what does the term solute refer to in a solution

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. What does the term 'solute' refer to in a solution?

A. The substance present in the largest amount
B. The substance that dissolves in the solvent
C. The liquid portion of the solution
D. The temperature at which the solution freezes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a solution, the term 'solute' specifically refers to the substance that dissolves in the solvent to create a solution. The solute is typically present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent. Option B correctly identifies the solute as the substance that undergoes dissolution in the solvent, making it the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is actually describing the solvent, which is the substance present in the largest amount in a solution. Choice C refers to the solvent, not the solute. Choice D is unrelated to the term 'solute' as it describes the colligative property of freezing point depression, not the solute itself.

2. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.

3. What does bradycardia refer to in terms of heart rate?

A. Normal (60-100 bpm)
B. Slightly elevated (100-120 bpm)
C. Significantly elevated (>120 bpm)
D. Abnormally slow (<60 bpm)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as less than 60 beats per minute. This condition can result in inadequate blood flow to meet the body's demands. It is crucial to distinguish between bradycardia and tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, as they require different management strategies. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they describe normal, slightly elevated, and significantly elevated heart rates, respectively, rather than an abnormally slow heart rate characteristic of bradycardia. Recognizing bradycardia is essential for appropriate evaluation and intervention in clinical settings.

4. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

A. They are small and soluble.
B. They are large and soluble.
C. They are small and insoluble.
D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

5. Balance the following redox reaction in acidic solution: I⁻ (aq) + Cr₂O₇²⁻ (aq) -> I₂ (aq) + Cr³⁺ (aq). Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent.

A. I⁻ is oxidized, Cr₂O₇²⁻ is reduced
B. I⁻ is reduced, Cr₂O₇²⁻ is oxidized
C. Both I⁻ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ are oxidized
D. Both I⁻ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ are reduced

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the given redox reaction, I⁻ is gaining electrons to form I₂, which means I⁻ is being reduced (undergoing reduction). On the other hand, Cr₂O₇²⁻ is losing electrons to form Cr³⁺, indicating that Cr₂O₇²⁻ is being oxidized (undergoing oxidation). Therefore, I⁻ is the reducing agent and Cr₂O₇²⁻ is the oxidizing agent. Choice A is incorrect because I⁻ is being reduced, not oxidized. Choice C is incorrect as both species cannot be oxidized in the same reaction. Choice D is incorrect as both species cannot be reduced in the same reaction.