Nursier
Register
Log in Register Register

HESI A2 biology practice questions, set 5

HESI A2 · biology

HESI A2 biology practice questions set 5

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

Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?

  1. A. Nucleus
  2. B. Cell membrane
  3. C. Endoplasmic reticulum
  4. D. Cytoplasm
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Cell membrane

The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.

Question 2

During which phase of cell division do the chromosomes replicate?

  1. A. Prophase
  2. B. Interphase
  3. C. Anaphase
  4. D. Telophase
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Interphase

Chromosomes replicate during the interphase of the cell cycle. Interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division by undergoing various activities such as growth, DNA replication, and protein synthesis. During DNA replication in interphase, each chromosome in the cell is duplicated to form two sister chromatids, which are then separated during cell division. Prophase is the phase where the chromosomes condense, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. Telophase is the phase where the nuclear envelope reforms, and chromosomes begin to decondense.

Question 3

Which molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?

  1. A. Lipids and proteins
  2. B. Carbohydrates and lipids
  3. C. Proteins and carbohydrates
  4. D. Nucleic acids and proteins
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Carbohydrates and lipids

Carbohydrates and lipids are the molecules that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates such as sugars and starches are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1:2:1, while lipids such as fats and oils are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as well. Lipids typically contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms compared to oxygen atoms. Proteins contain nitrogen in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, while nucleic acids contain phosphorus in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they include molecules that contain elements other than carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Question 4

The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids with proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins. What does this bilayer create?

  1. A. Impermeable
  2. B. Permeable
  3. C. Selectively permeable
  4. D. Selectively impermeable
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Selectively permeable

The correct answer is 'Selectively permeable.' The cell membrane's bilayer structure allows it to be selectively permeable, meaning it can control the passage of substances. This property enables the membrane to regulate the entry and exit of specific molecules, ions, and other substances. Choice A, 'Impermeable,' is incorrect as the cell membrane is not completely impermeable and does allow certain substances to pass through. Choice B, 'Permeable,' is also incorrect as it does not address the selective nature of the membrane. Choice D, 'Selectively impermeable,' is a contradictory term and does not accurately describe the cell membrane's function.

Question 5

Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?

  1. A. Plant cells can use both methods to divide
  2. B. Animal cells divide faster, requiring them to pinch apart
  3. C. Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring
  4. D. N/A
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring

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.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Start studying See pricing

Ten more HESI A2 biology questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

What is the purpose of phloem tissue in plant stems?

  1. A. It conducts water up through the stem.
  2. B. It conducts the energy of light to leaves.
  3. C. It conducts food throughout the plant.
  4. D. It conducts carbon dioxide throughout the plant.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

What is the primary function of the endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?

  1. A. Energy production
  2. B. Protein synthesis
  3. C. Waste removal
  4. D. Transport of materials
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

72 chromosomes undergo meiosis. How many chromosomes will be in each gamete?

  1. A. 18
  2. B. 36
  3. C. 72
  4. D. 144
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

Genes control heredity in man and other organisms. This gene is ___

  1. A. A segment of DNA
  2. B. A bead-like structure on the chromosomes
  3. C. A protein molecule
  4. D. A segment of RNA
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

What process do cells in the tip of a plant's root undergo to increase in number?

  1. A. Meiosis
  2. B. Cytokinesis
  3. C. Fractioning
  4. D. Mitosis
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

Which, if any, of the following statements about the biosphere is correct?

  1. A. The biosphere is the part of the Earth that supports life.
  2. B. The biosphere encompasses the entire surface of the Earth.
  3. C. A and B are correct.
  4. D. None of these statements is correct.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?

  1. A. It attaches to a ribosome.
  2. B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
  3. C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
  4. D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

Why is polarity the most important characteristic of water?

  1. A. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
  2. B. the results of the polarity are covalent bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
  3. C. the results of the polarity are ionic bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
  4. D. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

Which one is not a reactant in photosynthesis?

  1. A. Water
  2. B. Light energy
  3. C. Glucose
  4. D. Carbon dioxide
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

Which of the following is necessary for cell diffusion?

  1. A. water
  2. B. membrane
  3. C. ATP
  4. D. gradient
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these HESI A2 biology questions

HESI A2 biology practice questions, set 5 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the HESI A2 exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Start studying See pricing