HESI A2 Practice Test Biology

HESI A2 Practice Test Biology Related

Review HESI A2 Practice Test Biology related questions and content

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

  • A. Nucleus
  • B. Cell membrane
  • C. Endoplasmic reticulum
  • D. Cytoplasm
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: 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.

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Which of the following describes how a bacterium reproduces?

  • A. Mitosis
  • B. Meiosis
  • C. Binary fission
  • D. Cytokinesis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: 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 is necessary for cell diffusion?

  • A. water
  • B. membrane
  • C. ATP
  • D. gradient
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'gradient.' In cell diffusion, substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, driven by the concentration gradient. This process does not require water, membrane, or ATP specifically. Water can aid in the movement of substances, but it is not necessary for diffusion itself. The membrane is involved in regulating diffusion but is not a requirement for the process. ATP is not directly involved in simple diffusion processes; instead, it is more related to active transport mechanisms. Therefore, the concentration gradient is essential for cell diffusion to occur.

Which molecule is primarily responsible for storing energy in cells?

  • A. Glucose
  • B. ATP
  • C. Fatty acids
  • D. Starch
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: ATP is the correct answer because it is the molecule responsible for storing and providing energy in cells. Glucose is a source of energy but not primarily for storage. Fatty acids are more involved in energy production through oxidation. Starch is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in plants.

Why is DNA important for the metabolic activities of the cell?

  • A. It initiates cellular mitosis.
  • B. It provides cell wall stability.
  • C. It increases glucose absorption.
  • D. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: DNA is important for the metabolic activities of the cell because it controls the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are essential for catalyzing metabolic reactions in the cell. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because DNA is not directly involved in cellular mitosis, cell wall stability, or glucose absorption.

Which of the following is not found within a bacterial cell?

  • A. mitochondria
  • B. DNA
  • C. vesicles
  • D. ribosome
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mitochondria. Mitochondria are not found in bacterial cells. Bacterial cells lack membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, which are commonly found in eukaryotic cells. Choices B, C, and D are all components that can be found within a bacterial cell. Bacterial cells contain DNA as their genetic material, vesicles for various cellular functions, and ribosomes for protein synthesis. Therefore, the presence of mitochondria is the distinguishing factor that is not found in bacterial cells, making option A the correct answer.

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