HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
A cell that does not contain membrane-bound organelles or a defined nucleus would be classified as:
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.
Question 2 of 9
The apical side of an epithelial cell:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The apical side of an epithelial cell is the top side, which is typically exposed to fluids, air, or the inside of an organ. This side allows substances to pass through it, facilitating the absorption, secretion, or excretion of various substances. Choice B is incorrect as the apical side is not on the bottom but the top side. Choice C is incorrect as the apical side does allow substances to pass through. Choice D is incorrect as there are characteristics associated with the apical side.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following is not true about antibiotics?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Antibiotics do not cause more bacteria to grow. They work by interfering with the bacteria's ability to survive, affecting how they multiply, or killing the bacteria cells. Antibiotics specifically target bacteria, so they do not promote the growth of more bacteria. Choices A, B, and D are true statements about antibiotics as they accurately describe how antibiotics work and their specific action on bacteria.
Question 4 of 9
Why is homeostasis necessary?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Homeostasis is necessary because it ensures the maintenance of a stable, relatively constant internal environment. This includes regulating various factors such as temperature, pH levels, and glucose levels to support optimal bodily functions and overall health. Choices A, B, and C are all correct as they represent key aspects of homeostasis that contribute to maintaining the body's internal balance.
Question 5 of 9
What are the three types of muscle tissue?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smooth, skeletal, cardiac. Smooth muscle is found in organs like the stomach and is involuntarily controlled. Skeletal muscle is found in voluntary muscles, like the bicep or quadriceps. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart walls and works involuntarily to make the heart beat and pump blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the three types of muscle tissue.
Question 6 of 9
What is the effect of the Earth's rotation on the atmosphere and on all objects on the Earth's surface?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Coriolis effect is the effect of the Earth's rotation on the atmosphere and on all objects on the Earth's surface. It causes moving objects and currents to be deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. This deflection is a result of the rotation of the Earth and plays a crucial role in influencing weather patterns and ocean currents around the globe. The other choices provided are incorrect. The Corona effect is related to the Sun's atmosphere, the Archimedes effect involves buoyancy in fluids, and the tidal effect is associated with the gravitational forces between the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.
Question 7 of 9
The mixture of gases surrounding a planet is referred to as its ______.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The mixture of gases surrounding a planet is referred to as its atmosphere. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth by providing oxygen, regulating carbon dioxide levels, and shielding the planet from harmful radiation. While the stratosphere, troposphere, and other layers are part of the atmosphere, the term 'atmosphere' encompasses the entire gaseous envelope surrounding a planet. The stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere are specific layers within the atmosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.
Question 8 of 9
Which organelle is responsible for making proteins?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis within the cell. They are the sites where amino acids are linked together to form proteins based on the instructions carried by mRNA (messenger RNA). Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, and they play a crucial role in translating genetic information into proteins. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production through cellular respiration. Therefore, the ribosome is the correct organelle responsible for making proteins.
Question 9 of 9
Why do cells need to use exocytosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cells need to use exocytosis to remove waste products from the cell. Exocytosis is a process where cells release molecules or substances outside the cell by fusing vesicles with the cell membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis by efficiently eliminating waste materials. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because exocytosis is specifically involved in the expulsion of molecules, not for obtaining energy, defending against invaders, or cell division.