HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. Which is a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells?
- A. Ethanol
- B. Pyruvic acid
- C. Lactic acid
- D. Oxygen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Lactic acid is a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells. During intense exercise or when oxygen is limited, muscle cells use anaerobic respiration to generate energy. This process breaks down glucose into lactic acid, which can cause muscle fatigue and soreness. Choice A, Ethanol, is not produced in muscle cells during fermentation. Choice B, Pyruvic acid, is an intermediate product in glucose metabolism but is not a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells. Choice D, Oxygen, is not a byproduct of fermentation but a reactant in aerobic respiration.
2. A student was asked to count birds in a given location over a 24-hour period. Which count would make their data most valid?
- A. Count birds at one feeder every 6 hours.
- B. Count birds at three feeders at noon and 6:00 P.M.
- C. Count birds at one feeder at noon and 6:00 P.M.
- D. Count birds at three feeders every 6 hours.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Counting birds at one feeder at consistent time intervals (noon and 6:00 P.M.) over a 24-hour period ensures that the data collected are evenly distributed and provide a more accurate representation of the bird population in that location throughout the day. This method allows for observations during different times of the day, capturing potential variations in bird activity and distribution. Choice A is not as effective as it lacks observations at different times of the day, potentially missing variations in bird behavior. Choice B involves multiple locations and times, which could introduce more variables and make it harder to analyze the data accurately. Choice D, counting birds at three feeders every 6 hours, may provide too frequent data points and not cover all significant time intervals for observing bird activity.
3. Which names a final step in protein synthesis?
- A. DNA unzips.
- B. Amino acids bond.
- C. Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA.
- D. Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.
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. Ocean waves may tear sponges into pieces, each of which may grow into a new sponge. What is this form of reproduction called?
- A. Budding
- B. Vegetative propagation
- C. Binary fission
- D. Fragmentation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.
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