Biology HESI A2 2024

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Both are prokaryotes. Rationale: 1. Bacteria and blue-green algae lack a true nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and have a simpler cellular structure, indicating they are prokaryotes. 2. Prokaryotes are distinct from eukaryotes, which have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. 3. Gymnosperms (choice A) are seed-producing plants, not related to bacteria or blue-green algae. 4. Autotrophs (choice C) can include plants, algae, and some bacteria, but not all bacteria are autotrophs. 5. Pathogens (choice D) are disease-causing agents, not a characteristic that defines the classification of bacteria and blue-green algae.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Producers > secondary consumers. This is true because producers, like plants, have the highest energy content in an ecosystem as they convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, such as carnivores, obtain energy by consuming primary consumers or other secondary consumers, resulting in a lower energy content compared to producers. A: Decomposers < secondary consumers - Incorrect. Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nutrients, and have a lower energy content compared to secondary consumers. B: Primary consumers < producers - Incorrect. Primary consumers, like herbivores, consume producers directly, so they have a lower energy content than producers. D: Secondary consumers < primary consumers - Incorrect. Secondary consumers typically have a lower energy content than primary consumers as they obtain energy by consuming them.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because yeast carries out fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. During fermentation, yeast breaks down sugars in the dough into ethanol and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise. Choice A is incorrect because yeast does not engage in photosynthesis. Choice B is incorrect because yeast does not carry out photosynthesis at all. Choice D is incorrect because yeast primarily produces carbon dioxide through fermentation, not aerobic respiration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because meiosis creates cells with half the chromosomes of the parent cell through two rounds of cell division. This results in gametes with a haploid number of chromosomes. In contrast, mitosis produces identical diploid cells for growth and repair. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because mitosis forms body cells, telophase occurs in both processes, and spermatogenesis and oogenesis specifically involve meiosis, respectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During interphase, the cell prepares for division by replicating its DNA, including the chromosomes. This occurs before the actual cell division stages of mitosis or meiosis. Prophase is the stage where chromosomes condense, not replicate. Anaphase is when sister chromatids separate, and telophase is the final stage where chromosomes de-condense. Therefore, the correct answer is B (Interphase) as it is the specific phase where chromosome replication occurs.