HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Biology
1. What is the second part of an organism’s scientific name?
- A. species
- B. phylum
- C. population
- D. kingdom
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'species.' In binomial nomenclature, the second part of an organism's scientific name represents its species. The species name is a unique identifier within the genus and helps differentiate between different organisms within the same genus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Phylum is a taxonomic rank higher than species, population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area, and kingdom is a taxonomic rank higher than genus.
2. Which names a final step in protein synthesis?
- A. DNA unzips.
- B. Amino acids bond.
- C. Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA.
- D. Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.
3. Which cellular structure is largely protective in function?
- A. Mitochondrion
- B. Vacuole
- C. Cell membrane
- D. Ribosome
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is largely protective in function as it serves as a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, providing structural support and helping to maintain cell integrity. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thus protecting the cell from harmful external factors while allowing essential nutrients to enter. Mitochondrion (choice A) is responsible for energy production, not primarily protective. Vacuole (choice B) is mainly involved in storage and transport. Ribosome (choice D) is involved in protein synthesis, not protective functions.
4. Prokaryotic cells:
- A. Have a nucleus
- B. Have a capsule
- C. Have membrane-bound organelles
- D. Cannot move on their own
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. One characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells is the presence of a capsule, which is a protective layer outside the cell wall. This capsule helps the prokaryotic cell adhere to surfaces, evade the host immune system, and protect against desiccation. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles. Choice D is incorrect as prokaryotic cells can move using structures like flagella or pili.
5. Which organelle is the site of energy production?
- A. Mitochondrion
- B. Vacuole
- C. Cell membrane
- D. Ribosome
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitochondrion. The mitochondrion is the site of energy production in a cell. It is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because it is where cellular respiration occurs, generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through processes like the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The other organelles listed play different roles in the cell - vacuoles store materials, the cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.
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