HESI A2 Biology: Topics to Review
Biology is one of the subjects covered in the HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review. The current HESI review guide includes biology alongside mathematics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology.
Start With Cell Biology
Cells are an important foundation for understanding biology. Review:
- Cell structures
- Functions of organelles
- Cell membranes
- Movement across membranes
- Cell division
Make sure you understand the relationship between a cell structure and its function.
Review Biological Molecules
Study the major types of biological molecules, including:
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
Know their general functions and why they are important to living organisms.
Understand Metabolism
Review the basic idea of metabolism and how organisms obtain and use energy. You should understand that cells require energy for many processes and that metabolic reactions help make that energy available.
Study Cellular Respiration
Review the purpose of cellular respiration and the major ideas involved in how cells obtain usable energy from nutrients. Understanding the overall process is more useful than simply memorizing isolated terms.
Review Photosynthesis
Know the purpose of photosynthesis and how plants use light energy to produce chemical energy. Be familiar with the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Use Practice Questions
After reviewing a topic, answer practice questions without looking at your notes. When you make a mistake, return to the concept and determine why your original answer was incorrect.
Final Thoughts
HESI A2 Biology preparation should begin with the fundamentals. Focus on cells, biological molecules, metabolism, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, then use practice questions to identify areas that need more review.
