HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Which of the following types of hormones can diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell and stimulate a chemical response to a target cell?
- A. fat-soluble hormones
- B. amino acid derivatives
- C. hydrophilic hormones
- D. water-soluble hormones
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: fat-soluble hormones. Fat-soluble hormones are able to diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell. This is because they are lipophilic, allowing them to cross the lipid bilayer easily. Once inside the cell, fat-soluble hormones can directly affect gene expression or cell function. Choice B, amino acid derivatives, and choice C, hydrophilic hormones, are not able to diffuse through the cell membrane as they are not lipophilic. Therefore, they cannot bind to receptors inside the cell. Choice D, water-soluble hormones, also cannot diffuse through the cell membrane as it is hydrophilic, making it unable to reach receptors inside the cell.
2. What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?
- A. Chromosomes are duplicated.
- B. Cell growth occurs.
- C. DNA is synthesized.
- D. DNA is destroyed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During the S phase of the cell cycle, chromosomes are duplicated. This is a critical step in cell division as each chromosome is replicated to ensure that the resulting daughter cells receive an identical set of genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cell growth primarily occurs in the G1 phase, DNA synthesis happens during the S phase, and DNA destruction does not occur during any phase of the cell cycle.
3. Which system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream?
- A. The gastrointestinal system
- B. The endocrine system
- C. The digestive system
- D. The endocrine system
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The endocrine system. The endocrine system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by releasing hormones that help control and coordinate different processes in the body. Choices A, C, and B are incorrect. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste; the digestive system includes the gastrointestinal system and other accessory organs; and choice B is a duplicate of the correct answer.
4. Which of the following is false?
- A. Animal cells use lysosomes to break down old cells
- B. Animal cells use chloroplasts to gain energy
- C. Plant cells have a cell wall to maintain structure
- D. All of the above are true
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The statement "B. Animal cells use chloroplasts to gain energy" is false. Chloroplasts are only present in plant cells and certain algae, where they are responsible for photosynthesis to generate energy from sunlight. Animal cells rely on other organelles, such as mitochondria, for energy production. Choice A is true because animal cells use lysosomes to break down old cells and cellular waste. Choice C is true as plant cells have a cell wall composed of cellulose that provides structural support and protection.
5. What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?
- A. It attaches to a ribosome.
- B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
- C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
- D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. When mRNA reaches the cytoplasm, it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome functions as the site for protein synthesis through translation, where the genetic code carried by mRNA is read and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because mRNA does not unzip, expose nitrogen bases, pair with DNA bases, or pull free of the DNA strand in the cytoplasm. The primary function of mRNA in the cytoplasm is to serve as a template for protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.
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