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. Which of the following is true of the Krebs cycle?
- A. It is a redox reaction involving proteins produced during glycolysis
- B. It is a redox reaction involving sugars produced during glycolysis
- C. Protons are passed along a gradient to produce ATP
- D. It is also known as the glycolic acid cycle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, involves a series of redox reactions that occur in the mitochondria. The cycle begins with the oxidation of acetyl CoA, which is derived from the breakdown of sugars produced during glycolysis. These sugars are broken down further in the Krebs cycle to produce ATP and reduce electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2. The cycle does not involve proteins produced during glycolysis. Protons are not passed along a gradient to produce ATP directly in the Krebs cycle; rather, they are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP. The Krebs cycle is not known as the glycolic acid cycle; glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that produces pyruvate from glucose.
3. Which color of light is least effective at driving photosynthesis?
- A. Violet
- B. Green
- C. Orange
- D. Red
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Green light is the least effective at driving photosynthesis because chlorophyll, the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light in plants, does not absorb green light well. Instead, chlorophyll absorbs more effectively in the blue and red regions of the light spectrum. Therefore, green light is relatively less efficient in promoting photosynthesis compared to violet, orange, and red light. Violet light, although at the shorter wavelength end of the spectrum, can still drive photosynthesis better than green light. Orange and red light are more efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, making them more effective in driving the process of photosynthesis.
4. Why is polarity the most important characteristic of water?
- A. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
- B. the results of the polarity are covalent bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
- C. the results of the polarity are ionic bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
- D. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Polarity is the most important characteristic of water because it results in hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties. These unique properties enable water to form hydrogen bonds with other substances, resist temperature changes, and dissolve a wide variety of solutes, making it essential for life processes. Choice B is incorrect because water exhibits hydrogen bonding, not covalent bonding. Choice C is incorrect as water does not form ionic bonds. Choice D is incorrect because water has a high, not low, specific heat value, which is vital for its role in temperature regulation.
5. 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.
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