choice C) are DNA and RNA, none of which contain glucose.