HESI A2 Biology: cells, genetics, and metabolism basics
25 scored · about 25 minutes, about 25 minutes for 25 scored items
This guide covers Biology on HESI A2. Biology items stay at introductory college depth: cells, energy, genetics, and ecosystems at overview level. Use our HESI A2 Biology Exams practice quizzes to rehearse with rationales.
Official HESI information: Elsevier (HESI). Your nursing program chooses which HESI A2 sections you take. Poker Exams HESI A2 Biology Exams practice is not the live Elsevier exam.
How Biology fits HESI A2
HESI A2 is modular. Confirm required sections, time limits, and calculator rules with your school before you test.
- Reading Comprehension, 50 scored · about 60 minutes
- Vocabulary, 50 scored · about 50 minutes
- Grammar, 50 scored · about 50 minutes
- Basic Math, 50 scored · about 50 minutes
- Anatomy and Physiology, 25 scored · about 25 minutes
- Biology, 25 scored · about 25 minutes (you are here)
- Chemistry, 25 scored · about 25 minutes
Biology themes
Think pathways and vocabulary you will see again in microbiology and pathophysiology.
High-yield Biology topics
Cell and molecular basics
- Mitosis vs. meiosis outcomes
- Protein synthesis overview
- Enzyme and substrate language
Genetics
- Punnett square probability
- Dominant vs. recessive vocabulary
- Mutation types in plain language
Microbes and disease basics
- Bacteria vs. virus vs. fungus at survey level
- Vaccine and antibody vocabulary
- Epidemic language in short passages
On test day
Short section, fast clock. Do not leave items blank.
- About 25 scored items in 25 minutes.
- Graphs or tables may accompany experiment-style questions.
Strategies for HESI Biology
- Draw the cell once per study day.
- Narrate experiments in one sentence before answer choices.
- Link genotype to phenotype in genetics items.
Mistakes on HESI Biology prep
- Over-studying upper-division molecular biology
- Ignoring photosynthesis and respiration contrasts
- Skipping practice quizzes with rationales
Two-week Biology plan
Week 1: Cells and energy pathways.
Week 2: Genetics and inheritance vocabulary.
Week 2: 25-question Biology blocks using the 4 HESI A2 Biology Exams quizzes on this page (151 practice questions) ; review every missed rationale the same day.
HESI A2: Biology practice
4 quizzes for the HESI A2 Biology Exams subject on this course (151 questions). Use them to rehearse Biology content before you sit the official exam, not as a substitute for ATI registration or policies.
HESI A2 Biology: frequently asked questions
- Is microbiology on HESI Biology?
- Some items touch microbes and disease at survey level. Depth varies by item bank.
- Do I need a lab course?
- Not necessarily, but lab language helps on experiment questions.