HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. Which one is not a reactant in photosynthesis?
- A. Water
- B. Light energy
- C. Glucose
- D. Carbon dioxide
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Glucose. Glucose is not a reactant in photosynthesis but a product. During photosynthesis, plants use water, carbon dioxide, and light energy as reactants to produce glucose and oxygen. Water is essential for the process of photosynthesis, along with carbon dioxide and light energy. Light energy is necessary for the light-dependent reactions to occur, which eventually leads to the production of glucose. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants through tiny pores called stomata and is used in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose. Therefore, glucose is the product of photosynthesis, not a reactant.
2. Whose energy efficiency is greater?
- A. Herbivore
- B. Carnivore
- C. Omnivore
- D. Decomposer
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Decomposers have the greatest efficiency of energy among the given options. Decomposers break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. This breakdown process results in the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem, making energy more readily available for other organisms to use. In contrast, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores all derive their energy from the consumption of other living organisms, making their energy efficiency lower than that of decomposers. Herbivores consume plants for energy, which involves energy loss due to inefficiencies in converting plant matter into usable energy. Carnivores consume herbivores or other carnivores, leading to further energy loss through each trophic level. Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, but their energy efficiency is still lower than decomposers because of the energy loss associated with consuming living organisms. Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and energy in ecosystems, making them highly efficient in the utilization of energy.
3. Which two bases are purines?
- A. Adenine (A)
- B. Cytosine (C)
- C. Thymine (T)
- D. Guanine (G)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Adenine (A) and guanine (G) are the two bases that are purines. Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure containing two carbon rings, distinguishing them from pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are purines because they possess this unique double-ring structure. Therefore, choices A and D, adenine and guanine, respectively, are the correct answers. Choices B and C, cytosine and thymine, are pyrimidines and do not exhibit the double-ring structure characteristic of purines.
4. How does yeast reproduce?
- A. Binary fission
- B. Spore formation
- C. Budding
- D. Cloning
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Yeast typically reproduces through a process called budding. During budding, a small outgrowth forms on the parent yeast cell, gradually enlarging in size until it separates to become a new, genetically identical daughter cell. This method of reproduction allows yeast to rapidly multiply and grow in favorable conditions. It is different from binary fission, spore formation, and cloning. Binary fission involves the division of a single organism into two genetically identical organisms. Spore formation is a method seen in certain fungi where specialized cells develop into spores for reproduction. Cloning involves producing genetically identical copies of an organism. Therefore, budding is the correct answer for how yeast reproduces.
5. Huntington’s disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.
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