HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. 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.
2. What is another name for the light-independent reaction in plants?
- A. Photosynthesis
- B. Calvin cycle
- C. Germination
- D. Phosphorus cycle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The light-independent reaction in plants is also known as the Calvin cycle. This biochemical pathway, named after Melvin Calvin who discovered it, takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and is responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle does not directly require light to function, hence the alternative name as the light-independent reaction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Photosynthesis is the overall process of converting light energy into chemical energy, which includes both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Germination is the process where a seed sprouts into a new plant. The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
3. Which of the following describes the situation where one allele takes a different form from another in a gene?
- A. phenotype
- B. heterozygous
- C. homolog
- D. homozygous
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Heterozygous is the term used to describe the genotype of an individual with two different alleles for a specific gene. In this case, one allele takes a different form from another, resulting in genetic diversity and variation in trait expression. The other choices are incorrect: 'phenotype' refers to the observable traits of an organism, 'homolog' typically refers to chromosomes that are similar in structure, and 'homozygous' describes the genotype where both alleles for a gene are the same.
4. 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.
5. Why does cytokinesis happen?
- A. DNA can duplicate
- B. Organelles can convert energy
- C. Bacteria can be killed
- D. Daughter cells can divide
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cytokinesis happens at the end of mitosis to physically separate the newly formed daughter cells. This allows the cell to divide into two separate daughter cells, each containing a complete set of genetic material (DNA) and organelles. The purpose of cytokinesis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives the necessary components to function independently. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cytokinesis does not directly involve DNA duplication, organelles converting energy, or killing bacteria.
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