how does meiosis differ from mitosis

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. How does meiosis differ from mitosis?

A. Meiosis is used for repairing the body. Mitosis is used for cell reproduction.
B. Meiosis is used for sexual reproduction. Mitosis is used for asexual reproduction.
C. Meiosis occurs in various organisms. Mitosis occurs in various organisms.
D. Meiosis produces cells that are genetically different. Mitosis produces cells that are genetically identical.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Meiosis is the process of cell division that results in the formation of sex cells (gametes) with only half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, leading to genetically different cells. In contrast, mitosis is a cell division process that produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and the parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as meiosis and mitosis differ in their genetic outcomes - meiosis results in genetic diversity, while mitosis maintains genetic identity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately distinguish between meiosis and mitosis. Meiosis is not used for repairing the body or asexual reproduction, and the occurrence of both processes in various organisms does not highlight their primary differences in genetic outcomes.

2. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.

3. What is the term for a solution that has a higher concentration of solute compared to another solution?

A. Saturated solution
B. Unsaturated solution
C. Dilute solution
D. Concentrated solution

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, a concentrated solution. A concentrated solution contains a higher concentration of solute compared to another solution. This means there is a large amount of solute dissolved in the solvent, making it more concentrated than other solutions. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A saturated solution is one in which no more solute can be dissolved at a given temperature, an unsaturated solution can dissolve more solute at the given conditions, and a dilute solution has a low concentration of solute relative to the solvent.

4. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

5. What are Merkel cells, located in the epidermis, specialized for?

A. Melanin production
B. Temperature sensation
C. Touch perception
D. Immune defense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Merkel cells are specialized touch receptors located in the epidermis of the skin. Their primary function is to perceive light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sensory perception of touch stimuli. Option A, melanin production, is incorrect because Merkel cells are not involved in producing melanin. Option B, temperature sensation, is incorrect as Merkel cells are not specialized for sensing temperature. Option D, immune defense, is also incorrect as Merkel cells do not have a role in immune defense mechanisms.