HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. Which bacteria are spherical in shape?
- A. Clostridia
- B. Bacilli
- C. Spirilla
- D. Cocci
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cocci. Bacteria that are spherical in shape are known as cocci. They can be found in various arrangements such as clusters, chains, or pairs. Examples of cocci bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Choice A, Clostridia, consists of rod-shaped bacteria. Choice B, Bacilli, refers to rod-shaped bacteria as well. Choice C, Spirilla, are spiral-shaped bacteria, not spherical.
2. Which component is not found in the nucleotide of DNA?
- A. Simple sugar
- B. Nitrogen base
- C. Phosphate group
- D. Citric acid
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Citric acid is not found in the nucleotide of DNA. A DNA nucleotide is composed of a simple sugar (deoxyribose), a nitrogen base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine), and a phosphate group. Citric acid is not part of DNA nucleotides; instead, it is involved in the citric acid cycle of cellular respiration. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of DNA nucleotides, making them incorrect answers.
3. 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.
4. What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?
- A. It attaches to a ribosome.
- B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
- C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
- D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. When mRNA reaches the cytoplasm, it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome functions as the site for protein synthesis through translation, where the genetic code carried by mRNA is read and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because mRNA does not unzip, expose nitrogen bases, pair with DNA bases, or pull free of the DNA strand in the cytoplasm. The primary function of mRNA in the cytoplasm is to serve as a template for protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.
5. Which organelle is responsible for making proteins?
- A. Ribosome
- B. Chloroplast
- C. Lysosome
- D. Mitochondrion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis within the cell. They are the sites where amino acids are linked together to form proteins based on the instructions carried by mRNA (messenger RNA). Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, and they play a crucial role in translating genetic information into proteins. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production through cellular respiration. Therefore, the ribosome is the correct organelle responsible for making proteins.
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