HESI A2
Biology HESI A2 2024
1. Which organism reproduces via binary fission?
- A. Mushroom
- B. Blue whale
- C. Rainbow trout
- D. Salmonella
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Salmonella. Salmonella bacterium reproduces via binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction where the cell divides into two daughter cells with identical genetic material. This process is common among bacteria and single-celled organisms. Mushrooms reproduce through spores, blue whales and rainbow trout reproduce sexually, involving the fusion of male and female gametes. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reproduce through binary fission.
2. 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.
3. Where is the site of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Chloroplasts
- C. Mitochondria
- D. Ribosomes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mitochondria. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they are responsible for cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells. During cellular respiration, mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The nucleus is the organelle that houses the cell's genetic material, chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, not cellular respiration.
4. Which of the following arrangement is seen in the plasma membrane?
- A. Lipids with embedded proteins
- B. An outer lipid layer and an inner lipid layer
- C. Proteins embedded in lipid bilayer
- D. Altering protein and lipid layers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct arrangement seen in the plasma membrane is proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer. The plasma membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins. These proteins perform various functions such as transport, signaling, and structural support within the cell membrane. This arrangement allows for the selective permeability of the membrane and facilitates communication between the cell and its environment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary arrangement in the plasma membrane involves proteins being embedded in the lipid bilayer, not lipids with embedded proteins, an outer and inner lipid layer, or altering protein and lipid layers.
5. 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.
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