HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Biology
1. Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing ATP in cells?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Mitochondrion
- C. Chloroplast
- D. Lysosome
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mitochondrion.' Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and controlling cell activities, not for ATP production. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, not ATP production. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, not ATP production.
2. What is the main function of the cell membrane?
- A. Energy production
- B. Communication
- C. Protein synthesis
- D. Waste removal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The main function of the cell membrane is communication. It acts as a barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because energy production occurs in the mitochondria, protein synthesis takes place in the ribosomes, and waste removal is primarily handled by the lysosomes and other organelles within the cell.
3. The mixture of gases surrounding a planet is referred to as its ______.
- A. Atmosphere
- B. Stratosphere
- C. Biosphere
- D. Troposphere
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The mixture of gases surrounding a planet is referred to as its atmosphere. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth by providing oxygen, regulating carbon dioxide levels, and shielding the planet from harmful radiation. While the stratosphere, troposphere, and other layers are part of the atmosphere, the term 'atmosphere' encompasses the entire gaseous envelope surrounding a planet. The stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere are specific layers within the atmosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.
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 of the following is a protein?
- A. cellulose
- B. hemoglobin
- C. estrogen
- D. ATP
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'hemoglobin' because it is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Cellulose is a carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants, not a protein. Estrogen is a hormone, not a protein. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that carries energy within cells, not a protein.
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