HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology 2024
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Which is a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells?
- A. Ethanol
- B. Pyruvic acid
- C. Lactic acid
- D. Oxygen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Lactic acid is a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells. During intense exercise or when oxygen is limited, muscle cells use anaerobic respiration to generate energy. This process breaks down glucose into lactic acid, which can cause muscle fatigue and soreness. Choice A, Ethanol, is not produced in muscle cells during fermentation. Choice B, Pyruvic acid, is an intermediate product in glucose metabolism but is not a byproduct of fermentation in muscle cells. Choice D, Oxygen, is not a byproduct of fermentation but a reactant in aerobic respiration.
4. Which structure controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell?
- A. Vacuole
- B. Cell Membrane
- C. Nuclear Membrane
- D. Cytoplasm
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the Cell Membrane. The cell membrane acts as a barrier that controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable, allowing only certain molecules to pass through. Vacuole (Choice A), Nuclear Membrane (Choice C), and Cytoplasm (Choice D) do not primarily regulate the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Vacuoles are responsible for storage, the nuclear membrane surrounds the nucleus providing protection, and the cytoplasm is the fluid where organelles are suspended.
5. Select the option that best shows complementary base pairing in DNA:
- A. A and G
- B. A and C
- C. A and A
- D. A and T
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A purine (A) must pair with a pyrimidine (T) in DNA. This eliminates options A and C as they do not follow the rule of complementary base pairing. Adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T) due to their specific shape and bonding properties in DNA structure. Choice B is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA.
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