HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Genes control heredity in man and other organisms. This gene is ___
- A. A segment of DNA
- B. A bead-like structure on the chromosomes
- C. A protein molecule
- D. A segment of RNA
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Genes are sections of DNA that contain instructions for building and operating living organisms. These sections of DNA contain the genetic information that is passed on from one generation to the next. Genes are composed of specific sequences of nucleotides within the DNA molecule. Therefore, genes are best described as segments of DNA. Choice A is correct. Choice B is incorrect because genes are not bead-like structures on chromosomes but specific sequences of DNA. Choice C is incorrect because genes are not protein molecules but rather sequences of nucleotides. Choice D is incorrect because genes are not segments of RNA but DNA.
2. Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?
- A. Plant cells can use both methods to divide
- B. Animal cells divide faster, requiring them to pinch apart
- C. Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring
- D. N/A
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall surrounding them, which prevents them from using a contractile ring for cell division. The rigid cell wall requires plant cells to form a cell plate during cell division instead of pinching apart like animal cells with a contractile ring. Choice A is incorrect because plant cells cannot use a contractile ring due to their rigid cell wall. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of cell division is not the primary reason for the difference in cell division mechanisms between plant and animal cells. Choice D is not applicable as plant cells indeed have a specific limitation in using a contractile ring for cell division.
3. Which animal has an open transport system?
- A. Grasshopper
- B. Earthworm
- C. Dolphin
- D. Chicken
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Earthworm. Earthworms have an open circulatory system, meaning their blood and interstitial fluid are not enclosed in blood vessels. Instead, the blood flows freely within the body cavity, allowing for direct exchange of nutrients and waste products with surrounding tissues. This lack of a closed transport system is a characteristic feature of earthworms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because grasshoppers, dolphins, and chickens have closed circulatory systems where the blood is enclosed within blood vessels, unlike earthworms.
4. Patient A, who weighs 68 kilograms, steps onto a scale 20 times. The scale consistently weighs Patient A as 75 kilograms. What is true of the measurement?
- A. It is valid, but not reliable.
- B. It is reliable, but not valid.
- C. It is both valid and reliable.
- D. It is neither reliable nor valid.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It is reliable, but not valid.' The measurement is reliable because it consistently provides the same result (75 kg). However, it is not valid because it does not accurately reflect the true weight of Patient A (68 kg). Choice A is incorrect because if the scale consistently shows the same weight (75 kg), it is reliable. Choice C is incorrect because although the scale is consistent, the measurement does not reflect the true weight, making it not valid. Choice D is incorrect as the measurement is reliable but lacks validity.
5. What type of cells are involved in meiosis (sex cells)?
- A. Somatic Cells
- B. Gametes
- C. Zygote
- D. Diploid Cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Gametes. Gametes are the specialized sex cells involved in meiosis, such as sperm and eggs. Somatic cells (A) are non-reproductive cells found in the body, not involved in meiosis. Zygote (C) is the result of fertilization, formed when gametes unite. Diploid cells (D) have two sets of chromosomes, but in meiosis, gametes are produced through a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to haploid.
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