You cover cells, genetics, and life processes at the depth entrance exams actually ask. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the HESI A2 exam guide or more HESI A2 practice questions.
Five biology questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
When the genotype consists of a dominant and a recessive allele, the phenotype will be like the _ allele.
A. Dominant
B. Recessive
C. Both
D. Neither
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Dominant
When the genotype consists of a dominant and a recessive allele, the phenotype will be like the dominant allele. This is because dominant alleles typically mask the expression of recessive alleles. Therefore, the dominant allele will be expressed in the phenotype in most basic cases. The recessive allele will only be expressed phenotypically if the individual is homozygous recessive. Choice B, 'Recessive,' is incorrect because the phenotype will not be like the recessive allele in this case. Choice C, 'Both,' is incorrect because in simple dominant-recessive inheritance, the dominant allele will overshadow the recessive allele. Choice D, 'Neither,' is incorrect as the phenotype will resemble the dominant allele.
Question 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
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — It is a redox reaction involving sugars produced during glycolysis
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.
Question 3
Why are bacteria and blue-green algae often classified together?
A. Both are gymnosperms.
B. Both are prokaryotes.
C. Both are autotrophs.
D. Both are pathogens.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Both are prokaryotes.
Bacteria and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are often classified together because they are both prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This characteristic distinguishes them from eukaryotic organisms, which have these membrane-bound structures. Choice A is incorrect because gymnosperms are seed-producing plants with naked seeds, not bacteria or blue-green algae. Choice C is incorrect because being an autotroph (able to produce its own food) is not a reason for classifying them together. Choice D is incorrect because not all bacteria and blue-green algae are pathogens; many of them are beneficial or neutral to other organisms.
Question 4
Which system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream?
A. The gastrointestinal system
B. The endocrine system
C. The digestive system
D. The endocrine system
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — The endocrine system
The correct answer is D: The endocrine system. The endocrine system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by releasing hormones that help control and coordinate different processes in the body. Choices A, C, and B are incorrect. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste; the digestive system includes the gastrointestinal system and other accessory organs; and choice B is a duplicate of the correct answer.
Question 5
Why is it important for cells to undergo mitosis?
A. mitosis allows for reproduction with male and female gametes
B. mitosis increases variation within the species
C. mitosis produces cells that are different from the parent cell
D. mitosis produces cells for growth and repair of body tissue
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — mitosis produces cells for growth and repair of body tissue
It is important for cells to undergo mitosis because it produces cells for the growth and repair of body tissues. Mitosis allows for the formation of genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring proper function and maintenance of the organism's body. By producing new cells, mitosis helps in the replenishment of damaged or worn-out tissue and supports overall growth and development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because mitosis is not directly related to reproduction with male and female gametes, increasing variation within the species, or producing cells different from the parent cell. These functions are more associated with meiosis, which is specifically for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.
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Question 6
What are the three main events of the haploid cell cycle?
A. DNA replication, mitosis, and cytokinesis
B. DNA replication, meiosis, and cytokinesis
C. DNA replication, cytokinesis, and degradation
D. Mitosis, meiosis, and apoptosis
Correct answer:
In the haploid cell cycle, the three main events are DNA replication, where the cell's genetic material is duplicated; mitosis, which is the division of the nucleus to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes; and cytokinesis, the division of the cell cytoplasm to separate the two daughter cells. Meiosis is not part of the haploid cell cycle as it occurs in diploid cells to produce haploid gametes. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and is not a routine event in the cell cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as meiosis and apoptosis are not part of the haploid cell cycle, and degradation is not a typical event in the cell cycle.
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:
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.
Physical factors such as temperature and pH can alter enzyme activity because they have an effect on the enzyme's ___________.
A. acidity
B. shape
C. chemistry
D. substrate
Correct answer:
Physical factors such as temperature and pH can alter enzyme activity by affecting the enzyme's shape. Enzymes rely on their specific shapes to function properly and catalyze reactions. Any changes in temperature or pH can disrupt these shapes, causing the enzyme to become denatured and lose its functionality. Therefore, alterations in temperature and pH can impact enzyme activity by directly affecting their shapes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while pH can affect acidity and chemical properties of the enzyme, and temperature can influence the enzyme-substrate interaction, the primary reason for enzyme activity alteration due to temperature and pH is the change in the enzyme's shape.
If a test has poor internal consistency, which statement is true?
A. The test produces different results at different times.
B. The items do not correlate or measure similar things.
C. The test produces different results depending on the researcher.
D. The items never vary even when the test environment changes.
Correct answer:
Correct answer: If a test has poor internal consistency, it means that the items do not correlate or measure similar things. This lack of correlation indicates that the items in the test are not measuring the same underlying construct or concept, leading to unreliable results. Choice A is incorrect because poor internal consistency is not about producing different results at different times but rather about the lack of correlation among items. Choice C is incorrect because the issue lies within the test itself, not with different researchers. Choice D is incorrect because poor internal consistency implies that the items do vary in their measurement, contributing to the unreliability of the test.
Which of the following are found both in open and closed circulatory systems?
A. Arteries
B. Red blood cells
C. Capillaries
D. Immune cells
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C, Capillaries. Capillaries are found in both open and closed circulatory systems. Capillaries are small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the blood and tissues. They are essential components of circulatory systems regardless of whether they are open or closed. Arteries (Choice A) are not found in open circulatory systems, as these systems lack distinct arteries and veins. Red blood cells (Choice B) are present in the blood but are not exclusive to either open or closed circulatory systems. Immune cells (Choice D) are not specific components of circulatory systems, as they are part of the immune system.
As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.
A. Mutualism
B. Parasitism
C. Commensalism
D. Competition
Correct answer:
Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.
Which of the following describes how a bacterium reproduces?
A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Binary fission
D. Cytokinesis
Correct answer:
Bacteria reproduce through a process called 'binary fission.' During binary fission, a bacterium duplicates its DNA and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method is the primary way bacteria replicate. Choice A, 'Mitosis,' is incorrect because mitosis is a process specific to eukaryotic cells, where the nucleus divides to produce two identical nuclei. Choice B, 'Meiosis,' is incorrect as meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice D, 'Cytokinesis,' is not the correct answer as cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which occurs after the genetic material has been divided in mitosis or meiosis.
Which of the following types of hormones can diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell and stimulate a chemical response to a target cell?
A. fat-soluble hormones
B. amino acid derivatives
C. hydrophilic hormones
D. water-soluble hormones
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: fat-soluble hormones. Fat-soluble hormones are able to diffuse through the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell. This is because they are lipophilic, allowing them to cross the lipid bilayer easily. Once inside the cell, fat-soluble hormones can directly affect gene expression or cell function.
Choice B, amino acid derivatives, and choice C, hydrophilic hormones, are not able to diffuse through the cell membrane as they are not lipophilic. Therefore, they cannot bind to receptors inside the cell. Choice D, water-soluble hormones, also cannot diffuse through the cell membrane as it is hydrophilic, making it unable to reach receptors inside the cell.
In an example of a male with hemophilia and a female carrier, what percentage of the offspring is predicted to be carriers only?
A. 0%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 100%
Correct answer:
In this scenario, the male offspring will inherit the X chromosome with the hemophilia gene from the mother, as males have one X chromosome inherited from their mother. The female offspring will inherit one normal X chromosome from the father and one X chromosome with the hemophilia gene from the mother, making them carriers of the hemophilia trait. Therefore, 50% of the offspring will be carriers only. Option A (0%) is incorrect as female offspring will inherit the X chromosome with the hemophilia gene from the mother. Option B (25%) is incorrect as the female offspring will not be unaffected. Option D (100%) is incorrect as not all offspring will be carriers, only the female offspring.
What process involves the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane?
A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active Transport
D. Facilitated Diffusion
Correct answer:
Osmosis is the process specifically involving the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane, from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. This process helps balance concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Choice A, Diffusion, refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, not specific to water. Choice C, Active Transport, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, unlike osmosis. Choice D, Facilitated Diffusion, involves the use of transport proteins to move specific substances across membranes, not limited to water molecules.
HESI A2 biology practice questions, set 3 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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