HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?
- A. 46
- B. 23
- C. 45
- D. 24
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Sperm and egg cells undergo meiosis to form gametes with half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each sperm and egg cell produces 23 chromosomes through meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because 46 chromosomes represent the diploid number found in somatic cells. Choice C is incorrect as it is an uncommon number for chromosome production in human gametes. Choice D is incorrect as the total number of chromosomes in sperm or egg cells is 23, not 24.
2. What is the magnification of an ocular lens on a microscope?
- A. 4x
- B. 10x
- C. 40x
- D. 100x
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The magnification of an ocular lens on a microscope is typically 10x, which is considered standard for most microscopes. Ocular lenses are designed to magnify the image produced by the objective lens further. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the standard magnification of an ocular lens. A magnification of 4x, 40x, or 100x would not be typical for an ocular lens in a microscope.
3. What organelle do plant cells have that functions as storage, waste disposal, and protection?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Mitochondria
- C. Vacuoles
- D. Ribosomes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Correct! Plant cells have vacuoles that serve as storage centers, help in waste disposal by containing and isolating harmful materials, and contribute to protection by storing toxic substances. The other choices are incorrect because the nucleus contains genetic material, mitochondria are responsible for energy production, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.
4. What is the term for the movement of ions and other molecular substances across cell membranes without the need for energy?
- A. Active Transport
- B. Passive Transport
- C. Diffusion
- D. Osmosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Passive transport refers to the movement of substances across cell membranes without the need for energy input. In contrast, active transport, choice A, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. Diffusion, choice C, is a type of passive transport where substances move from an area of high concentration to low concentration. Osmosis, choice D, specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
5. During which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes align in the center of the cell?
- A. Prophase
- B. Metaphase
- C. Telophase
- D. Anaphase
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is Metaphase. During Metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the center of the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate. This alignment ensures that during the subsequent phase, Anaphase, the sister chromatids can separate and move towards opposite poles. Prophase is the initial phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Telophase is the final phase of mitosis where two new nuclei form.
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