HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 2024
1. A cell is in a solution in which the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside the cell. What would you expect to happen to the cell?
- A. It will swell and possibly burst.
- B. It will shrivel and shrink.
- C. It will maintain its current size.
- D. It will grow a supportive cell wall.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a cell is in a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, it is in a hypertonic environment. In this situation, water will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane through the process of osmosis. As a result, the cell will swell as it takes in more water, potentially leading to bursting or cell lysis. Choice B is incorrect because a cell in a hypertonic solution will not shrivel and shrink due to water moving into the cell. Choice C is incorrect because the cell will not maintain its current size; it will swell. Choice D is incorrect because growing a supportive cell wall is not the immediate response to being in a hypertonic environment.
2. Why is yeast used to make bread rise?
- A. It engages in photosynthesis, which produces oxygen gas.
- B. Carbon dioxide forms while yeast carries out photosynthesis.
- C. Yeast carries out fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
- D. Yeast breathes in oxygen and produces carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Yeast is used to make bread rise because it carries out fermentation, producing carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and create a fluffy texture in the bread. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because yeast does not engage in photosynthesis, so it does not produce oxygen gas, does not carry out photosynthesis to form carbon dioxide, and does not produce carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration. Yeast's fermentation process is essential for bread rising.
3. Which statement is untrue?
- A. RNA is single-stranded.
- B. RNA contains uracil.
- C. DNA codes for proteins.
- D. DNA cannot be altered.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: DNA can be altered through various processes such as mutations, genetic engineering, and epigenetic modifications. Changes in DNA can occur naturally or through external influences, leading to variations in the genetic code. Therefore, the statement that DNA cannot be altered is untrue. Choices A, B, and C are true statements. RNA is indeed single-stranded, RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, and DNA serves as a template for protein synthesis.
4. Which part of a plant’s reproductive system is of a different “gender” than the others?
- A. Stamen
- B. Pistil
- C. Stigma
- D. Style
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The stamen is the male reproductive organ of a plant, producing pollen grains. The pistil, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary, is the female reproductive organ. Therefore, the stamen is of a different 'gender' than the other parts of the plant's reproductive system. The pistil, stigma, and style are all part of the female reproductive system, involved in receiving pollen and supporting fertilization. Stamen is the correct answer as it is the male part of a plant's reproductive system, making it different 'gender-wise' from the female parts.
5. The scientific name for a house cat is Felis catus. This indicates the house cat’s ___________ and ___________.
- A. kingdom; family
- B. order; subspecies
- C. phylum; class
- D. genus; species
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The scientific name for an organism consists of its genus and species. In this case, 'Felis' refers to the genus, while 'catus' refers to the species, thus indicating the house cat's genus and species as Felis catus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a scientific name does not include information about the kingdom, family, order, subspecies, phylum, or class of an organism.
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