HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Biology Questions
Question 1 of 9
How are molecules of water bonded to each other?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Water molecules are bonded to each other by 'hydrogen' bonds. These bonds are not as strong as covalent bonds, which hold the atoms within each water molecule together (Choice B). Ionic bonds (Choice A) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, which is not the case in water molecules. The term 'molecular' (Choice D) is too general and doesn't specifically describe the type of bond between water molecules.
Question 2 of 9
How many different types of nucleotides are there in DNA?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: four.' DNA is composed of four different types of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. These nucleotides pair up in specific combinations to form the genetic code. Choices 'A: one,' 'B: two,' and 'D: eight' are incorrect because DNA consists of a set of four distinct nucleotides, not one, two, or eight.
Question 3 of 9
The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids with proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins. What does this bilayer create?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Selectively permeable.' The cell membrane's bilayer structure allows it to be selectively permeable, meaning it can control the passage of substances. This property enables the membrane to regulate the entry and exit of specific molecules, ions, and other substances. Choice A, 'Impermeable,' is incorrect as the cell membrane is not completely impermeable and does allow certain substances to pass through. Choice B, 'Permeable,' is also incorrect as it does not address the selective nature of the membrane. Choice D, 'Selectively impermeable,' is a contradictory term and does not accurately describe the cell membrane's function.
Question 4 of 9
What is the function of water in photosynthesis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Supply electrons in the light reactions.' In photosynthesis, water is split during the light reactions of photosynthesis, releasing electrons that are used in the formation of ATP and NADPH, crucial for the synthesis of glucose. Choice A is incorrect because water does not combine with carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Choice B is incorrect as water does not absorb light energy directly. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of hydrogen ions mainly occurs in the electron transport chain, which is part of the light reactions, not the dark reactions.
Question 5 of 9
How are molecules of water bonded to each other?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Water molecules are bonded to each other by 'hydrogen' bonds. These bonds are not as strong as covalent bonds, which hold the atoms within each water molecule together (Choice B). Ionic bonds (Choice A) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, which is not the case in water molecules. The term 'molecular' (Choice D) is too general and doesn't specifically describe the type of bond between water molecules.
Question 6 of 9
Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.
Question 7 of 9
What is the second part of an organism's scientific name?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'species.' In binomial nomenclature, the second part of an organism's scientific name represents its species. The species name is a unique identifier within the genus and helps differentiate between different organisms within the same genus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Phylum is a taxonomic rank higher than species, population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area, and kingdom is a taxonomic rank higher than genus.
Question 8 of 9
What is the role of tRNA during protein synthesis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During protein synthesis, tRNA plays the crucial role of carrying amino acids to the ribosome. This process ensures that the correct amino acids are brought to the ribosome according to the mRNA sequence. Choice B, linking nucleotides together, refers to the role of RNA polymerase in transcription, not tRNA. Choice C, copying DNA sequences, is the function of DNA polymerase during DNA replication, while choice D, replicating genetic material, is an overarching function of DNA replication, not specific to tRNA's role in protein synthesis.
Question 9 of 9
What is the role of ribosomes in the cell?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Synthesize proteins. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by linking amino acids together. Choice A is incorrect because ribosomes do not break down cellular waste. Choice B is incorrect as ribosomes do not organize cellular division. Choice D is incorrect because ribosomes do not provide cellular structure.