HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Why is the nucleus important in a cell?
- A. It stores the DNA
- B. It supports the cell
- C. It makes protein
- D. It makes energy out of food
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nucleus is important in a cell because it stores the DNA, which contains the genetic information necessary for the cell's function and replication. This genetic material controls the cell's activities and characteristics. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because supporting the cell, making proteins, and producing energy are functions typically associated with other cell organelles like the cytoskeleton, ribosomes, and mitochondria, respectively.
2. If a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, what will happen to the egg?
- A. Expand because water will move into the egg
- B. Shrivel because water will leave the egg
- C. Remain the same
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, the egg will shrivel because water will leave the egg through osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, in this case, from the egg into the saltwater. The higher concentration of solute in the saltwater causes water to move out of the egg, leading to the egg shrinking or shriveling. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the egg will not expand, remain the same, or have an outcome different from shriveling when placed in a beaker of saltwater.
3. Which of the following organisms would not have eukaryotic cells?
- A. Bacteria
- B. Dog
- C. Human
- D. Onion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Bacteria. Bacteria do not have eukaryotic cells. They are single-celled organisms with prokaryotic cells. Dogs, humans, and onions are all multicellular organisms that possess eukaryotic cells. Therefore, choices B, C, and D have eukaryotic cells and are not the correct answer.
4. Which of the following shows how information is transformed to make a protein?
- A. DNA-RNA-protein
- B. gene-chromosome-protein
- C. ATP-amino acid-protein
- D. RNA-DNA-protein
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct sequence of events for protein synthesis is that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into a protein. This process is known as the central dogma of molecular biology. In this sequence, DNA serves as the template for RNA synthesis (transcription), and the RNA serves as the template for protein synthesis (translation). Choice B is incorrect as genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins, and chromosomes are structures that contain DNA. Choice C is incorrect as ATP is an energy molecule and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but they are not directly involved in the synthesis process. Choice D is incorrect because RNA is first transcribed from DNA and then used as a template to produce proteins.
5. Select the option that best shows complementary base pairing in DNA:
- A. A and G
- B. A and C
- C. A and A
- D. A and T
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A purine (A) must pair with a pyrimidine (T) in DNA. This eliminates options A and C as they do not follow the rule of complementary base pairing. Adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T) due to their specific shape and bonding properties in DNA structure. Choice B is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access @ $49
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A 2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access @ $99