HESI RN
Biology Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
In the hierarchical organizational system, which of these is the most restrictive category?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the biological classification hierarchy, species is the most specific level, defining individual organisms that can interbreed. While genus, class, and kingdom are also categories in the hierarchy, they are broader and encompass a wider range of organisms compared to species. Genus groups together similar species, class groups similar orders, and kingdom is the broadest category grouping together similar phyla.
Question 2 of 9
The bilayer of the cellular membrane consists of phospholipids with all except which of the following scattered throughout?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The cellular membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with cholesterol, proteins, and glycoproteins distributed throughout. Nucleic acids are not found within the cellular membrane. Cholesterol helps maintain membrane fluidity, while proteins and glycoproteins play important roles in cell signaling, transport, and structural support.
Question 3 of 9
The Punnett square shows that one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 0%. If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not, none of the offspring will express the recessive phenotype. This is because in order for a child to have a cleft chin, they would need to inherit the recessive gene from both parents. Therefore, although the offspring could be carriers of the gene, none are predicted to have a cleft chin. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the presence of the recessive gene in one parent and its absence in the other would not result in any offspring showing the cleft chin trait.
Question 4 of 9
Water is held together by which of the following bonds?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are weak bonds formed between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another. Choice A, electrostatic attraction, is a general term for the attraction between opposite charges but does not specifically describe the bonds in water. Choice B, Van der Waals forces, are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, not the primary bonds in water. Choice D, oxygen, is incorrect as oxygen is part of the water molecule but not the bond holding water molecules together.
Question 5 of 9
What is the composition of the cellular membrane?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.
Question 6 of 9
Which two items react during cellular respiration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glucose and oxygen. During cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen react in the presence of enzymes to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP. Choice A (Glucose and water) is incorrect because water is a product of cellular respiration, not a reactant. Choice B (Carbon dioxide and water) is incorrect as carbon dioxide is produced during cellular respiration, not a reactant. Choice C (Carbon dioxide and oxygen) is incorrect because oxygen is a reactant in cellular respiration, not a product.
Question 7 of 9
Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.
Question 8 of 9
What is the most significant contributor to cellular function?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Proteins. Proteins are the most significant contributor to cellular function as they play crucial roles in almost all biological processes. They act as enzymes that catalyze reactions, are involved in cell signaling pathways, and provide structural support to cells. Phospholipids (Choice B), while important for cell membrane structure, do not have the same diverse functions as proteins in cellular processes. Carbohydrates (Choice C) primarily serve as an energy source and structural components but are not as versatile in cellular functions as proteins. Fatty acids (Choice D) are essential components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules but do not have the same broad range of functions as proteins in cellular processes.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following organelles is known as the cell's transportation center?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids within the cell. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP. Lysosomes are involved in the digestion and recycling of cellular waste.