HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. What type of cells possess a cell membrane?
- A. Prokaryotic cells only
- B. Eukaryotic cells only
- C. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cell membranes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cell membrane serves as a barrier that encloses the cell contents and regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell. It is a fundamental structure found in all types of cells, regardless of whether they are prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus) or eukaryotic (containing a nucleus). Choice A is incorrect because eukaryotic cells also possess cell membranes. Choice B is incorrect as prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, also have cell membranes. Choice D is incorrect as both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have cell membranes.
2. In contrast with triglycerides, phospholipids are lacking one of which of the following components?
- A. Monosaccharide
- B. Glycerol
- C. Phosphates
- D. Fatty acid
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Phospholipids are structurally similar to triglycerides but lack one of the fatty acid chains that triglycerides possess. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. Therefore, phospholipids are lacking the third fatty acid chain found in triglycerides. Choice A (Monosaccharide) is incorrect because neither triglycerides nor phospholipids contain monosaccharides in their structure. Choice C (Phosphates) is incorrect because phospholipids actually contain phosphates, unlike triglycerides. Choice D (Fatty acid) is incorrect as both triglycerides and phospholipids contain fatty acids, but the number of fatty acid chains differs between the two.
3. Which of the following describes how a bacterium reproduces?
- A. Mitosis
- B. Meiosis
- C. Binary fission
- D. Cytokinesis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bacteria reproduce through a process called 'binary fission.' During binary fission, a bacterium duplicates its DNA and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method is the primary way bacteria replicate. Choice A, 'Mitosis,' is incorrect because mitosis is a process specific to eukaryotic cells, where the nucleus divides to produce two identical nuclei. Choice B, 'Meiosis,' is incorrect as meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice D, 'Cytokinesis,' is not the correct answer as cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which occurs after the genetic material has been divided in mitosis or meiosis.
4. A child is sick. They have a body temperature that exceeds 37ÂșC. The body senses this and begins to sweat in order to lower the temperature. What is this an example of?
- A. Positive feedback loop
- B. Negative feedback loop
- C. Both
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: This is an example of a negative feedback loop. In a negative feedback loop, the body's response (sweating) works to counteract the initial stimulus of a high body temperature by cooling the body down. The goal is to return the body to homeostasis, maintaining a stable internal environment. Positive feedback loops amplify the initial stimulus rather than counteracting it, which is not the case here. Therefore, choices A and C are incorrect. Choice D is also incorrect as the situation described fits the characteristics of a negative feedback loop.
5. As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.
- A. Mutualism
- B. Parasitism
- C. Commensalism
- D. Competition
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.
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