the process of breaking large molecules into smaller molecules to provide energy is known as which of the following

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science

1. Which of the following terms refers to the process of breaking large molecules into smaller molecules to provide energy?

A. Metabolism
B. Bioenergetics
C. Anabolism
D. Catabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Catabolism.' Catabolism specifically involves breaking down large molecules into smaller ones to release energy. It is the opposite of anabolism, which is the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones. 'Metabolism' (choice A) is a broader term that encompasses all chemical processes in an organism, including anabolism and catabolism. 'Bioenergetics' (choice B) refers to the flow and transformation of energy in a biological system, not specifically the breakdown of molecules for energy.

2. Which of the following is a strong acid?

A. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
C. Citric acid
D. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions, leading to a high concentration of H⁺ ions in solution. This characteristic makes it a strong acid. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), citric acid, and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) are weak acids as they only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to strong acids. Therefore, hydrochloric acid is the correct choice as a strong acid.

3. What is the major difference between somatic and germline mutations?

A. Somatic mutations usually benefit the individual while germline mutations usually harm them.
B. Since germline mutations only affect one cell, they are less noticeable than the rapidly dividing somatic cells.
C. Somatic mutations are not expressed for several generations, but germline mutations are expressed immediately.
D. Germline mutations are usually inherited while somatic mutations will affect only the individual.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between somatic and germline mutations is that germline mutations are usually inherited and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and only affect the individual in which they occur. This means that germline mutations have the potential to be present in future generations, while somatic mutations do not.

4. When a person throws a ball horizontally, what force changes the direction of the ball's motion?

A. The force of throwing
B. Gravitational force
C. Air resistance
D. Normal force from the ground

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a person throws a ball horizontally, the initial force that propels the ball forward is the force of throwing (A). However, the force that changes the direction of the ball's motion is the gravitational force (B). Gravitational force acts vertically downward, causing the ball to follow a curved path. Air resistance (C) and normal force from the ground (D) do not directly change the direction of the ball's motion in this scenario.

5. What is the term for the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a specific temperature and pressure?

A. Molarity
B. Solubility
C. Concentration
D. Saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Solubility is the correct term for the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a specific temperature and pressure. Molarity is a measure of concentration, not the maximum amount that can dissolve. Concentration is a general term for the amount of solute present in a given amount of solvent. Saturation is related to solubility but specifically refers to a state where no more solute can be dissolved in the solvent.