HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
RNA is made from DNA through a process called ___________.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: RNA is made from DNA through a process called transcription. During transcription, an enzyme called RNA polymerase reads the DNA template and synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule. This process is essential for gene expression and allows the information encoded in DNA to be converted into functional RNA molecules. Choice B, 'synthesis,' is incorrect as it is a general term and does not specifically describe the process of RNA formation from DNA. Choice C, 'translation,' is incorrect as it refers to the process where the mRNA is used to assemble amino acids during protein synthesis, not the conversion of DNA to RNA. Choice D, 'replication,' is incorrect as it is the process of making an identical copy of DNA, not converting DNA into RNA.
Question 2 of 9
Most enzymes are made up of what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Most enzymes are made up of proteins. Proteins are large biomolecules composed of amino acids that are vital for the structure and function of enzymes. Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms. They exhibit high specificity and efficiency due to their unique protein structures. Lipids, starches, and simple sugars are not typically the primary components of enzymes, making them incorrect choices.
Question 3 of 9
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a recessive sex-linked trait carried on the X chromosome. In an example of an unaffected father and a female carrier who have two daughters and two sons, which is the predicted outcome?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a recessive sex-linked trait carried on the X chromosome. Since the father is unaffected and does not carry the disease, he must have a normal X chromosome. The mother is a carrier, which means she has one normal X chromosome and one X chromosome with the disease allele. The daughters will inherit one X chromosome from each parent; one would be normal, and the other has a chance of carrying the disease allele. So, there is a 50% chance that one daughter may have the disease, as she could inherit the X chromosome with the disease allele. The sons will inherit the Y chromosome from the father and the X chromosome from the mother, so they will not be affected by the disease. Therefore, the predicted outcome is that one daughter may have the disease, while the sons will not carry the disease. This rules out choices A, B, and D.
Question 4 of 9
Which form of fermentation is used to produce beer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Ethyl alcohol fermentation. During beer production, yeast metabolizes sugars in the wort to produce ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and carbon dioxide, which are responsible for the alcohol content and carbonation in beer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lactic acid fermentation produces lactic acid, acetic acid fermentation produces acetic acid, and propionic acid fermentation produces propionic acid, none of which are used in the production of beer.
Question 5 of 9
What event occurs during telophase?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During telophase, the final stage of mitosis, the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell. At this stage, a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes, creating two distinct nuclei. This marks the completion of cell division. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the disappearance of the nuclear envelope typically occurs during prophase, organelles do not double in number during telophase, and chromosomes separate during anaphase, not telophase.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following is a tertiary consumer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Owl. Tertiary consumers are organisms that feed on secondary consumers, which, in turn, feed on primary consumers. Owls are considered tertiary consumers because they primarily feed on animals such as rodents, which are secondary consumers. Shrew (choice B) is a secondary consumer, feeding on insects and worms, placing it at a lower trophic level than the owl. Grasshopper (choice C) is a primary consumer, feeding on plants. Wheat (choice D) is not a consumer in the food chain but a plant.
Question 7 of 9
A cell containing 12 chromosomes divides into daughter cells in mitosis. How many chromosomes are in each daughter cell?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During mitosis, the cell undergoes nuclear division without changing the number of chromosomes. Therefore, the daughter cells produced will have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. In this case, since the parent cell contains 12 chromosomes, each daughter cell will also have 12 chromosomes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because during mitosis, the chromosome number remains the same, and daughter cells inherit the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Question 8 of 9
Why do gardeners sometimes use salt to get rid of slugs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Gardeners use salt to get rid of slugs because salt is corrosive and breaks down the slug's cell walls. When the slug comes into contact with salt, the salt draws moisture out of the slug's body, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to the slug's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary mechanism of salt in eliminating slugs is its corrosive action on the slug's body, not the movement of salt into the slug's body, outward movement of water in the slug, or merging with slug slime to form a new compound.
Question 9 of 9
Which organism reproduces via spore formation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Shelf fungus. Shelf fungus reproduces via spore formation. Spores are tiny, reproductive cells that are released into the environment to be carried by air or water, allowing the fungus to spread and reproduce. The other choices are incorrect because Lemon tree reproduces via seeds, Smallmouth bass reproduce sexually through the fertilization of eggs by sperm, and Staphylococcus bacteria reproduce by binary fission, dividing into two identical daughter cells.