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. During protein synthesis, what process creates a complementary strand of RNA from a DNA template?
- A. Transcription
- B. Translation
- C. Transformation
- D. Replication
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During protein synthesis, transcription is the process that creates a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template. This process involves the synthesis of mRNA using DNA as a template. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it is the process where the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific polypeptide chain. Choice C, 'Transformation,' is not related to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. Choice D, 'Replication,' is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical DNA molecule, not RNA.
3. Which of the following shows how information is transformed to make a protein?
- A. DNA-RNA-protein
- B. gene-chromosome-protein
- C. ATP-amino acid-protein
- D. RNA-DNA-protein
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct sequence of events for protein synthesis is that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into a protein. This process is known as the central dogma of molecular biology. In this sequence, DNA serves as the template for RNA synthesis (transcription), and the RNA serves as the template for protein synthesis (translation). Choice B is incorrect as genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins, and chromosomes are structures that contain DNA. Choice C is incorrect as ATP is an energy molecule and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but they are not directly involved in the synthesis process. Choice D is incorrect because RNA is first transcribed from DNA and then used as a template to produce proteins.
4. Why do high-salt content foods not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage?
- A. Osmosis
- B. Diffusion
- C. Active transport
- D. Passive transport
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Osmosis is the natural process that prevents high-salt content foods from spoiling without the need for refrigeration. Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (water) to an area of higher solute concentration (salt). In high-salt content foods, the salt acts as a preservative by drawing moisture out of bacteria or other microorganisms, making it difficult for them to survive and spoil the food. This process helps in preserving the food and preventing spoilage even without refrigeration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve the specific mechanism of water movement in response to the salt concentration in high-salt content foods.
5. Which organelle is responsible for making proteins?
- A. Ribosome
- B. Chloroplast
- C. Lysosome
- D. Mitochondrion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis within the cell. They are the sites where amino acids are linked together to form proteins based on the instructions carried by mRNA (messenger RNA). Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, and they play a crucial role in translating genetic information into proteins. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production through cellular respiration. Therefore, the ribosome is the correct organelle responsible for making proteins.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$89/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$129.99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access