HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
How many bones are included in the human skeletal system?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: There are 206 bones in the human skeletal system. This includes bones in the skull, spine, ribs, arms, legs, hands, and feet. The correct answer is 206 because that is the standard number of bones in an adult human body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate count of bones in the human skeletal system.
Question 2 of 9
Prokaryotic cells:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. One characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells is the presence of a capsule, which is a protective layer outside the cell wall. This capsule helps the prokaryotic cell adhere to surfaces, evade the host immune system, and protect against desiccation. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles. Choice D is incorrect as prokaryotic cells can move using structures like flagella or pili.
Question 3 of 9
Choose the two bases that have two carbon rings:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adenine and guanine have two carbon rings and are known as purines. These bases are found in nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Adenine (option A) and guanine (option D) are the correct choices as they both have two carbon rings in their molecular structure. Cytosine (option B) and thymine (option C) have a single carbon ring each, making them incorrect choices for bases with two carbon rings.
Question 4 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 5 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 6 of 9
Why is it important for cells to undergo mitosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is important for cells to undergo mitosis because it produces cells for the growth and repair of body tissues. Mitosis allows for the formation of genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring proper function and maintenance of the organism's body. By producing new cells, mitosis helps in the replenishment of damaged or worn-out tissue and supports overall growth and development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because mitosis is not directly related to reproduction with male and female gametes, increasing variation within the species, or producing cells different from the parent cell. These functions are more associated with meiosis, which is specifically for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
The procedure to focus an image using a compound microscope involves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When using a compound microscope, it is essential to adjust the fine adjustment knob each time you switch to a new magnification level. The fine adjustment knob allows for precise focusing on the specimen at different magnifications, ensuring a clear and sharp image. The coarse adjustment knob is typically used only at the lower magnification settings to bring the image into view roughly. Adjusting the stage may be necessary based on the size and thickness of the specimen, but it does not need to be done every time a new magnification is selected. Therefore, option B is the correct choice as it focuses on the key aspect of precise focusing during magnification changes.
Question 9 of 9
When plants do not receive enough water, their photosynthetic rate drops. This is because:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When plants do not receive enough water, their photosynthetic rate drops because water is a raw material required for the light reactions in photosynthesis. In the light reactions, water is split to provide electrons, which are then utilized to produce energy carriers used in converting carbon dioxide into glucose during the Calvin cycle. Therefore, without sufficient water, the light reactions cannot proceed effectively, ultimately leading to a decrease in photosynthetic rate. Choice B is incorrect because carbon dioxide is a separate raw material needed for the Calvin cycle, not the light reactions. Choice C is incorrect as water provides electrons, not carbon atoms, for photosynthesis. Choice D is incorrect because fermentation is not directly related to photosynthesis; oxygen is produced during photosynthesis, not fermentation.