HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. Which color of light is least effective at driving photosynthesis?
- A. Violet
- B. Green
- C. Orange
- D. Red
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Green light is the least effective at driving photosynthesis because chlorophyll, the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light in plants, does not absorb green light well. Instead, chlorophyll absorbs more effectively in the blue and red regions of the light spectrum. Therefore, green light is relatively less efficient in promoting photosynthesis compared to violet, orange, and red light. Violet light, although at the shorter wavelength end of the spectrum, can still drive photosynthesis better than green light. Orange and red light are more efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, making them more effective in driving the process of photosynthesis.
2. 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.
3. Two organisms live in a relationship from which both benefit. What is this called?
- A. Mutualism
- B. Parasitism
- C. Commensalism
- D. Competition
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both parties benefit from the association. It is a mutually beneficial interaction where both organisms gain something valuable, such as food, protection, or some other resource. This contrasts with parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, commensalism, where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected, and competition, where both organisms are negatively affected by their interaction.
4. Ocean waves may tear sponges into pieces, each of which may grow into a new sponge. What is this form of reproduction called?
- A. Budding
- B. Vegetative propagation
- C. Binary fission
- D. Fragmentation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.
5. In order, from lower to upper, the layers of the atmosphere are:
- A. Exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
- B. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
- C. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
- D. Thermosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, exosphere
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct order of the layers of the atmosphere, from lower to upper, is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer where weather phenomena occur. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is characterized by high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation. The exosphere is the outermost layer where the atmosphere transitions into space. Therefore, option B is the correct sequence, as it reflects the ascending order of the Earth's atmospheric layers.
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