HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Within the biological hierarchical system of organization, which of the following is least inclusive?
- A. phylum
- B. order
- C. kingdom
- D. species
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: species.' In the biological hierarchical system of organization, a species is the least inclusive level. A species consists of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. On the other hand, a phylum, order, and kingdom are more inclusive classifications that encompass multiple species. Phylum groups together related classes, order groups together related families, and kingdom groups together related phyla. Therefore, species is the least inclusive category within the biological hierarchical system.
2. A cell that does not contain membrane-bound organelles or a defined nucleus would be classified as:
- A. eukaryotic
- B. embryonic
- C. prokaryotic
- D. symbiotic
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A cell that does not contain membrane-bound organelles or a defined nucleus is classified as prokaryotic. Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus, and their genetic material is typically found in a region called the nucleoid. Examples of prokaryotic organisms include bacteria and archaea. Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, contain membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus, distinguishing them from prokaryotic cells. Embryonic and symbiotic classifications are not directly related to the presence of organelles or a nucleus in cells.
3. During which phase is the chromosome number reduced from diploid to haploid?
- A. S phase
- B. interphase
- C. mitosis
- D. meiosis I
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'meiosis I.' During meiosis I, the chromosome number is reduced from diploid to haploid through two rounds of division. Choice A ('S phase') is incorrect as the S phase is part of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated. Choice B ('interphase') is also incorrect as interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division. Choice C ('mitosis') is incorrect as mitosis is a process where a diploid cell divides to produce two identical diploid daughter cells, maintaining the chromosome number.
4. How do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?
- A. To synthesize proteins
- B. To store food
- C. To decompose ammonia
- D. To break down nitrites
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.
5. How many pairs of chromosomes do all humans have?
- A. 24 pairs
- B. 23 pairs
- C. 22 pairs
- D. 20 pairs
Correct answer: B
Rationale: All humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Choice A is incorrect because humans do not have 24 pairs. Choice C is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs, not 22 pairs. Choice D is incorrect as humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, not 20 pairs.
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