HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Biology Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the second part of an organism's scientific name?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'species.' In binomial nomenclature, the second part of an organism's scientific name represents its species. The species name is a unique identifier within the genus and helps differentiate between different organisms within the same genus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Phylum is a taxonomic rank higher than species, population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area, and kingdom is a taxonomic rank higher than genus.
Question 2 of 9
During which phase is the chromosome number reduced from diploid to haploid?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'meiosis I.' During meiosis I, the chromosome number is reduced from diploid to haploid through two rounds of division. Choice A ('S phase') is incorrect as the S phase is part of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated. Choice B ('interphase') is also incorrect as interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division. Choice C ('mitosis') is incorrect as mitosis is a process where a diploid cell divides to produce two identical diploid daughter cells, maintaining the chromosome number.
Question 3 of 9
Which organelle contains the genetic material of the cell?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Nucleus.' The nucleus is the organelle that contains the cell's genetic material, which is the DNA. The genetic material in the nucleus controls the cell's activities and plays a crucial role in inheritance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging of proteins; ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis; and endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transportation, but none of them contain the genetic material of the cell.
Question 4 of 9
Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.
Question 5 of 9
The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids with proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins. What does this bilayer create?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Selectively permeable.' The cell membrane's bilayer structure allows it to be selectively permeable, meaning it can control the passage of substances. This property enables the membrane to regulate the entry and exit of specific molecules, ions, and other substances. Choice A, 'Impermeable,' is incorrect as the cell membrane is not completely impermeable and does allow certain substances to pass through. Choice B, 'Permeable,' is also incorrect as it does not address the selective nature of the membrane. Choice D, 'Selectively impermeable,' is a contradictory term and does not accurately describe the cell membrane's function.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following organelles are responsible for producing cell energy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitochondrion and chloroplast. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for producing cell energy through cellular respiration and photosynthesis, respectively. Choice B is incorrect because the nucleus is not involved in energy production. Choice C is incorrect as the nucleus is not an organelle that produces energy. Choice D is incorrect as lysosomes function in digesting waste materials, not in energy production.
Question 7 of 9
What is the second part of an organism's scientific name?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'species.' In binomial nomenclature, the second part of an organism's scientific name represents its species. The species name is a unique identifier within the genus and helps differentiate between different organisms within the same genus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Phylum is a taxonomic rank higher than species, population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area, and kingdom is a taxonomic rank higher than genus.
Question 8 of 9
What is the first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the initial step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions. Choice B, the Krebs cycle, occurs after glycolysis in aerobic cellular respiration. Choice C, the Electron transport chain, is the final step in aerobic respiration where the majority of ATP is produced. Choice D, Aerobic respiration, is a broader term that encompasses glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, but it is not the specific first step in the conversion of glucose to pyruvate.
Question 9 of 9
What is the function of water in photosynthesis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Supply electrons in the light reactions.' In photosynthesis, water is split during the light reactions of photosynthesis, releasing electrons that are used in the formation of ATP and NADPH, crucial for the synthesis of glucose. Choice A is incorrect because water does not combine with carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Choice B is incorrect as water does not absorb light energy directly. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of hydrogen ions mainly occurs in the electron transport chain, which is part of the light reactions, not the dark reactions.