HESI A2 Biology Practice Test

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell. The cell membrane acts as a selective barrier, regulating the passage of molecules in and out of the cell. It does this through various mechanisms such as protein channels and pumps. This function is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and ensuring the cell's survival. Summary: - B: It maintains the cell's shape: The cell membrane does contribute to the cell's shape but this is not its primary function. - C: It controls the substances entering the cell: This is partially correct, but the cell membrane also controls substances leaving the cell. - D: It supports the cell's structures: While the cell membrane provides some structural support, its main function is controlling the movement of substances.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nucleus stores the cell's genetic material, DNA, which contains instructions for cell function and growth. This is crucial for cell division, protein synthesis, and overall cell activities. Choice B is incorrect because the nucleus does not provide structural support to the cell. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes. Choice D is incorrect as energy production from food takes place in the mitochondria, not the nucleus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carrier proteins. Carrier proteins change shape to facilitate the movement of specific molecules across the membrane. They bind to the target molecule on one side of the membrane, undergo a conformational change, and release the molecule on the other side. This process is selective and energy-dependent. Option A (Diffusion) is incorrect because diffusion is a passive process that does not involve proteins changing shape to transport molecules. Option C (Channel proteins) is incorrect because channel proteins provide a passageway for specific molecules to move across the membrane but do not change shape to transport molecules. Option D (None of the above) is incorrect because carrier proteins specifically fit the description provided in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because water's polarity leads to hydrogen bonding, high specific heat value, and versatile solvent properties. Polarity in water results from its unequal sharing of electrons between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, creating a partial positive and negative charge. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds, which contribute to its high specific heat value, meaning water can absorb and release heat without drastic temperature changes. Additionally, water's polarity enables it to act as a versatile solvent, dissolving many substances. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they mention incorrect types of bonding and specific heat values that do not align with water's characteristics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: species. Within the biological hierarchical system, species is the least inclusive category. A species consists of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Moving up the hierarchy, species are grouped into genera, then families, orders, classes, phyla, and finally kingdoms. Phylum (A), order (B), and kingdom (C) are all more inclusive categories than species. Phylum includes multiple classes, order includes multiple families, and kingdom includes multiple phyla. Therefore, species is the least inclusive category within this system.