HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Which is true of gametes?
- A. They are diploid cells
- B. They are haploid cells
- C. They are somatic
- D. A & C are true
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Gametes are sex cells (sperm and eggs) that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are haploid cells, meaning they have half the number of chromosomes (n) compared to diploid cells. This is necessary for the formation of a diploid zygote when two gametes unite during fertilization. Somatic cells are non-reproductive cells in the body, so they are not gametes. Choice A is incorrect because gametes are not diploid but haploid. Choice C is incorrect because gametes are not somatic cells.
2. DNA bases include all but which of the following?
- A. Adenine
- B. Thymine
- C. Uracil
- D. Cytosine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uracil. Uracil is not a DNA base; it is a base found only in RNA. The four bases in DNA are Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine. Choice A, Adenine, is a correct DNA base. Choice B, Thymine, is a correct DNA base. Choice D, Cytosine, is a correct DNA base. Therefore, Uracil is the only incorrect choice among the options provided.
3. Athletes are often concerned with the question of what they need in their diets to increase muscle mass and strength. What biologic molecule would you recommend that would accomplish this?
- A. carbohydrates
- B. proteins
- C. lipids
- D. nucleic acids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Proteins are essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. They contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles. Athletes looking to increase muscle mass and strength should focus on consuming adequate amounts of high-quality proteins in their diets. Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts, lipids are important for overall health but do not directly contribute to muscle building, and nucleic acids are involved in genetic activities rather than muscle growth.
4. The fur color in a population of dogs is controlled by two alleles: black (B) and tan (b). The black allele exhibits complete dominance. If the phenotype of the dog is tan fur, what is its genotype?
- A. BB
- B. Bb
- C. bb
- D. Not enough information
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "bb." Since tan fur is the recessive trait controlled by the allele 'b,' the only possible genotype for a dog with tan fur is 'bb.' If a dog had the genotype 'BB' or 'Bb,' the dominant trait (black fur) would be expressed, not tan fur. Choice D, 'Not enough information,' is incorrect because based on the information provided, we can deduce the genotype of a dog with tan fur.
5. Why do cells need to use exocytosis?
- A. To obtain energy
- B. To defend against invaders
- C. To remove waste products
- D. To undergo division
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cells need to use exocytosis to remove waste products from the cell. Exocytosis is a process where cells release molecules or substances outside the cell by fusing vesicles with the cell membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis by efficiently eliminating waste materials. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because exocytosis is specifically involved in the expulsion of molecules, not for obtaining energy, defending against invaders, or cell division.
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