HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?
- A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
- B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
- C. Proteins that act as transport highways
- D. Carbohydrates
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.
2. Who discovered the basic principles of genetics using garden peas?
- A. Curie
- B. Mendel
- C. Hawking
- D. Galileo
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Mendel. Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics for his groundbreaking work with pea plants. He discovered the basic principles of heredity through his experiments, establishing the foundation of modern genetics. Choice A, Curie, is incorrect as Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist known for her pioneering research on radioactivity. Choice C, Hawking, is incorrect as Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist known for his work on black holes and cosmology. Choice D, Galileo, is incorrect as Galileo Galilei was an astronomer and physicist renowned for his contributions to the scientific revolution, particularly in astronomy.
3. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?
- A. In the cytoplasm
- B. In the nuclear envelope
- C. In the ribosome unit
- D. In the nucleus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.
4. What cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?
- A. Golgi apparatus
- B. Chromatin
- C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Mitochondria
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Chromatin is the correct answer. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense structure to fit into the nucleus and protect the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, not DNA. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production, not DNA packaging.
5. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin if one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not?
- A. 25%
- B. 50%
- C. 0%
- D. 75%
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (0%). If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not carry it, none of their offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin. This is because the cleft chin trait is recessive, so for an offspring to express this trait, they would need to inherit the gene from both parents. In this scenario, none of the offspring will inherit the recessive gene from both parents, so the percentage of offspring predicted to have a cleft chin is 0%. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in this situation, the offspring will not express the cleft chin phenotype, although they could be carriers of the recessive gene.
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