HESI RN
Biology Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following options is the term used to represent alternative versions of a gene?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alleles. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. They represent variations in a gene's DNA sequence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms, while heterozygous and homozygous refer to different combinations of alleles in an individual, not the alternative versions of a gene.
Question 2 of 9
During which stage of mitosis does the nuclear envelope begin to disappear and the chromosomes start attaching to the spindle forming along the cell's axis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Prometaphase. During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope disintegrates, and chromosomes start attaching to spindle fibers. In metaphase, chromosomes align in the middle of the cell. Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids, and prophase involves the condensation of chromosomes and the beginning of spindle formation.
Question 3 of 9
What is the most important function of carbohydrates?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important function of carbohydrates is to store and provide energy for the body through metabolic processes. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used as the primary source of energy for various cellular functions. Choice B is incorrect because amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not directly created by carbohydrates. Choice C is incorrect as the regulation of body temperature is primarily controlled by mechanisms such as sweating and shivering, not carbohydrates. Choice D is incorrect as insulation of body organs against shock is mainly provided by adipose tissue, not carbohydrates.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the following molecules acts as the genetic code's messenger?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is RNA. RNA, particularly mRNA, serves as the messenger that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Proteins (choice B) are not the genetic code's messenger; they are synthesized based on the information carried by RNA. DNA (choice C) stores the genetic information but does not directly act as the messenger. Carbohydrates (choice D) are not involved in transmitting genetic information.
Question 5 of 9
Why does ice have the capability of floating on water?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ice forms a lattice structure when it freezes, which makes it less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float. Choice A is incorrect because viscosity refers to a fluid's resistance to flow and is not related to ice floating. Choice B is incorrect as ice and liquid water have the same chemical composition (H2O). Choice C is incorrect because the high specific heat of water is not the reason why ice floats.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following is not found in a prokaryotic cell?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Nucleus.' Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes are all components found in prokaryotic cells. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and exits, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
Question 7 of 9
Which cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chromatin. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense shape to fit into the nucleus of a cell. This compact packaging helps protect the DNA structure and regulate gene expression. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP.
Question 8 of 9
Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. What is produced during this process?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: An RNA strand. During transcription, the DNA template is used to produce an RNA strand, not a codon, DNA helix, or another DNA strand. A codon is a sequence of nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid during translation, not produced during transcription. A DNA helix refers to the double-stranded structure of DNA, which is not produced during transcription. Another DNA strand is not produced during transcription since the process involves creating an RNA copy of a specific gene.
Question 9 of 9
What are the nitrogenous bases of DNA?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. These are the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA. Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, forming the complementary base pairs in the double helix structure of DNA. Choice B is incorrect because uracil is a nitrogenous base found in RNA, not DNA. Choice C is incorrect as it is missing cytosine, one of the four bases in DNA. Choice D is incorrect because uracil is not a nitrogenous base in DNA, and it also lacks thymine, which is essential for DNA structure.