HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
Why does cytokinesis happen?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cytokinesis happens at the end of mitosis to physically separate the newly formed daughter cells. This allows the cell to divide into two separate daughter cells, each containing a complete set of genetic material (DNA) and organelles. The purpose of cytokinesis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives the necessary components to function independently. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cytokinesis does not directly involve DNA duplication, organelles converting energy, or killing bacteria.
Question 2 of 9
Within the biological hierarchical system of organization, which of the following is least inclusive?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: species.' In the biological hierarchical system of organization, a species is the least inclusive level. A species consists of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. On the other hand, a phylum, order, and kingdom are more inclusive classifications that encompass multiple species. Phylum groups together related classes, order groups together related families, and kingdom groups together related phyla. Therefore, species is the least inclusive category within the biological hierarchical system.
Question 3 of 9
What is the correct order of the hierarchy of levels in the biological classification of organisms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct order of the hierarchy of levels in the biological classification of organisms is Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. This order is based on the Linnaean system of classification, with each level representing a progressively more specific grouping of organisms. Choice B is incorrect because it starts with Phylum instead of Kingdom. Choice C is incorrect as it places Order before Phylum. Choice D is incorrect because it does not follow the correct order of the biological classification hierarchy.
Question 4 of 9
Which, if any, of the following statements are true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Both statements A and C are true. Water indeed boils at approximately 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. However, water boils at a lower temperature in areas of lower pressure due to the decreased atmospheric pressure, which affects the vapor pressure and boiling point of water. Statement B is incorrect because the boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure equals the external pressure (atmospheric pressure in this case), not when it is higher.
Question 5 of 9
How many bones are included in the human skeletal system?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: There are 206 bones in the human skeletal system. This includes bones in the skull, spine, ribs, arms, legs, hands, and feet. The correct answer is 206 because that is the standard number of bones in an adult human body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate count of bones in the human skeletal system.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following is true of heterozygous traits?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 7 of 9
The two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production are:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cellular respiration and fermentation. Cellular respiration involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, which is the primary source of energy for cells. Fermentation, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces ATP through glycolysis followed by specific fermentation pathways. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Protein synthesis is a biosynthetic process, not a catabolic pathway for energy production. Glycolysis is a common step in both cellular respiration and fermentation, so it is not a pair of distinct catabolic pathways. Therefore, the most accurate pairing of catabolic pathways for cellular energy production is cellular respiration and fermentation.
Question 8 of 9
Why is polarity the most important characteristic of water?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Polarity is the most important characteristic of water because it results in hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties. These unique properties enable water to form hydrogen bonds with other substances, resist temperature changes, and dissolve a wide variety of solutes, making it essential for life processes. Choice B is incorrect because water exhibits hydrogen bonding, not covalent bonding. Choice C is incorrect as water does not form ionic bonds. Choice D is incorrect because water has a high, not low, specific heat value, which is vital for its role in temperature regulation.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following is true of Glycolysis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration and can occur in both aerobic (presence of oxygen) and anaerobic (absence of oxygen) conditions. In aerobic respiration, glycolysis takes place in the presence of oxygen and continues with the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. So, glycolysis does not require the absence of oxygen but can occur in its presence as part of the overall process of aerobic respiration. Choice A is incorrect because glycolysis can occur in the presence of oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because glycolysis is not the final step of fermentation; it is the initial step. Choice D is incorrect because glycolysis is not the final step of anaerobic respiration; it is the first step, followed by further processes to complete anaerobic respiration.