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 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.
3. What is the most important component of the cell, contributing to protection, communication, and the passage of substances?
- A. Cytoplasm
- B. Cell Membrane
- C. Cytoskeleton
- D. Vacuole
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cell membrane is the correct answer. It is the most important component of the cell as it provides protection, facilitates communication, and regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell. The cytoplasm (Choice A) is the gel-like substance within the cell that holds organelles, but it is not primarily responsible for the functions mentioned in the question. The cytoskeleton (Choice C) provides structural support to the cell but is not directly involved in protection, communication, or substance passage. Vacuoles (Choice D) are responsible for storage and maintaining turgor pressure but do not play a primary role in the functions specified in the question.
4. The phases of mitosis include:
- A. Prophase, interphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
- B. Prophase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and cytokinesis
- C. Prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
- D. Prophase, interphase, prophase, anaphase, and telophase
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct phases of mitosis are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Prophase is the first phase where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle forms. Prometaphase follows prophase, involving the full disintegration of the nuclear envelope and the attachment of spindle fibers to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. Metaphase is where chromosomes align along the metaphase plate. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles. Telophase marks the final stage of mitosis, involving the decondensation of chromosomes and the reformation of the nuclear envelope. Choice A is incorrect because it includes interphase, which is not a phase of mitosis. Choice B is incorrect as it repeats prophase, which is the initial phase. Choice D is incorrect because it includes interphase and repeats prophase.
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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