HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 2024
1. Imagine that two parents both carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis. Any homozygous recessive offspring will manifest the disease. What percentage of the offspring is predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When both parents carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis (homozygous recessive), there is a 25% chance for each offspring to inherit two recessive alleles and, therefore, manifest the disease. There is also a 50% chance for each offspring to inherit one recessive allele and one dominant allele, making them carriers of the disease but not manifest it. Therefore, 25% of the offspring are predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a portion of offspring that will be carriers. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as this percentage corresponds to carriers who will not manifest the disease. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as not all offspring will be carriers and not manifest the disease.
2. What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?
- A. Chromosomes are duplicated.
- B. Cell growth occurs.
- C. DNA is synthesized.
- D. DNA is destroyed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During the S phase of the cell cycle, chromosomes are duplicated. This is a critical step in cell division as each chromosome is replicated to ensure that the resulting daughter cells receive an identical set of genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cell growth primarily occurs in the G1 phase, DNA synthesis happens during the S phase, and DNA destruction does not occur during any phase of the cell cycle.
3. What helps the cell maintain its shape and allows it to adapt?
- A. Microfilaments
- B. Cytoplasm
- C. Cytoskeleton
- D. Centrioles
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The cytoskeleton is the correct answer. It provides structural support to the cell, helps maintain its shape, and enables it to adapt to different environments. Microfilaments are part of the cytoskeleton, but they alone do not encompass the entire cytoskeleton's functions. Cytoplasm is the fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended and is not directly responsible for maintaining cell shape. Centrioles are involved in cell division and do not primarily contribute to maintaining the cell's shape and adaptation.
4. Which organelle organizes protein synthesis?
- A. mitochondrion
- B. nucleus
- C. ribosome
- D. vacuole
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for organizing protein synthesis. They are the protein factories of the cell, where amino acids are linked together to form proteins. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for energy production. The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material but does not directly organize protein synthesis. Vacuoles are responsible for storage and maintaining the cell's turgidity.
5. Prokaryotic cells:
- A. Have a nucleus
- B. Have a capsule
- C. Have membrane-bound organelles
- D. Cannot move on their own
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. One characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells is the presence of a capsule, which is a protective layer outside the cell wall. This capsule helps the prokaryotic cell adhere to surfaces, evade the host immune system, and protect against desiccation. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles. Choice D is incorrect as prokaryotic cells can move using structures like flagella or pili.
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