HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Biology
1. Which of the following molecules is an important component of the plasma membrane?
- A. Phospholipids
- B. Steroids
- C. Sugars
- D. Amino acids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Phospholipids are indeed a crucial component of the plasma membrane. They have a unique structure with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, which allows them to form the lipid bilayer of the membrane. Steroids, sugars, and amino acids are not primary components of the plasma membrane. Steroids are a different type of lipid, sugars are often found in glycoproteins on the membrane surface, and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, some of which are membrane proteins, but not the membrane itself.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Why is the nucleus important in a cell?
- A. It stores the DNA
- B. It supports the cell
- C. It makes protein
- D. It makes energy out of food
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nucleus is important in a cell because it stores the DNA, which contains the genetic information necessary for the cell's function and replication. This genetic material controls the cell's activities and characteristics. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because supporting the cell, making proteins, and producing energy are functions typically associated with other cell organelles like the cytoskeleton, ribosomes, and mitochondria, respectively.
5. Which molecule is primarily responsible for storing energy in cells?
- A. Glucose
- B. ATP
- C. Fatty acids
- D. Starch
Correct answer: B
Rationale: ATP is the correct answer because it is the molecule responsible for storing and providing energy in cells. Glucose is a source of energy but not primarily for storage. Fatty acids are more involved in energy production through oxidation. Starch is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in plants.
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