HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Which one of the following best describes the function of a cell membrane?
- A. It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell.
- B. It maintains the cell's shape.
- C. It controls the substances entering the cell.
- D. It supports the cell's structures.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The function of a cell membrane is to control the substances entering and leaving the cell. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing it to regulate the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell to maintain internal balance and proper function. Choice B is incorrect because while the cell membrane does provide some structural support, its primary function is not to maintain the cell's shape. Choice C is incorrect because the cell membrane controls both the substances entering and leaving the cell, not just those entering. Choice D is incorrect as the primary function of the cell membrane is not to support the cell's structures but to regulate the movement of substances.
2. 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.
3. Which of the following is not found within a bacterial cell?
- A. mitochondria
- B. DNA
- C. vesicles
- D. ribosome
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mitochondria. Mitochondria are not found in bacterial cells. Bacterial cells lack membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, which are commonly found in eukaryotic cells. Choices B, C, and D are all components that can be found within a bacterial cell. Bacterial cells contain DNA as their genetic material, vesicles for various cellular functions, and ribosomes for protein synthesis. Therefore, the presence of mitochondria is the distinguishing factor that is not found in bacterial cells, making option A the correct answer.
4. Which of the following arrangement is seen in the plasma membrane?
- A. Lipids with embedded proteins
- B. An outer lipid layer and an inner lipid layer
- C. Proteins embedded in lipid bilayer
- D. Altering protein and lipid layers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct arrangement seen in the plasma membrane is proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer. The plasma membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins. These proteins perform various functions such as transport, signaling, and structural support within the cell membrane. This arrangement allows for the selective permeability of the membrane and facilitates communication between the cell and its environment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary arrangement in the plasma membrane involves proteins being embedded in the lipid bilayer, not lipids with embedded proteins, an outer and inner lipid layer, or altering protein and lipid layers.
5. How do animal cells divide?
- A. Through a contractile ring
- B. Via a cell plate
- C. Both methods
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Animal cells divide through a contractile ring made of actin and myosin filaments. The ring contracts, pinching the cell membrane in the middle to form two daughter cells. Plant cells use a cell plate due to their rigid cell walls, making choices B and C incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as animal cells do use the contractile ring method for division.
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