HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. Which of these is not an example of a lipid?
- A. Butter
- B. Wax
- C. Canola oil
- D. Honey
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Honey is not an example of a lipid because lipids are fat-related molecules that are insoluble in water, while honey is a natural sweet substance made by bees and primarily consists of sugars such as glucose and fructose. Butter, wax, and canola oil are examples of lipids as they are all composed of fat-related molecules that do not dissolve in water.
2. Which gives the order of four taxonomic categories from least to most specific?
- A. Kingdom, phylum, class, order
- B. Kingdom, phylum, order, class
- C. Kingdom, order, phylum, class
- D. Kingdom, class, order, phylum
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct order of the four taxonomic categories from least to most specific is Kingdom, phylum, class, and order. This sequence adheres to the hierarchical system of classification where organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics, becoming more specific as you move from Kingdom to order. Choice B is incorrect as the order of 'order' and 'class' is swapped. Choice C is incorrect as 'order' precedes 'phylum' instead of following it. Choice D is incorrect as 'class' should come before 'order'.
3. Which is a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells?
- A. Ethanol
- B. Pyruvic acid
- C. Lactic acid
- D. Oxygen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Lactic acid is a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells. During intense exercise or when oxygen is limited, muscle cells use anaerobic respiration to generate energy. This process breaks down glucose into lactic acid, which can cause muscle fatigue and soreness. Choice A, Ethanol, is not produced in muscle cells during fermentation. Choice B, Pyruvic acid, is an intermediate product in glucose metabolism but is not a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells. Choice D, Oxygen, is not a byproduct of fermentation but a reactant in aerobic respiration.
4. From which component do RNA and DNA derive their names?
- A. From the sugar each contains
- B. From the structure of their nucleotides
- C. From the information they transfer
- D. From their formative processes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: RNA and DNA derive their names from the sugar each contains. RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid, with 'ribo' indicating the ribose sugar in its structure. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, with 'deoxyribo' referring to the deoxyribose sugar in its structure. The sugars in RNA and DNA molecules distinguish them and are the basis for their names. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately explain how RNA and DNA derive their names.
5. Which statement regarding energy content is true?
- A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
- B. Primary consumers < producers
- C. Producers > secondary consumers
- D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access