HESI A2 ENTRANCE EXAM BIOLOGY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 … EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI A2 Entrance Exam
Biology Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
High-Yield Review
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
40 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This HESI A2 Entrance Exam Biology study guide provides 40 questions with their correct answers
and detailed rationales, covering fundamental biological concepts. It offers high-yield review
suitable for certification preparation and comprehensive study of core biological principles. The
document is designed for efficient learning and mastery of essential biology knowledge.
CONTENTS
Cellular Biology and Processes Q1–Q20
Properties of Water Q21–Q25
Genetics and Heredity Q26–Q35
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Q36–Q40
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 40
Which of the following is a correct description of metaphase during mitosis?
A) The nuclear envelope disappears and the chromosomes begin to attach to the spindle that forms
along the axis of the cell.
B) Chromosomes gather on either side of the now separating cell.
C)Chromosomes start to separate.
D) Chromosomes align along the center of the cell.
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Chromosomes align along the center of the cell.
RATIONALE
During metaphase, chromosomes are precisely maneuvered by spindle fibers to align at the metaphase
plate, equidistant from the poles, ensuring equitable distribution during subsequent anaphase. This
alignment is the hallmark of metaphase, critical for accurate chromosome segregation.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 40
Where can ribosomes be found inside a cell?
A) Attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and in the cytoplasm.
B) Only in the cytoplasm.
C) Only attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
D) None of the above.
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and in the cytoplasm.
RATIONALE
Ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis, are found both freely within the cytoplasm and bound to the outer
surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, translating proteins destined for secretion or insertion into
membranes. This dual localization reflects the distinct destinations of the proteins synthesized.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 40
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in the cell?
A)To provide intracellular digestion.
B)To provide transportation of materials throughout the cell.
C)To uptake food through the cell membrane.
D)To produce cellular respiration.
CORRECT ANSWER
B)To provide transportation of materials throughout the cell.
RATIONALE
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other
organelles, functioning as the cell's primary distribution and shipping center. This process is critical for
cellular communication and homeostasis.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 40
In which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?
A)G1
B)S
C)G2
D)D1
CORRECT ANSWER
B)S
RATIONALE
DNA replication, the process of duplicating the genetic material, occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.
This synthesis phase is critical for ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes
after mitosis.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 40
Which of the following processes reduces cells originally classified as diploid to haploid?
A)Meiosis.
B)Mitosis.
C)Both meiosis and mitosis.
D)Neither meiosis and mitosis.
Page 3
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI A2 Entrance Exam
Biology Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
High-Yield Review
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
40 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This HESI A2 Entrance Exam Biology study guide provides 40 questions with their correct answers
and detailed rationales, covering fundamental biological concepts. It offers high-yield review
suitable for certification preparation and comprehensive study of core biological principles. The
document is designed for efficient learning and mastery of essential biology knowledge.
CONTENTS
Cellular Biology and Processes Q1–Q20
Properties of Water Q21–Q25
Genetics and Heredity Q26–Q35
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Q36–Q40
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 40
Which of the following is a correct description of metaphase during mitosis?
A) The nuclear envelope disappears and the chromosomes begin to attach to the spindle that forms
along the axis of the cell.
B) Chromosomes gather on either side of the now separating cell.
C)Chromosomes start to separate.
D) Chromosomes align along the center of the cell.
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Chromosomes align along the center of the cell.
RATIONALE
During metaphase, chromosomes are precisely maneuvered by spindle fibers to align at the metaphase
plate, equidistant from the poles, ensuring equitable distribution during subsequent anaphase. This
alignment is the hallmark of metaphase, critical for accurate chromosome segregation.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 40
Where can ribosomes be found inside a cell?
A) Attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and in the cytoplasm.
B) Only in the cytoplasm.
C) Only attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
D) None of the above.
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and in the cytoplasm.
RATIONALE
Ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis, are found both freely within the cytoplasm and bound to the outer
surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, translating proteins destined for secretion or insertion into
membranes. This dual localization reflects the distinct destinations of the proteins synthesized.
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 40
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in the cell?
A)To provide intracellular digestion.
B)To provide transportation of materials throughout the cell.
C)To uptake food through the cell membrane.
D)To produce cellular respiration.
CORRECT ANSWER
B)To provide transportation of materials throughout the cell.
RATIONALE
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other
organelles, functioning as the cell's primary distribution and shipping center. This process is critical for
cellular communication and homeostasis.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 40
In which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?
A)G1
B)S
C)G2
D)D1
CORRECT ANSWER
B)S
RATIONALE
DNA replication, the process of duplicating the genetic material, occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.
This synthesis phase is critical for ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes
after mitosis.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 40
Which of the following processes reduces cells originally classified as diploid to haploid?
A)Meiosis.
B)Mitosis.
C)Both meiosis and mitosis.
D)Neither meiosis and mitosis.
Page 3
