HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. What happens to glucose during glycolysis?
- A. Its energy is entirely lost.
- B. It splits into molecules of pyruvic acid.
- C. It is stored in NADH.
- D. It joins with molecules of citric acid.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During glycolysis, glucose undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in its breakdown into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This process also generates ATP and NADH as energy carriers. Choice A is incorrect because glucose is not entirely lost, but rather converted into other molecules. Choice C is incorrect because NADH is a product of glycolysis, not a storage form for glucose. Choice D is incorrect as glucose does not join with molecules of citric acid during glycolysis, but rather in subsequent stages of cellular respiration.
2. Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?
- A. Mitochondria
- B. Chloroplasts
- C. Ribosomes
- D. Endoplasmic Reticulum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are responsible for conducting photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Mitochondria (choice A) are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Ribosomes (choice C) are responsible for protein synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport within the cell, not photosynthesis.
3. Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?
- A. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids
- B. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and calcium
- C. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and sulfur
- D. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and iron
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids are considered the most important molecules in biology. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, lipids for storing energy and forming cell membranes, proteins for various structural and functional roles, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for storing genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are crucial biomolecules, calcium, sulfur, and iron are not considered among the most important molecules in biology.
4. During which phase of cell division do the chromosomes replicate?
- A. Prophase
- B. Interphase
- C. Anaphase
- D. Telophase
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Chromosomes replicate during the interphase of the cell cycle. Interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division by undergoing various activities such as growth, DNA replication, and protein synthesis. During DNA replication in interphase, each chromosome in the cell is duplicated to form two sister chromatids, which are then separated during cell division. Prophase is the phase where the chromosomes condense, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. Telophase is the phase where the nuclear envelope reforms, and chromosomes begin to decondense.
5. Which cells in the human body lack nuclei?
- A. Nerve cells
- B. Red blood cells
- C. Liver cells
- D. Connective tissue cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack nuclei in humans. This absence of a nucleus allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, making red blood cells efficient at their function of oxygen transport in the body. Nerve cells (Choice A), liver cells (Choice C), and connective tissue cells (Choice D) all possess nuclei as they require genetic material for their functions, such as cell signaling, protein synthesis, and structural support.
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