HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 2024
1. Why do we perceive chlorophyll as green?
- A. It absorbs yellow and blue light.
- B. It primarily absorbs green light.
- C. It fails to absorb green light.
- D. It primarily absorbs red light.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Chlorophyll appears green to us because it primarily absorbs yellow and blue light while reflecting green light. The wavelengths of yellow and blue light are absorbed by chlorophyll for photosynthesis, which results in the green color we perceive. Choice B is incorrect because chlorophyll absorbs yellow and blue light, not green light. Choice C is incorrect because chlorophyll does absorb green light, but it also absorbs other wavelengths, primarily yellow and blue. Choice D is incorrect because chlorophyll primarily absorbs yellow and blue light, not red light.
2. What is the main component of blood plasma?
- A. Proteins
- B. Water
- C. Red Blood Cells
- D. Platelets
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Water. Blood plasma is composed mostly of water, which acts as a solvent for various nutrients and substances. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Proteins are indeed present in blood plasma but are not the main component. Red blood cells and platelets are cellular components of blood, not the main component of blood plasma.
3. What type of cells possess a cell membrane?
- A. Prokaryotic cells only
- B. Eukaryotic cells only
- C. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cell membranes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cell membrane serves as a barrier that encloses the cell contents and regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell. It is a fundamental structure found in all types of cells, regardless of whether they are prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus) or eukaryotic (containing a nucleus). Choice A is incorrect because eukaryotic cells also possess cell membranes. Choice B is incorrect as prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, also have cell membranes. Choice D is incorrect as both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have cell membranes.
4. What happens to glucose during glycolysis?
- A. Its energy is entirely lost.
- B. It splits into molecules of pyruvic acid.
- C. It is stored in NADH.
- D. It joins with molecules of citric acid.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During glycolysis, glucose undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in its breakdown into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This process also generates ATP and NADH as energy carriers. Choice A is incorrect because glucose is not entirely lost, but rather converted into other molecules. Choice C is incorrect because NADH is a product of glycolysis, not a storage form for glucose. Choice D is incorrect as glucose does not join with molecules of citric acid during glycolysis, but rather in subsequent stages of cellular respiration.
5. If bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, they will shrink as water moves out of the bacteria. What is this process called?
- A. Dehydration synthesis
- B. Hydrolysis
- C. Osmosis
- D. Isotonic transport
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, when bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, the high concentration of solutes outside the bacteria causes water to move out of the bacteria, leading to shrinkage. This process is known as osmosis. Dehydration synthesis (Choice A) is a process where molecules combine by removing water. Hydrolysis (Choice B) is the breakdown of molecules by the addition of water. Isotonic transport (Choice D) does not accurately describe the specific movement of water in or out of bacterial cells in a hypertonic solution.
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