HESI RN
Biology Practice Test Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
What is considered the main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To produce amino acids. During the translation stage of protein synthesis, the mRNA is decoded to assemble a specific sequence of amino acids. These amino acids then fold into a functional protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the translation stage specifically deals with the production of amino acids, not nucleotides, fatty acids, or nucleic acids.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following do prokaryotic cells lack?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or a nucleus, distinguishing them from eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells do have genetic material, a cell membrane, and cytoplasm. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells do have a cell membrane, which is essential for maintaining cell structure and regulating what enters and exits the cell. Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotic cells contain genetic material, typically in the form of a single circular chromosome. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotic cells have cytoplasm, where various cellular activities take place.
Question 4 of 9
What is located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes, not microvilli, mitochondria, or lysosomes. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, making them an essential component of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following processes produces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2) for the electron transport chain during cellular respiration?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the citric acid cycle (the Krebs cycle). This cycle generates NADH and FADH2, which play a crucial role in providing electrons to the electron transport chain during cellular respiration. Choice A, the electron transport chain itself, is where NADH and FADH2 donate their electrons, not where they are produced. Choice B, glycolysis, produces NADH but not FADH2. Choice D, 'None of these,' is incorrect as the citric acid cycle specifically produces NADH and FADH2.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
In which step of cellular respiration is the most adenosine triphosphate (ATP) created?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The electron transport chain is the step in cellular respiration that generates the most ATP. During this step, up to 34 ATP molecules can be produced from a single glucose molecule. Choice B, Glycolysis, produces a smaller amount of ATP (2 ATP molecules per glucose), and choice C, Citric acid cycle, produces some ATP but not as much as the electron transport chain. Choice D is incorrect because different steps of cellular respiration produce varying amounts of ATP, with the electron transport chain being the most efficient in ATP generation.
Question 8 of 9
What characteristic of water allows for hydrogen bonding between molecules?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Its polar nature. Water is a polar molecule with a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on oxygen atoms. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other. Choice A, covalent bonds, is incorrect because while water indeed has covalent bonds, they do not directly enable hydrogen bonding. Choice B, cohesive properties, is incorrect as cohesion refers to water's ability to stick to other substances, not the specific characteristic that allows for hydrogen bonding. Choice C, high specific heat, is also incorrect as it refers to water's ability to resist changes in temperature, not its property that leads to hydrogen bonding.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following serves as the information processing and administrative center of the cell?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the nucleus. The nucleus is indeed the information processing and administrative center of the cell as it contains the genetic material (DNA) and is responsible for controlling cellular activities. The Golgi apparatus (Choice A) is involved in processing and packaging proteins, the cytoplasm (Choice B) is the fluid that fills the cell and provides a medium for organelles to be suspended, and lysosomes (Choice D) are responsible for digesting waste materials and foreign invaders. Therefore, the nucleus is the most appropriate choice for the given function.