HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. In order, from lower to upper, the layers of the atmosphere are:
- A. Exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
- B. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
- C. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
- D. Thermosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, exosphere
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct order of the layers of the atmosphere, from lower to upper, is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer where weather phenomena occur. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is characterized by high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation. The exosphere is the outermost layer where the atmosphere transitions into space. Therefore, option B is the correct sequence, as it reflects the ascending order of the Earth's atmospheric layers.
2. What is the term for the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits?
- A. Hydrolysis
- B. Reduction
- C. Metabolism
- D. Transpiration
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hydrolysis is the term used to describe the breakdown of large molecules into smaller units by adding water. In the case of glycogen being broken down into glucose subunits, this process involves the addition of water molecules to break the glycosidic bonds between glucose molecules, resulting in the release of individual glucose subunits. This process is crucial for providing cells with a source of energy when needed. Choice B, Reduction, refers to a chemical reaction involving a gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state, not the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits. Choice C, Metabolism, is a broad term encompassing all biochemical processes in an organism, including anabolism and catabolism, but does not specifically describe the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits. Choice D, Transpiration, is the process of water movement through a plant and is not related to the breakdown of glycogen into glucose subunits.
3. The difference between diploid and haploid is as follows:
- A. Diploid organisms are multicellular
- B. Diploid cells are somatic
- C. Diploid cells have two sets of homologous chromosomes
- D. More than one of the above is true
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Option B correctly states that diploid cells are somatic cells that make up the body tissues and organs in an organism, while haploid cells are gametes involved in sexual reproduction. Option C accurately differentiates diploid and haploid cells based on their chromosome sets – diploid cells have two sets of homologous chromosomes (one from each parent), whereas haploid cells have one set of unpaired chromosomes. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as both statements in options B and C are accurate descriptions of the differences between diploid and haploid cells. Option A is incorrect because diploid and haploid refer to the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell, not whether the organism is multicellular or not.
4. The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids with proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins. What does this bilayer create?
- A. Impermeable
- B. Permeable
- C. Selectively permeable
- D. Selectively impermeable
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Selectively permeable.' The cell membrane's bilayer structure allows it to be selectively permeable, meaning it can control the passage of substances. This property enables the membrane to regulate the entry and exit of specific molecules, ions, and other substances. Choice A, 'Impermeable,' is incorrect as the cell membrane is not completely impermeable and does allow certain substances to pass through. Choice B, 'Permeable,' is also incorrect as it does not address the selective nature of the membrane. Choice D, 'Selectively impermeable,' is a contradictory term and does not accurately describe the cell membrane's function.
5. Huntington’s disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?
- A. 0%
- B. 25%
- C. 50%
- D. 100%
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.
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