explain how a single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 science review

1. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

2. What is the primary function of white blood cells?

A. To carry oxygen
B. To fight infection
C. To transport nutrients
D. To transport waste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "To fight infection." White blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting infections and foreign invaders in the body, making them a critical component of the immune system. Choice A, "To carry oxygen," is incorrect as red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport. Choice C, "To transport nutrients," is incorrect as this function is mainly attributed to blood plasma and other specialized cells. Choice D, "To transport waste," is also incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by the kidneys and the lymphatic system, not white blood cells.

3. Which of the following organs is NOT part of the circulatory system?

A. Kidneys
B. Heart
C. Blood
D. Blood vessels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys are not part of the circulatory system. While the circulatory system includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), the kidneys belong to the urinary system. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine. Choice B, the heart, is a vital organ in the circulatory system responsible for pumping blood. Choice C, blood, is a key component of the circulatory system that carries oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. Choice D, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), facilitate the circulation of blood throughout the body, playing a crucial role in the circulatory system.

4. What energy conversion occurs in a solar cell?

A. Electrical energy to light energy
B. Chemical energy to electrical energy
C. Solar energy to thermal energy
D. Solar energy to electrical energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, convert solar energy from sunlight directly into electrical energy through a process called the photovoltaic effect. This process involves the absorption of photons from sunlight, which then generate an electric current. Choice A is incorrect because solar cells do not convert electrical energy into light energy. Choice B is incorrect as solar cells do not involve chemical energy conversion. Choice C is incorrect because solar cells do not primarily convert solar energy into thermal energy. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Solar energy to electrical energy.

5. Which of the following is NOT a common route of transmission for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

A. Unprotected sexual contact
B. Sharing contaminated needles
C. Deep kissing
D. Mother to child during childbirth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Unprotected sexual contact is a common route of transmission for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as many STIs are spread through genital, anal, or oral sex without the use of barrier protection such as condoms. B) Sharing contaminated needles can also transmit STIs such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, especially among individuals who inject drugs. C) Deep kissing, while it can transmit certain infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), is not a common route of transmission for most STIs. Although some STIs can be transmitted through saliva, deep kissing is not a primary mode of transmission for most STIs. D) Mother to child transmission during childbirth can occur with certain STIs such as HIV, syphilis, and herpes, where the infection can be passed from the mother to the baby during delivery. Therefore, deep kissing (option C) is the correct answer as it is not a typical route of transmission for most STIs.