HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024
1. What is the primary function of the endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?
- A. Energy production
- B. Protein synthesis
- C. Waste removal
- D. Transport of materials
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum's primary function is the transport of materials within the cell. It acts as a network of membranes to assist in the transportation of proteins and other substances throughout the cell. Choice A, 'Energy production,' is incorrect because the endoplasmic reticulum is not directly involved in energy production. Choice B, 'Protein synthesis,' is incorrect as protein synthesis mainly occurs in ribosomes, although the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in modifying and transporting proteins. Choice C, 'Waste removal,' is also incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by other organelles like lysosomes and peroxisomes.
2. ___________ is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is not affected.
- A. Mutualism
- B. Parasitism
- C. Commensalism
- D. Competition
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Commensalism.' In commensalism, one organism benefits from the relationship while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This type of symbiotic relationship is characterized by one organism deriving a benefit, such as food or shelter, without impacting the other organism in any significant way. Choice A, 'Mutualism,' is a symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit. Choice B, 'Parasitism,' is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Choice D, 'Competition,' refers to a relationship in which organisms compete for limited resources, with both being affected in terms of access to resources.
3. What kind of bond connects sugar and phosphate in DNA?
- A. hydrogen
- B. ionic
- C. covalent
- D. overt
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sugar and phosphate are indeed connected by covalent bonds in DNA. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, which is essential for forming the backbone of the DNA molecule. Hydrogen bonds (Choice A) are important in holding the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA double helix but do not connect sugar and phosphate. Ionic bonds (Choice B) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms and are not the primary bond connecting sugar and phosphate in DNA. 'Overt' (Choice D) is not a type of chemical bond and is an incorrect distractor.
4. Which of the following bases is not present in RNA?
- A. Adenine
- B. Thymine
- C. Uracil
- D. Cytosine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Thymine is not present in RNA. RNA uses uracil as one of its bases, which pairs with adenine. In RNA, adenine does not pair with thymine as in DNA. Cytosine and guanine are the other two bases found in both RNA and DNA.
5. Which of the following is an example of human error in an experiment?
- A. an imperfectly calibrated scale
- B. contaminating a sterile sample by breathing on it
- C. a draft in the laboratory slightly changing the temperature of a liquid
- D. failure to account for wind speed when measuring distance traveled
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Contaminating a sterile sample by breathing on it is an example of human error in an experiment because it involves an action directly caused by the researcher that compromises the integrity of the sample. Breathing on a sterile sample introduces external contaminants that can affect the results. Choices A, C, and D involve factors not directly under the researcher's control or are technical errors that do not involve direct human actions.
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