HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
How is the plasma membrane arranged?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The plasma membrane is arranged in a double layer of phospholipids, known as a phospholipid bilayer. This structure consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules with hydrophilic heads facing the exterior and hydrophobic tails facing the interior, providing a semipermeable barrier for the cell. Choice A is incorrect because the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of proteins. Choice B is incorrect as the double layer is composed of phospholipids, not proteins. Choice C is incorrect as the plasma membrane is not made of a single layer of phospholipids but rather a double layer.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following statements about the respiratory system is true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The respiratory system consists of all the organs involved in breathing, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Additionally, the respiratory system is responsible for conveying oxygen into our bodies and removing carbon dioxide from our bodies. Therefore, all the statements provided are true, making option D the correct choice. Options A, B, and C are all accurate statements about the respiratory system, reinforcing the correctness of choosing option D.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D is the best example of a hypothesis because it presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship that can be tested through experimentation. It follows the format of 'If [cause], then [effect]' which is characteristic of a hypothesis in scientific research. The statement is specific, testable, and does not rely on personal opinions or biases, making it a strong and valid hypothesis. Choices A, B, and C do not follow the structure of a hypothesis as they lack the cause-and-effect relationship that can be tested through experimentation. They are more like statements or opinions rather than hypotheses.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the following types of hormones can diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell and stimulate a chemical response to a target cell?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: fat-soluble hormones. Fat-soluble hormones are able to diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell. This is because they are lipophilic, allowing them to cross the lipid bilayer easily. Once inside the cell, fat-soluble hormones can directly affect gene expression or cell function. Choice B, amino acid derivatives, and choice C, hydrophilic hormones, are not able to diffuse through the cell membrane as they are not lipophilic. Therefore, they cannot bind to receptors inside the cell. Choice D, water-soluble hormones, also cannot diffuse through the cell membrane as it is hydrophilic, making it unable to reach receptors inside the cell.
Question 5 of 9
Epithelial cells are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Epithelial cells have a distinct top (apical) and bottom (basal) side, demonstrating polarity. This polarity is essential for their specialized functions, such as secretion, absorption, and barrier formation. Choice B, 'Neutral,' is incorrect as epithelial cells exhibit polarity. Choice C, 'Larger than other cells,' is incorrect as epithelial cells come in various sizes and are not specifically larger than other cell types. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as epithelial cells are indeed polarized.
Question 6 of 9
Which organelle would you expect to be present in a cell responsible for detoxifying multiple molecules?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the organelle responsible for detoxifying multiple molecules in a cell. It contains enzymes that help break down toxins and drugs, making it an essential organelle for detoxification processes. The rough ER, lysosome, and Golgi apparatus do not play direct roles in detoxification. The rough ER is mainly involved in protein synthesis and transport. Lysosomes are responsible for digestion and recycling within the cell. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or for use within the cell.
Question 7 of 9
A pencil measures 8cm long. What is this in mm?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To convert centimeters to millimeters, you need to multiply by 10 since 1 centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. Therefore, 8 cm x 10 mm/cm = 80 mm. The pencil measures 8 cm, which is equivalent to 80 mm when converted. Choice A is correct as it correctly converts 8 cm to mm by multiplying it by 10. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not apply the correct conversion factor.
Question 8 of 9
Which type of passive transport uses proteins that change shape to move a target molecule through the membrane?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carrier proteins. Carrier proteins are involved in facilitated diffusion, a type of passive transport where specific target molecules are moved across the membrane with the help of proteins that change shape. These carrier proteins bind to the target molecule on one side of the membrane, undergo a conformational change, and then release the molecule on the other side. This process is crucial for the selective transport of certain molecules that cannot pass through the membrane by simple diffusion. Choices A and C are incorrect because diffusion and channel proteins do not involve proteins that change shape to transport target molecules selectively. Choice D is incorrect as carrier proteins fit the description provided in the question.
Question 9 of 9
The difference between diploid and haploid is as follows:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option B correctly states that diploid cells are somatic cells that make up the body tissues and organs in an organism, while haploid cells are gametes involved in sexual reproduction. Option C accurately differentiates diploid and haploid cells based on their chromosome sets - diploid cells have two sets of homologous chromosomes (one from each parent), whereas haploid cells have one set of unpaired chromosomes. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as both statements in options B and C are accurate descriptions of the differences between diploid and haploid cells. Option A is incorrect because diploid and haploid refer to the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell, not whether the organism is multicellular or not.