HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam
1. Which of the following is a tertiary consumer?
- A. Owl
- B. Shrew
- C. Grasshopper
- D. Wheat
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Owl. Tertiary consumers are organisms that feed on secondary consumers, which, in turn, feed on primary consumers. Owls are considered tertiary consumers because they primarily feed on animals such as rodents, which are secondary consumers. Shrew (choice B) is a secondary consumer, feeding on insects and worms, placing it at a lower trophic level than the owl. Grasshopper (choice C) is a primary consumer, feeding on plants. Wheat (choice D) is not a consumer in the food chain but a plant.
2. What organelle in the cell produces energy through the process of respiration?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Mitochondria
- C. Golgi Apparatus
- D. Chloroplasts
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitochondria. The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing energy through respiration in eukaryotic cells. Choice A, the Nucleus, is not involved in energy production but rather houses the cell's genetic material. Choice C, the Golgi Apparatus, is responsible for packaging and processing proteins, not energy production. Choice D, Chloroplasts, are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, not respiration for energy production.
3. In contrast with triglycerides, phospholipids are lacking one of which of the following components?
- A. Monosaccharide
- B. Glycerol
- C. Phosphates
- D. Fatty acid
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Phospholipids are structurally similar to triglycerides but lack one of the fatty acid chains that triglycerides possess. Triglycerides consist of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. Therefore, phospholipids are lacking the third fatty acid chain found in triglycerides. Choice A (Monosaccharide) is incorrect because neither triglycerides nor phospholipids contain monosaccharides in their structure. Choice C (Phosphates) is incorrect because phospholipids actually contain phosphates, unlike triglycerides. Choice D (Fatty acid) is incorrect as both triglycerides and phospholipids contain fatty acids, but the number of fatty acid chains differs between the two.
4. Which of the following bases is not present in RNA?
- A. Adenine
- B. Thymine
- C. Uracil
- D. Cytosine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Thymine is not present in RNA. RNA uses uracil as one of its bases, which pairs with adenine. In RNA, adenine does not pair with thymine as in DNA. Cytosine and guanine are the other two bases found in both RNA and DNA.
5. What is the function of decomposition in the carbon cycle?
- A. To produce light energy
- B. To convert carbon to fuel
- C. To release carbon dioxide
- D. To store food for consumers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To release carbon dioxide.' Decomposition in the carbon cycle involves breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances. During this process, carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide is essential for recycling carbon and making it available for use by living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition does not produce light energy, convert carbon to fuel, or store food for consumers; its primary role is to recycle carbon through the release of carbon dioxide.
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