how many amino acids can make up a protein

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. How many amino acids can make up a protein?

A. 10-20
B. 50-100
C. 100-500
D. 1000+

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and there are 20 standard amino acids commonly found in proteins. The sequence and arrangement of these amino acids determine the structure and function of a protein. While proteins can vary in size and complexity, the number of amino acids typically ranges from around 10 to 20 in smaller proteins to hundreds or even thousands in larger proteins. Therefore, the range of 10-20 amino acids is the most accurate representation of the number of amino acids that can make up a protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide ranges that are beyond the typical number of amino acids found in proteins and may lead to confusion. The correct answer is A (10-20).

2. If a biochemist isolates a large amount of pyruvate, which part of the cell is he working with?

A. Chloroplasts
B. Cytoplasm
C. Mitochondria
D. Nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cytoplasm. Pyruvate is a product of glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. Therefore, a biochemist isolating a large amount of pyruvate would be working with the cytoplasm of the cell. Choice A, Chloroplasts, is incorrect because pyruvate is not produced in chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Choice C, Mitochondria, is incorrect as pyruvate is produced in the cytoplasm before entering the mitochondria for further metabolism. Choice D, Nucleus, is incorrect as the nucleus is not involved in the production or isolation of pyruvate, which is a metabolic intermediate.

3. Which cells myelinate neurons in the CNS?

A. Schwann cells
B. Astrocytes
C. Microglia
D. Oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelinating neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Schwann cells, found in the peripheral nervous system, are responsible for myelinating neurons there. Astrocytes support and maintain the neuronal environment, while microglia function as immune cells in the CNS, participating in immune responses and cellular debris clearance. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for myelination of CNS neurons.

4. Which types of molecules can move through a cell membrane by passive transport?

A. Complex sugars
B. Non-lipid soluble molecules
C. Oxygen
D. Molecules moving from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oxygen. Small, non-polar molecules like oxygen can easily pass through the cell membrane by passive transport as they move down their concentration gradient without the need for energy input. Complex sugars (choice A) are typically too large to pass through the membrane by passive transport. Non-lipid soluble molecules (choice B) may require active transport mechanisms. Choice D describes active transport, where molecules move against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input.

5. Which of the following statements regarding the microscopic anatomy of heart muscle is correct?

A. Cardiac muscle is striated, short, fat, branched, and interconnected
B. Intercalated discs anchor cardiac cells together and allow the free passage of ions
C. The connective tissue endomysium acts as both tendon and insertion
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Cardiac muscle is indeed striated, short, fat, branched, and interconnected. Intercalated discs are responsible for anchoring cardiac cells together and allowing the free passage of ions. Additionally, the connective tissue endomysium provides structural support and acts as a tendon-like structure attaching muscle fibers to each other. Therefore, all the statements in choices A, B, and C are accurate when describing the microscopic anatomy of heart muscle. Choices A, B, and C individually represent different aspects of the structural features of cardiac muscle, making choice D the most comprehensive and correct answer.