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Key Facts: NLN NEX Science Exam
55 + 5
Scored plus unscored Science items
NLN January 2026 brief
60 minutes
Science subject-test time
NLN January 2026 brief
25 / 18 / 12
Knowledge / application / interpretation scored items
NLN January 2026 Table 4
School-specific
Admission cutoff and accepted score age
NLN student FAQ
NEX Science presents 60 items in 60 minutes, with 55 scored. Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry and Health receive 20, 11, 11, 5 and 8 scored items. School-specific cutoffs apply; percentile and percent correct are different measures.
Sample NLN NEX Science Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NLN NEX Science exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 125+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which organelle is the primary site of ATP production in a human cell?
A.Mitochondrion
B.Ribosome
C.Lysosome
D.Golgi apparatus
Explanation: The mitochondrion is the site of aerobic cellular respiration, where the electron transport chain generates the bulk of the cell's ATP. It is often called the powerhouse of the cell for this reason.
2What is the function of the cell membrane (plasma membrane)?
A.Regulating what enters and leaves the cell
B.Storing the cell's genetic material
C.Producing ribosomal RNA
D.Carrying out photosynthesis
Explanation: The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer that controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. This selective control helps maintain homeostasis within the cell.
3During diffusion, molecules move from an area of:
A.Lower to higher concentration using ATP
B.Higher to lower concentration without energy input
C.Lower to higher concentration without energy input
D.Equal concentrations only
Explanation: Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to one of lower concentration, down the concentration gradient. Because it follows the gradient, it requires no cellular energy.
4Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of which substance across a semipermeable membrane?
A.Glucose
B.Sodium ions
C.Water
D.Oxygen
Explanation: Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration. It is a special case of diffusion involving only water.
5A red blood cell placed in a hypotonic solution will most likely:
A.Shrink and crenate
B.Swell and possibly burst
C.Remain unchanged
D.Become more rigid
Explanation: A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration than the cell's interior, so water moves into the cell by osmosis. The red blood cell swells and may lyse (burst) if enough water enters.
6Which structure within the nucleus is responsible for assembling ribosomes?
A.Nucleolus
B.Chromatin
C.Nuclear pore
D.Centriole
Explanation: The nucleolus is a dense region within the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized and ribosomal subunits are assembled. These subunits then exit to the cytoplasm to build ribosomes.
7Which phase of mitosis is characterized by sister chromatids separating and moving toward opposite poles?
A.Prophase
B.Metaphase
C.Anaphase
D.Telophase
Explanation: During anaphase, the centromeres split and the sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers. This ensures each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
8How many daughter cells result from a single cell completing meiosis?
A.Two diploid cells
B.Two haploid cells
C.Four diploid cells
D.Four haploid cells
Explanation: Meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions that produce four genetically distinct daughter cells, each with half the chromosome number of the parent (haploid). This process generates gametes for sexual reproduction.
9What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?
A.Mitosis produces gametes; meiosis produces body cells
B.Mitosis produces identical diploid cells; meiosis produces genetically varied haploid cells
C.Mitosis occurs only in plants; meiosis occurs only in animals
D.Mitosis requires no DNA replication; meiosis requires two replications
Explanation: Mitosis produces two diploid cells genetically identical to the parent for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically varied haploid gametes. Meiosis introduces variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
10In DNA, the nitrogenous base adenine always pairs with:
A.Guanine
B.Cytosine
C.Thymine
D.Uracil
Explanation: In DNA, complementary base pairing dictates that adenine pairs with thymine via two hydrogen bonds, and guanine pairs with cytosine. This consistent pairing allows accurate DNA replication.
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