a cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. A cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of which of the following?

A. lysosomes
B. mitochondria
C. mRNA
D. ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A cell from heart muscle would more than likely contain an unusually high proportion of mitochondria because the heart muscle requires a significant amount of energy to function properly. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Therefore, to meet the high energy demands of the heart muscle, it would need a higher concentration of mitochondria compared to other cell types. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while lysosomes, mRNA, and ribosomes are essential components of a cell, they do not play as direct a role in meeting the high energy demands of heart muscle as mitochondria do.

2. Phenotype refers to the _ of an individual.

A. Genetic makeup
B. Actual physical appearance
C. Recessive alleles
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phenotype refers to the actual physical appearance and characteristics of an individual, which are determined by the interaction of both genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental factors. It includes visible traits such as height, eye color, and hair type. Choice A, genetic makeup, refers to the genotype, which is the genetic constitution of an organism. Choice C, recessive alleles, is a specific type of gene variant and does not encompass the entire concept of phenotype. Choice D, none of the above, is incorrect as phenotype does refer to the actual physical appearance of an individual.

3. How many different types of nucleotides are there in DNA?

A. one
B. two
C. four
D. eight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: four.' DNA is composed of four different types of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. These nucleotides pair up in specific combinations to form the genetic code. Choices 'A: one,' 'B: two,' and 'D: eight' are incorrect because DNA consists of a set of four distinct nucleotides, not one, two, or eight.

4. In a phospholipid molecule, the head:

A. Is hydrophilic
B. Is hydrophobic
C. Is on the inner side of the layer
D. Both A and C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic (water-loving) and is located on the outer side of the lipid bilayer, interacting with water molecules. This arrangement positions the hydrophobic tails inward, away from water. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the head is hydrophilic, not hydrophobic. Choice B is incorrect as the head is on the outer side, not the inner side of the layer.

5. 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.