HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which is not a product of the Krebs cycle?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Glucose is not a direct product of the Krebs cycle. Glucose is a starting molecule that undergoes glycolysis outside the mitochondria to produce pyruvate, which then enters the mitochondrial matrix to participate in the Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle primarily generates ATP, carbon dioxide, and NADH as products. Choices A, B, and D are all products of the Krebs cycle, making them incorrect answers.
Question 2 of 9
Two organisms live in a relationship from which both benefit. What is this called?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both parties benefit from the association. It is a mutually beneficial interaction where both organisms gain something valuable, such as food, protection, or some other resource. This contrasts with parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, commensalism, where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected, and competition, where both organisms are negatively affected by their interaction.
Question 3 of 9
Which animal has an open transport system?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Earthworm. Earthworms have an open circulatory system, meaning their blood and interstitial fluid are not enclosed in blood vessels. Instead, the blood flows freely within the body cavity, allowing for direct exchange of nutrients and waste products with surrounding tissues. This lack of a closed transport system is a characteristic feature of earthworms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because grasshoppers, dolphins, and chickens have closed circulatory systems where the blood is enclosed within blood vessels, unlike earthworms.
Question 4 of 9
Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following animals would have the least energy efficiency in nutrient consumption?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cows are ruminant animals that have multiple stomachs and require large amounts of food to digest and convert into energy. They have lower energy efficiency compared to insects like caterpillars, coyotes, and crickets, which have more efficient nutrient consumption processes. The digestive system and metabolic functions of cows result in them having the least energy efficiency in nutrient consumption among the given choices. Caterpillars, coyotes, and crickets have more efficient nutrient consumption processes, making them more energy-efficient than cows.
Question 6 of 9
How does an enzyme work on a chemical reaction that occurs in a substrate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Enzymes do not change the overall outcome of the reaction, but they significantly increase the rate at which it takes place. Therefore, choice B, 'An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down, have no effect, or stop chemical reactions; instead, they accelerate the process by lowering the activation energy.
Question 7 of 9
Dogs are part of a larger animal group, the Carnivora. What classification is this?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The classification 'Carnivora' refers to an order in the taxonomic hierarchy. In the Linnaean classification system, the order comes below the class but above the family level. Therefore, Carnivora is a higher classification that includes dog species as well as other carnivorous mammals like cats, bears, and weasels. Option A (Kingdom) is too broad and refers to the highest taxonomic rank. Option B (Class) is a lower taxonomic rank than order. Option D (Genus) is a much more specific rank that comes below the family level in the Linnaean hierarchy.
Question 8 of 9
From which component do RNA and DNA derive their names?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: RNA and DNA derive their names from the sugar each contains. RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid, with 'ribo' indicating the ribose sugar in its structure. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, with 'deoxyribo' referring to the deoxyribose sugar in its structure. The sugars in RNA and DNA molecules distinguish them and are the basis for their names. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately explain how RNA and DNA derive their names.
Question 9 of 9
In an example of a male with hemophilia and a female carrier, what ratio of the offspring are predicted neither to carry nor to manifest the disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the male offspring will inherit the Y chromosome from the father and the X chromosome from the carrier mother. As a result, they will not have the hemophilia gene. The female offspring will inherit one X chromosome from the mother, which does not carry the hemophilia gene, and one X chromosome from the father, which does not exist due to the Y chromosome. Therefore, all female offspring will not carry or manifest hemophilia, resulting in a ratio of 2 females to 1 male. Choice A is incorrect because it does not account for the female offspring. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct ratio based on the inheritance pattern of hemophilia.