HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Which of the following describes the situation where one allele takes a different form from another in a gene?
- A. phenotype
- B. heterozygous
- C. homolog
- D. homozygous
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Heterozygous is the term used to describe the genotype of an individual with two different alleles for a specific gene. In this case, one allele takes a different form from another, resulting in genetic diversity and variation in trait expression. The other choices are incorrect: 'phenotype' refers to the observable traits of an organism, 'homolog' typically refers to chromosomes that are similar in structure, and 'homozygous' describes the genotype where both alleles for a gene are the same.
2. Which is true of the term Phenotype?
- A. It is the genetic code
- B. Phenotype determines genotype
- C. Genotype determines phenotype
- D. Genotype, epigenetic factors, and environmental factors determine phenotype
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The term "phenotype" refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which are determined by a combination of genotype (genetic makeup), epigenetic factors (modifications to gene expression), and environmental factors (external influences and experiences). Genotype, epigenetic factors, and environmental factors all play a role in determining an individual's phenotype, making option D the correct statement. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the phenotype is not the genetic code, the phenotype does not determine the genotype, and it is the genotype that influences the phenotype, not the other way around.
3. 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.
4. Epithelial cells are:
- A. Polarized
- B. Neutral
- C. Larger than other cells
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Epithelial cells have a distinct top (apical) and bottom (basal) side, demonstrating polarity. This polarity is essential for their specialized functions, such as secretion, absorption, and barrier formation. Choice B, 'Neutral,' is incorrect as epithelial cells exhibit polarity. Choice C, 'Larger than other cells,' is incorrect as epithelial cells come in various sizes and are not specifically larger than other cell types. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as epithelial cells are indeed polarized.
5. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that a particular species of bird vocalizes most in the hours around dawn?
- A. Observe a flock of the birds in captivity and record them at two-hour intervals from predawn until sunset for a month.
- B. Observe a flock of the birds in the wild and record them at one-hour intervals from predawn until sunset in several seasons.
- C. Observe a flock of the birds in the wild and record them in predawn and postdawn hours every day for six months.
- D. Observe a flock of the birds in the wild, record them at one-hour intervals for a month, and compare that recording to recordings of other species.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Observing a flock of the birds in the wild and recording them in predawn and postdawn hours every day for six months would be the best way to test the hypothesis that a particular species of bird vocalizes most in the hours around dawn. This method allows for consistent monitoring of the birds during specific times of interest over an extended period, providing a comprehensive dataset to accurately analyze the vocalization patterns. Options A and B do not focus specifically on dawn hours, making them less suitable for testing the hypothesis. Option D introduces a comparison with other species, which is unnecessary and distracts from the main objective of studying the vocalization pattern of the particular bird species around dawn.
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