HESI A2
HESI A2 Biology Practice Test
1. Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?
- A. Plant cells can use both methods to divide
- B. Animal cells divide faster, requiring them to pinch apart
- C. Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring
- D. N/A
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall surrounding them, which prevents them from using a contractile ring for cell division. The rigid cell wall requires plant cells to form a cell plate during cell division instead of pinching apart like animal cells with a contractile ring. Choice A is incorrect because plant cells cannot use a contractile ring due to their rigid cell wall. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of cell division is not the primary reason for the difference in cell division mechanisms between plant and animal cells. Choice D is not applicable as plant cells indeed have a specific limitation in using a contractile ring for cell division.
2. If bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, they will shrink as water moves out of the bacteria. What is this process called?
- A. Dehydration synthesis
- B. Hydrolysis
- C. Osmosis
- D. Isotonic transport
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, when bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, the high concentration of solutes outside the bacteria causes water to move out of the bacteria, leading to shrinkage. This process is known as osmosis. Dehydration synthesis (Choice A) is a process where molecules combine by removing water. Hydrolysis (Choice B) is the breakdown of molecules by the addition of water. Isotonic transport (Choice D) does not accurately describe the specific movement of water in or out of bacterial cells in a hypertonic solution.
3. How many pairs of homologous chromosomes do humans have?
- A. 13
- B. 23
- C. 26
- D. 46
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 46. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which include 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes. Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that contain the same genes, one from each parent. Therefore, humans have a total of 46 chromosomes, with 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the total number of chromosomes in humans or the number of pairs of homologous chromosomes.
4. Which component is not found in the nucleotide of DNA?
- A. Simple sugar
- B. Nitrogen base
- C. Phosphate group
- D. Citric acid
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Citric acid is not found in the nucleotide of DNA. A DNA nucleotide is composed of a simple sugar (deoxyribose), a nitrogen base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine), and a phosphate group. Citric acid is not part of DNA nucleotides; instead, it is involved in the citric acid cycle of cellular respiration. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of DNA nucleotides, making them incorrect answers.
5. What is the main function of the ribosomes in the cell?
- A. DNA Replication
- B. Protein Synthesis
- C. Lipid Breakdown
- D. Cell Division
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protein Synthesis. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for synthesizing proteins. This process is crucial for various cellular functions. Choice A, DNA Replication, is incorrect as ribosomes are not involved in this process. Choice C, Lipid Breakdown, is also incorrect as ribosomes do not play a role in lipid metabolism. Choice D, Cell Division, is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in the process of cell division.
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