HESI Biology Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

HESI Biology Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane. It occurs to balance solute concentrations. Facilitated diffusion uses carrier proteins to move molecules down their concentration gradient. It does not require cellular energy. Active transport moves molecules against their concentration gradient. It requires energy in the form of ATP. Phagocytosis allows a cell to engulf solid particles. It is a type of endocytosis. Pinocytosis allows a cell to take in extracellular fluid. It is a nonspecific type of endocytosis. 2 The cell cycle consists of interphase and mitotic phase. Interphase includes G1, S, and G2 phases. During mitosis, prophase is characterized by chromatin condensation. Spindle fibers begin to form. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell’s equator. This ensures proper segregation. During anaphase, sister chromatids separate. They move toward opposite poles of the cell. During telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms. Chromosomes decondense into chromatin. Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm. It occurs after mitosis, producing two daughter cells. 3 Meiosis produces gametes with half the chromosome number. It involves two rounds of division: meiosis I and II. Crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis. It increases genetic diversity. The nucleoid in prokaryotes contains the cell’s DNA. It is not enclosed by a nuclear membrane. Endosymbiotic theory explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts. They were once free-living prokaryotes engulfed