how do organisms maintain homeostasis

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science

1. How do organisms maintain homeostasis?

A. By increasing their body temperature, blood pH, and fluid balance.
B. By undergoing biochemical processes and absorbing energy to increase entropy.
C. By undergoing biochemical processes to maintain the order of their external environment.
D. By using free energy and matter via biochemical processes to work against entropy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Organisms maintain homeostasis by utilizing free energy and matter through biochemical processes to counteract entropy, which helps in preserving internal stability. This process involves maintaining a balance within the organism's internal environment despite external changes, ensuring proper functioning and survival. Choice A is incorrect because increasing body temperature, blood pH, and fluid balance alone do not define the comprehensive process of maintaining homeostasis. Choice B is incorrect as absorbing energy to increase entropy goes against the concept of maintaining internal stability. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining the order of the external environment does not directly contribute to the organism's internal stability and balance.

2. Which layer of the skin, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings, is located beneath the epidermis?

A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the dermis. The dermis is the deeper layer of the skin that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings. It is located beneath the epidermis and provides structural support, nourishment, and sensitivity to the skin. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin responsible for protection. The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is the deepest layer that contains fat cells and plays a role in insulation and energy storage. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead skin cells that are continually shed and replaced.

3. Which of the following cell organelles is the site of lipid synthesis?

A. smooth endoplasmic reticulum
B. ribosome
C. rough endoplasmic reticulum
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This organelle lacks ribosomes on its surface, unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein synthesis. The enzymes present in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are responsible for synthesizing lipids such as phospholipids and steroids. Choice B, ribosomes, are responsible for protein synthesis and not lipid synthesis. Choice C, rough endoplasmic reticulum, is involved in protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes. Choice D, Golgi apparatus, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not lipid synthesis.

4. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

5. What does the innate immune system provide?

A. Nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens
B. Specific, long-term immune response through memory cells
C. Both (a) and (b)
D. Neither (a) nor (b)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The innate immune system provides nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens. It is the body's first line of defense in responding to infections and does not involve memory cells or specific long-term immune responses like the adaptive immune system. Choice B is incorrect because specific, long-term immune responses through memory cells are characteristics of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. Choice C is incorrect because the innate immune system does not provide specific, long-term immune responses. Choice D is incorrect because the innate immune system does provide an immediate defense against pathogens.