HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Which organelle is responsible for making proteins?
- A. Ribosome
- B. Chloroplast
- C. Lysosome
- D. Mitochondrion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis within the cell. They are the sites where amino acids are linked together to form proteins based on the instructions carried by mRNA (messenger RNA). Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, and they play a crucial role in translating genetic information into proteins. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production through cellular respiration. Therefore, the ribosome is the correct organelle responsible for making proteins.
2. Which one of the following best describes the function of a cell membrane?
- A. It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell.
- B. It maintains the cell's shape.
- C. It controls the substances entering the cell.
- D. It supports the cell's structures.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The function of a cell membrane is to control the substances entering and leaving the cell. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing it to regulate the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell to maintain internal balance and proper function. Choice B is incorrect because while the cell membrane does provide some structural support, its primary function is not to maintain the cell's shape. Choice C is incorrect because the cell membrane controls both the substances entering and leaving the cell, not just those entering. Choice D is incorrect as the primary function of the cell membrane is not to support the cell's structures but to regulate the movement of substances.
3. During which phase of mitosis does the nuclear envelope disintegrate?
- A. Prophase
- B. Prophase
- C. Prometaphase
- D. Metaphase
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During the prometaphase stage of mitosis, the nuclear envelope disintegrates. This allows the condensed chromosomes to move towards the center of the cell, preparing for their alignment along the metaphase plate. The breakdown of the nuclear envelope is a crucial step in mitosis to ensure the proper segregation of genetic material into daughter cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the nuclear envelope disintegration specifically occurs during the prometaphase stage, not in prophase or metaphase.
4. What are plasma membranes mostly made of?
- A. Proteins
- B. Carbohydrates
- C. Lipids
- D. Nucleotides
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lipids. Plasma membranes are primarily composed of lipids, specifically phospholipids, which form a lipid bilayer. While proteins are also an essential component of plasma membranes, they are not the primary constituent. Carbohydrates are present on the outer surface of the membrane but are not the main structural component. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA and are not the main constituents of plasma membranes.
5. What is the term for the movement of ions and other molecular substances across cell membranes without the need for energy?
- A. Active Transport
- B. Passive Transport
- C. Diffusion
- D. Osmosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Passive transport refers to the movement of substances across cell membranes without the need for energy input. In contrast, active transport, choice A, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. Diffusion, choice C, is a type of passive transport where substances move from an area of high concentration to low concentration. Osmosis, choice D, specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
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