Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam

Biology HESI A2 Practice Exam Related

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What is another name for the light-independent reaction in plants?

  • A. Photosynthesis
  • B. Calvin cycle
  • C. Germination
  • D. Phosphorus cycle
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The light-independent reaction in plants is also known as the Calvin cycle. This biochemical pathway, named after Melvin Calvin who discovered it, takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and is responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle does not directly require light to function, hence the alternative name as the light-independent reaction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Photosynthesis is the overall process of converting light energy into chemical energy, which includes both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Germination is the process where a seed sprouts into a new plant. The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

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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: C

Rationale: 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.

Which cells in the human body lack nuclei?

  • A. Nerve cells
  • B. Red blood cells
  • C. Liver cells
  • D. Connective tissue cells
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack nuclei in humans. This absence of a nucleus allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, making red blood cells efficient at their function of oxygen transport in the body. Nerve cells (Choice A), liver cells (Choice C), and connective tissue cells (Choice D) all possess nuclei as they require genetic material for their functions, such as cell signaling, protein synthesis, and structural support.

In nature, water vapor becomes liquid water through the process of ___________.

  • A. condensation
  • B. sublimation
  • C. precipitation
  • D. absorption
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In nature, water vapor becomes liquid water through the process of condensation. Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and changes its state from a gas to a liquid, forming droplets that we commonly see as water droplets on surfaces or clouds in the sky. Sublimation refers to the transition from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. Precipitation is the process where water in the atmosphere falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Absorption is the process of one substance being taken in by another.

Why do gardeners sometimes use salt to get rid of slugs?

  • A. The salt moves from the exterior into the slug's body.
  • B. The salt causes water in the slug to move outward.
  • C. The salt and slug slime merge to form a new compound.
  • D. The salt's corrosiveness breaks down the slug's cell walls.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Gardeners use salt to get rid of slugs because salt is corrosive and breaks down the slug's cell walls. When the slug comes into contact with salt, the salt draws moisture out of the slug's body, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to the slug's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary mechanism of salt in eliminating slugs is its corrosive action on the slug's body, not the movement of salt into the slug's body, outward movement of water in the slug, or merging with slug slime to form a new compound.

Which of these is not an example of a lipid?

  • A. Butter
  • B. Wax
  • C. Canola oil
  • D. Honey
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Honey is not an example of a lipid because lipids are fat-related molecules that are insoluble in water, while honey is a natural sweet substance made by bees and primarily consists of sugars such as glucose and fructose. Butter, wax, and canola oil are examples of lipids as they are all composed of fat-related molecules that do not dissolve in water.

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