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. Which of the following is a lipid that is a membrane component and a precursor to significant hormones?
- A. Nucleic acids
- B. Proteins
- C. Carbohydrates
- D. Steroids
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Steroids. Steroids are a type of lipid that function as essential components of cell membranes and serve as precursors for significant hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Nucleic acids (choice A) are not lipids but are molecules like DNA and RNA that store genetic information. Proteins (choice B) and carbohydrates (choice C) are biomolecules but are not lipids and do not serve as precursors for hormones or membrane components.
3. Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction. Which of the following occurs during the binary fission process?
- A. The chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane
- B. The chromosomes attach to the spindle formed along the axis
- C. The chromosomes gather in the center of the cell
- D. The chromosomes begin to separate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. In binary fission, the chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane before the cell splits into two. This initial step ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because the spindle apparatus is characteristic of eukaryotic cell division (mitosis), not prokaryotic binary fission. Choice C is incorrect as chromosomes do not necessarily gather in the center of the cell during binary fission. Choice D is incorrect because the chromosomes do not begin to separate in binary fission; they replicate and then move to opposite ends of the cell before division.
4. Which of the following terms is used to represent two alleles that are the same type?
- A. Homosynchronous
- B. Hypersynchronous
- C. Heterozygous
- D. Homozygous
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Homozygous.' Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene. In this context, 'Homosynchronous' (choice A) is not a recognized genetic term. 'Hypersynchronous' (choice B) is not a term used in genetics. 'Heterozygous' (choice C) refers to having two different alleles for a particular gene, which is the opposite of homozygous.
5. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the transcription of DNA?
- A. RNA uses reverse transcriptase to make mRNA
- B. DNA uses mRNA to produce tRNA
- C. RNA creates a duplicate copy of DNA
- D. RNA copies DNA to produce mRNA
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. During transcription, RNA copies DNA to produce mRNA, which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis. Choice A is incorrect because reverse transcriptase is not involved in the transcription of DNA. Choice B is incorrect as DNA does not use mRNA to produce tRNA; tRNA is produced through a different process. Choice C is incorrect as RNA does not create a duplicate copy of DNA during transcription; it synthesizes mRNA by copying the DNA template.
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