HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. Which is an example of a gymnosperm?
- A. Red cedar
- B. Japanese cherry
- C. Flowering dogwood
- D. American chestnut
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Red cedar is the correct answer as it is an example of a gymnosperm. Gymnosperms are plants that produce seeds not enclosed within an ovary or fruit. In the case of red cedar, it belongs to the gymnosperm group and has naked seeds that are exposed on the surface of scales or leaves. Choices B, C, and D are angiosperms, not gymnosperms. Japanese cherry, flowering dogwood, and American chestnut are all examples of angiosperms, which are flowering plants with seeds enclosed within an ovary.
2. Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?
- A. RNA
- B. Virus
- C. Blue-green alga
- D. Saprophyte
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.
3. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones is significant enough to raise the temperature of water in a test tube?
- A. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
- B. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water; let it ring for two, three, and four minutes; and record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.
- C. Use three different brands of cell phone; dial each as it rests beside its own test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
- D. Use three different brands of cell phone, dial each and let one ring for two minutes, one for three minutes, and one for four minutes; record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones raises the temperature of water in a test tube, the most appropriate method is to dial a cell phone next to a test tube of water, let it ring for a consistent two-minute interval, and record the temperature before and after. Choice A is correct because it provides a controlled approach to isolate the impact of the phone's radiation on the water temperature. Choices B, C, and D introduce additional variables that could confound the results. Choice B varies the duration of exposure, making it difficult to attribute temperature changes specifically to the radiation. Choice C introduces the factor of different cell phone brands, which could introduce variability not related to radiation. Choice D also varies exposure times and introduces the factor of multiple phone brands, making it harder to determine the direct impact of cell phone radiation on water temperature. Therefore, choice A is the most suitable option for this experiment.
4. ___________ is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is not affected.
- A. Mutualism
- B. Parasitism
- C. Commensalism
- D. Competition
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Commensalism.' In commensalism, one organism benefits from the relationship while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This type of symbiotic relationship is characterized by one organism deriving a benefit, such as food or shelter, without impacting the other organism in any significant way. Choice A, 'Mutualism,' is a symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit. Choice B, 'Parasitism,' is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Choice D, 'Competition,' refers to a relationship in which organisms compete for limited resources, with both being affected in terms of access to resources.
5. How does an enzyme work on a chemical reaction that occurs in a substrate?
- A. An enzyme slows down the chemical reaction.
- B. An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction.
- C. An enzyme has no effect on the chemical reaction.
- D. An enzyme stops most chemical reactions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Enzymes do not change the overall outcome of the reaction, but they significantly increase the rate at which it takes place. Therefore, choice B, 'An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down, have no effect, or stop chemical reactions; instead, they accelerate the process by lowering the activation energy.
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