how do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle

HESI A2

HESI A2 Biology 2024

1. How do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?

A. To synthesize proteins
B. To store food
C. To decompose ammonia
D. To break down nitrites

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.

2. How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?

A. 23
B. 46
C. 25
D. 50

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During meiosis, sperm and egg cells produce half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each contributes 23 chromosomes, which combine to form a zygote with a total of 46 chromosomes. Choice B (46) is incorrect because this is the number of chromosomes produced in mitosis, not meiosis. Choices C (25) and D (50) are also incorrect as they do not align with the chromosome count in sex cells during meiosis.

3. Which two bases are purines?

A. Adenine (A)
B. Cytosine (C)
C. Thymine (T)
D. Guanine (G)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adenine (A) and guanine (G) are the two bases that are purines. Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure containing two carbon rings, distinguishing them from pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are purines because they possess this unique double-ring structure. Therefore, choices A and D, adenine and guanine, respectively, are the correct answers. Choices B and C, cytosine and thymine, are pyrimidines and do not exhibit the double-ring structure characteristic of purines.

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 are the three main events of the haploid cell cycle?

A. DNA replication, mitosis, and cytokinesis
B. DNA replication, meiosis, and cytokinesis
C. DNA replication, cytokinesis, and degradation
D. Mitosis, meiosis, and apoptosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the haploid cell cycle, the three main events are DNA replication, where the cell's genetic material is duplicated; mitosis, which is the division of the nucleus to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes; and cytokinesis, the division of the cell cytoplasm to separate the two daughter cells. Meiosis is not part of the haploid cell cycle as it occurs in diploid cells to produce haploid gametes. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and is not a routine event in the cell cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as meiosis and apoptosis are not part of the haploid cell cycle, and degradation is not a typical event in the cell cycle.