HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. In nature, water vapor becomes liquid water through the process of ___________.
- A. condensation
- B. sublimation
- C. precipitation
- D. absorption
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In nature, water vapor becomes liquid water through the process of condensation. Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and changes its state from a gas to a liquid, forming droplets that we commonly see as water droplets on surfaces or clouds in the sky. Sublimation refers to the transition from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. Precipitation is the process where water in the atmosphere falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Absorption is the process of one substance being taken in by another.
2. Which cellular structure is found in animal cells but not in plant cells?
- A. Centriole
- B. Cytoplasm
- C. Vacuole
- D. Golgi apparatus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Centriole. Centrioles are found in animal cells but not in plant cells. They play a crucial role in organizing microtubules during cell division, aiding in the formation of the mitotic spindle. Plant cells lack centrioles; instead, they utilize microtubule organizing centers to perform similar functions during cell division. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because cytoplasm is a part of both animal and plant cells, vacuoles are found in plant cells and some animal cells, and the Golgi apparatus is present in both types of cells.
3. Why are bacteria and blue-green algae often classified together?
- A. Both are gymnosperms.
- B. Both are prokaryotes.
- C. Both are autotrophs.
- D. Both are pathogens.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bacteria and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are often classified together because they are both prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This characteristic distinguishes them from eukaryotic organisms, which have these membrane-bound structures. Choice A is incorrect because gymnosperms are seed-producing plants with naked seeds, not bacteria or blue-green algae. Choice C is incorrect because being an autotroph (able to produce its own food) is not a reason for classifying them together. Choice D is incorrect because not all bacteria and blue-green algae are pathogens; many of them are beneficial or neutral to other organisms.
4. What is the main function of the cell membrane?
- A. Energy production
- B. Communication
- C. Protein synthesis
- D. Waste removal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The main function of the cell membrane is communication. It acts as a barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because energy production occurs in the mitochondria, protein synthesis takes place in the ribosomes, and waste removal is primarily handled by the lysosomes and other organelles within the cell.
5. Which structure controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell?
- A. Vacuole
- B. Cell Membrane
- C. Nuclear Membrane
- D. Cytoplasm
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the Cell Membrane. The cell membrane acts as a barrier that controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable, allowing only certain molecules to pass through. Vacuole (Choice A), Nuclear Membrane (Choice C), and Cytoplasm (Choice D) do not primarily regulate the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Vacuoles are responsible for storage, the nuclear membrane surrounds the nucleus providing protection, and the cytoplasm is the fluid where organelles are suspended.
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