HESI RN
Biology Practice Test
1. The Punnett square shows that one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin?
- A. 25%
- B. 50%
- C. 0%
- D. 75%
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 0%. If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not, none of the offspring will express the recessive phenotype. This is because in order for a child to have a cleft chin, they would need to inherit the recessive gene from both parents. Therefore, although the offspring could be carriers of the gene, none are predicted to have a cleft chin. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the presence of the recessive gene in one parent and its absence in the other would not result in any offspring showing the cleft chin trait.
2. What is the most significant contributor to cellular function?
- A. Proteins
- B. Phospholipids
- C. Carbohydrates
- D. Fatty acids
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Proteins. Proteins are the most significant contributor to cellular function as they play crucial roles in almost all biological processes. They act as enzymes that catalyze reactions, are involved in cell signaling pathways, and provide structural support to cells. Phospholipids (Choice B), while important for cell membrane structure, do not have the same diverse functions as proteins in cellular processes. Carbohydrates (Choice C) primarily serve as an energy source and structural components but are not as versatile in cellular functions as proteins. Fatty acids (Choice D) are essential components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules but do not have the same broad range of functions as proteins in cellular processes.
3. In the hierarchical organizational system, which of these is the most restrictive category?
- A. Genus
- B. Class
- C. Kingdom
- D. Species
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In the biological classification hierarchy, species is the most specific level, defining individual organisms that can interbreed. While genus, class, and kingdom are also categories in the hierarchy, they are broader and encompass a wider range of organisms compared to species. Genus groups together similar species, class groups similar orders, and kingdom is the broadest category grouping together similar phyla.
4. Water is held together by which of the following bonds?
- A. Electrostatic attraction
- B. Van der Waals forces
- C. Hydrogen
- D. Oxygen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are weak bonds formed between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another. Choice A, electrostatic attraction, is a general term for the attraction between opposite charges but does not specifically describe the bonds in water. Choice B, Van der Waals forces, are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, not the primary bonds in water. Choice D, oxygen, is incorrect as oxygen is part of the water molecule but not the bond holding water molecules together.
5. Which of the following is the term used to represent alternative versions of a gene?
- A. Alleles
- B. Binary fission
- C. Heterozygous
- D. Homozygous
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alleles. Alleles are different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. This term specifically refers to the different forms of a gene that can exist. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent alternative versions of a gene. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms, while heterozygous and homozygous refer to the genetic makeup of an individual rather than alternative versions of a gene.
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