HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 5
Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall surrounding them, which prevents them from using a contractile ring for cell division. The rigid cell wall requires plant cells to form a cell plate during cell division instead of pinching apart like animal cells with a contractile ring. Choice A is incorrect because plant cells cannot use a contractile ring due to their rigid cell wall. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of cell division is not the primary reason for the difference in cell division mechanisms between plant and animal cells. Choice D is not applicable as plant cells indeed have a specific limitation in using a contractile ring for cell division.
Question 2 of 5
Choose the two bases that have two carbon rings:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adenine and guanine have two carbon rings and are known as purines. These bases are found in nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Adenine (option A) and guanine (option D) are the correct choices as they both have two carbon rings in their molecular structure. Cytosine (option B) and thymine (option C) have a single carbon ring each, making them incorrect choices for bases with two carbon rings.
Question 3 of 5
Select the option that best shows complementary base pairing in DNA:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A purine (A) must pair with a pyrimidine (T) in DNA. This eliminates options A and C as they do not follow the rule of complementary base pairing. Adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T) due to their specific shape and bonding properties in DNA structure. Choice B is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA.
Question 4 of 5
Where is DNA stored?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: DNA is stored in the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, including the DNA, which contains the instructions for building and operating the cell. The nucleus controls the activities of the cell and is essential for proper cell function and reproduction. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not DNA storage. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, storage, and transport but does not store DNA. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP, but they do not store DNA.
Question 5 of 5
Enzymes are typically _ _.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Enzymes are typically proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. While most enzymes are made of proteins, a few exceptions, known as ribozymes, are made of RNA. Proteins are composed of amino acids arranged in specific sequences that give enzymes their unique shape and functionality. Choice A, 'Fats,' is incorrect as enzymes are not typically composed of fats. Choice C, 'Sugars,' is incorrect as enzymes are not typically composed of sugars. Choice D, 'Neurons,' is incorrect as neurons are a type of cell in the nervous system, not typically associated with enzymes.