HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which cellular structure is found in animal cells but not in plant cells?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Centriole. Centrioles are found in animal cells but not in plant cells. They play a crucial role in organizing microtubules during cell division, aiding in the formation of the mitotic spindle. Plant cells lack centrioles; instead, they utilize microtubule organizing centers to perform similar functions during cell division. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cytoplasm is a part of both animal and plant cells, vacuoles are found in plant cells and some animal cells, and the Golgi apparatus is present in both types of cells.
Question 2 of 9
In contrast with triglycerides, phospholipids are lacking one of which of the following components?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phospholipids are structurally similar to triglycerides but lack one of the fatty acid chains that triglycerides possess. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. Therefore, phospholipids are lacking the third fatty acid chain found in triglycerides. Choice A (Monosaccharide) is incorrect because neither triglycerides nor phospholipids contain monosaccharides in their structure. Choice C (Phosphates) is incorrect because phospholipids actually contain phosphates, unlike triglycerides. Choice D (Fatty acid) is incorrect as both triglycerides and phospholipids contain fatty acids, but the number of fatty acid chains differs between the two.
Question 3 of 9
Ocean waves may tear sponges into pieces, each of which may grow into a new sponge. What is this form of reproduction called?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.
Question 4 of 9
A student was asked to count birds in a given location over a 24-hour period. Which count would make their data most valid?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Counting birds at one feeder at consistent time intervals (noon and 6:00 P.M.) over a 24-hour period ensures that the data collected are evenly distributed and provide a more accurate representation of the bird population in that location throughout the day. This method allows for observations during different times of the day, capturing potential variations in bird activity and distribution. Choice A is not as effective as it lacks observations at different times of the day, potentially missing variations in bird behavior. Choice B involves multiple locations and times, which could introduce more variables and make it harder to analyze the data accurately. Choice D, counting birds at three feeders every 6 hours, may provide too frequent data points and not cover all significant time intervals for observing bird activity.
Question 5 of 9
Which names a final step in protein synthesis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.
Question 6 of 9
Where is the ovary located in a flowering plant?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ovary is located in the pistil of a flowering plant. The pistil is the female reproductive part of the flower, and it consists of the ovary, style, and stigma. The ovary contains ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization. Choice A, 'Anther,' is incorrect because the anther is the part of the flower's stamen that produces pollen. Choice C, 'Stamen,' is incorrect because the stamen is the male reproductive part of the flower, consisting of the anther and filament. Choice D, 'Calyx,' is incorrect because the calyx is the outermost whorl of a flower, composed of sepals that protect the flower bud.
Question 7 of 9
If bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, they will shrink as water moves out of the bacteria. What is this process called?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, when bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, the high concentration of solutes outside the bacteria causes water to move out of the bacteria, leading to shrinkage. This process is known as osmosis. Dehydration synthesis (Choice A) is a process where molecules combine by removing water. Hydrolysis (Choice B) is the breakdown of molecules by the addition of water. Isotonic transport (Choice D) does not accurately describe the specific movement of water in or out of bacterial cells in a hypertonic solution.
Question 8 of 9
Why do high-salt content foods not require refrigeration to prevent spoilage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Osmosis is the natural process that prevents high-salt content foods from spoiling without the need for refrigeration. Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (water) to an area of higher solute concentration (salt). In high-salt content foods, the salt acts as a preservative by drawing moisture out of bacteria or other microorganisms, making it difficult for them to survive and spoil the food. This process helps in preserving the food and preventing spoilage even without refrigeration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve the specific mechanism of water movement in response to the salt concentration in high-salt content foods.
Question 9 of 9
Which is not one of the raw materials needed for cellular respiration?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Water is not one of the raw materials needed for cellular respiration. The essential raw materials for cellular respiration include glucose (which is broken down to produce energy), oxygen, and ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and phosphate (which are necessary for the formation of ATP, the energy currency of cells). While water is crucial for many cellular processes and makes up a significant portion of cells, it is not directly involved as a raw material in the cellular respiration process.