HESI A2 Biology Practice Test 2024

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer as it is the process by which cells divide to form two identical daughter cells for growth, repair, and maintenance. It involves a series of stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, ensuring the distribution of genetic material equally. Meiosis is incorrect as it is a process for producing gametes with genetic variation. Binary fission is incorrect as it is a form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes. Cellular division is too broad and vague, not specifically describing the process of cell division into two identical daughter cells.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a cell is the transport of materials. The ER consists of a network of membranes that help in the synthesis, folding, and transport of proteins and lipids. It plays a crucial role in the intracellular transport of materials between different cell compartments. This process ensures that newly synthesized proteins and lipids are properly transported to their respective destinations within the cell. The ER also serves as a site for the modification and packaging of proteins before they are transported to other organelles or secreted outside the cell. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Incorrect choices: A: Energy production - This is not the primary function of the ER. Energy production mainly occurs in mitochondria. B: Protein synthesis - While the ER is involved in protein synthesis, its primary function is the transport of materials. C: Waste removal - Waste removal is primarily carried out by lysosomes and peroxisomes in a cell, not the ER

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Peroxisomes. Peroxisomes are responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell by using enzymes to break down toxic molecules like hydrogen peroxide. This organelle contains catalase, an enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Endoplasmic Reticulum (choice A) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. Lysosomes (choice B) are responsible for breaking down cellular waste and recycling materials. Golgi Apparatus (choice D) is involved in processing and packaging proteins for secretion. Therefore, Peroxisomes specifically handle detoxification, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gametes. Meiosis is the process of cell division that produces gametes (sex cells) such as sperm and eggs. During meiosis, a diploid cell undergoes two rounds of division to produce four haploid gametes. Somatic cells (choice A) are non-reproductive cells in the body. Zygote (choice C) is a fertilized egg formed by the fusion of sperm and egg, not involved in meiosis. Diploid cells (choice D) have two sets of chromosomes and are the starting cells for meiosis, not the end products. Therefore, gametes are the specific cells involved in meiosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Golgi Apparatus. The Golgi Apparatus is responsible for packaging, processing, and shipping proteins and lipids produced by the endoplasmic reticulum. It modifies these molecules and packages them into vesicles for transport within the cell or secretion outside the cell. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The nucleus contains genetic material and is responsible for regulating cell activities, not packaging and shipping. C: The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, but it is the Golgi Apparatus that processes and packages these molecules. D: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not packaging and shipping.