HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. 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.
2. Which statement is true of enzymes?
- A. They are made from lipids.
- B. They are made from proteins.
- C. They form double chains of DNA.
- D. They bind with catalysts.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Enzymes are made from proteins. Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. While the majority of enzymes are proteins, a few are made from RNA. The statement that enzymes are made from lipids (choice A) is incorrect. Enzymes do not form double chains of DNA (choice C) as their primary function is not related to DNA structure. Additionally, enzymes themselves do not bind with catalysts (choice D); instead, they act as catalysts to facilitate reactions.
3. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that practicing yoga reduces blood pressure?
- A. Record the blood pressure of one male and one female participant before and after participating in a yoga class.
- B. Divide 30 female participants into two groups with similar average blood pressure; test each participant’s blood pressure after participating in a yoga class.
- C. Divide 30 female participants into two groups with similar average blood pressure; have one group watch television for an hour while the other takes a yoga class, record each participant’s blood pressure after the hour. Repeat daily for two weeks.
- D. Start with 15 men and 15 women; have the men watch television for an hour while the women take a yoga class, record each participant’s blood pressure after the hour. Reverse, having the men take a yoga class while the women watch television.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Option B is the most appropriate way to test the hypothesis that practicing yoga reduces blood pressure. By dividing 30 female participants into two groups with similar average blood pressure levels and testing each participant's blood pressure after participating in a yoga class, the researcher can effectively evaluate the impact of yoga on blood pressure. This design allows for a comparison between the two groups, helping to isolate the effects of yoga practice on blood pressure. Option A only involves one male and one female participant, which may not provide a representative sample. Option C introduces an additional variable of watching television, which could confound the results. Option D lacks consistency in the experimental design by switching the activities between men and women, making it difficult to attribute any observed changes solely to yoga practice.
4. 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.
5. How do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?
- A. To synthesize proteins
- B. To store food
- C. To decompose ammonia
- D. To break down nitrites
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.
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