HESI RN
Biology Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is a group of three RNA nucleotides?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - A codon. A codon is a sequence of three RNA nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Choice A, a stop codon, is a sequence of three nucleotides that signals the termination of protein synthesis. Choice C, an anticodon, is a group of three nucleotides found in tRNA that pairs with the complementary codon in mRNA. Choice D, tRNA, stands for transfer RNA, which is a type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
Question 2 of 9
In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced from:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "46 to 23." In meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced by half to form gametes for sexual reproduction. In humans, where the diploid chromosome number is 46, meiosis results in haploid cells with 23 chromosomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct reduction in chromosome number during meiosis.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following makes it possible to predict the genotype and phenotype of the offspring of sexual reproduction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Punnett square. A Punnett square is a tool specifically designed to predict the genotype and phenotype combinations of offspring resulting from a particular cross or breeding experiment. It helps in understanding the probability of different genotypes and phenotypes appearing in the offspring. Choice B, Chi-square, is a statistical test used to determine if there is a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in a study. Choice C, Microscope, is used for viewing tiny structures and organisms, not for predicting genetic outcomes. Choice D, None of these, is incorrect as Punnett square is a valid tool for predicting genetic outcomes in offspring.
Question 4 of 9
Where can ribosomes be found inside a cell?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ribosomes can be found attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or free-floating in the cytoplasm. The correct answer is A because ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins and are commonly found on the ER or in the cytoplasm. Choice B is incorrect because ribosomes are not typically located within the cellular membrane. Choice C is incorrect as ribosomes are not attached to the Golgi apparatus; instead, they are involved in protein synthesis. Choice D is incorrect as ribosomes are not found within the nucleus but rather in the cytoplasm or attached to the ER.
Question 5 of 9
What are the two primary products of photosynthesis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sugar and oxygen. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen using sunlight. Choice B, 'Sugar and carbon dioxide,' is incorrect because carbon dioxide is one of the reactants, not a product. Choice C, 'Oxygen and nitrogen,' is incorrect as nitrogen is not a direct product of photosynthesis. Choice D, 'Nitrogen and carbon dioxide,' is incorrect because nitrogen is not a product of photosynthesis, and carbon dioxide is a reactant.
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
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 8 of 9
The liver is an organ responsible for detoxifying the body of many harmful substances. You might expect the liver to contain a high amount of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The liver contains a high amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum because it plays a significant role in detoxification processes, such as the synthesis of detoxifying enzymes and lipids. Choice A (Rough endoplasmic reticulum) is incorrect because the rough endoplasmic reticulum is more involved in protein synthesis and processing. Choice C (Mitochondria) is incorrect as mitochondria are primarily responsible for energy production. Choice D (Lysosomes) is incorrect because lysosomes are organelles involved in intracellular digestion and waste removal, not specifically related to detoxification.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following provides support and shape to the cell?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Microtubules are fundamental components of the cytoskeleton in a cell, playing a crucial role in providing structural support and maintaining the cell's shape. They are composed of tubulin protein subunits and are involved in various cellular processes like cell division, intracellular transport, and cell motility. Microfilaments, on the other hand, are involved in cell movement and maintaining cell shape but are not primarily responsible for supporting the cell's overall structure. Cilia and microvilli are cellular projections that aid in movement and absorption, respectively, but they do not play a significant role in providing structural support to the cell.