HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Which of the following is the structure of the male reproductive system that stores spermatozoa during the maturation process?
- A. vas deferens
 - B. scrotum
 - C. epididymis
 - D. testicular artery
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The epididymis is the structure of the male reproductive system that stores spermatozoa during the maturation process. Sperm cells produced in the testes move to the epididymis, where they mature and become motile before being ejaculated. The vas deferens is responsible for transporting mature sperm to the urethra during ejaculation, the scrotum holds the testes and helps regulate their temperature for sperm production, and the testicular artery supplies blood to the testes. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not play a direct role in storing spermatozoa during the maturation process.
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. Within the biological hierarchical system of organization, which of the following is least inclusive?
- A. phylum
 - B. order
 - C. kingdom
 - D. species
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: species.' In the biological hierarchical system of organization, a species is the least inclusive level. A species consists of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. On the other hand, a phylum, order, and kingdom are more inclusive classifications that encompass multiple species. Phylum groups together related classes, order groups together related families, and kingdom groups together related phyla. Therefore, species is the least inclusive category within the biological hierarchical system.
4. If bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, they will shrink as water moves out of the bacteria. What is this process called?
- A. Dehydration synthesis
 - B. Hydrolysis
 - C. Osmosis
 - D. Isotonic transport
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, when bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, the high concentration of solutes outside the bacteria causes water to move out of the bacteria, leading to shrinkage. This process is known as osmosis. Dehydration synthesis (Choice A) is a process where molecules combine by removing water. Hydrolysis (Choice B) is the breakdown of molecules by the addition of water. Isotonic transport (Choice D) does not accurately describe the specific movement of water in or out of bacterial cells in a hypertonic solution.
5. Cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities are often linked together by intimate physical connections. These connections are referred to as ______.
- A. Separate desmosomes
 - B. Ronofilaments
 - C. Tight junctions
 - D. Fascia adherens
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tight junctions. Tight junctions, also known as zonula occludens, are the intimate physical connections between cells that line the inner or outer surfaces of organs or body cavities. These junctions form a virtually impermeable barrier to fluid, creating a tight seal between the cells. This helps in maintaining the integrity and function of the tissue as well as regulating the movement of substances across the cell layer. Choice A, Separate desmosomes, are cell structures that provide strong adhesion between cells but do not create a barrier to fluid. Choice B, Ronofilaments, is not a term used to describe the connections between cells. Choice D, Fascia adherens, are another type of cell junction involved in cell adhesion, but they are different from tight junctions in terms of their structure and function.
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