what is a mutation

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. What is a mutation?

A. A change in the DNA sequence
B. A type of protein
C. A normal part of the DNA replication process
D. A harmless variation in DNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A mutation is defined as a change in the DNA sequence, which can occur due to various factors such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens (e.g., chemicals, radiation), or spontaneous changes. These alterations can lead to modifications in the genetic information carried by an organism, resulting in effects that can range from harmless variations to causing genetic disorders or diseases. Mutations play a crucial role in genetic diversity and evolution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately define what a mutation is. Option B is incorrect because mutations are not a type of protein but rather changes in DNA. Option C is incorrect because while mutations can occur during DNA replication, they are not considered a 'normal' part of the process as they can lead to genetic variations. Option D is incorrect because mutations can have a wide range of effects and are not always harmless variations.

2. Where is fat primarily digested, and where is protein primarily digested?

A. Mouth; stomach
B. Stomach; small intestine
C. Small intestine; small intestine
D. Small intestine; stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Fats are primarily digested in the small intestine, where bile from the liver emulsifies fats for enzymatic digestion. The small intestine is where most of the absorption of nutrients occurs. Proteins, on the other hand, are mainly digested in the stomach by the enzyme pepsin under acidic conditions. The stomach's acidic environment helps denature proteins, making them more accessible to pepsin for digestion. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the primary sites of fat and protein digestion in the human digestive system.

3. What are the two primary functions of the respiratory system?

A. Delivering nutrients and removing CO2
B. Delivering O2 and removing CO2, maintaining blood pH
C. Maintaining blood pH and delivering nutrients
D. Delivering O2 and nutrients to the cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The respiratory system's primary functions include delivering oxygen (O2) to the body's cells for cellular respiration and removing carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby aiding in the maintenance of blood pH. These functions are crucial for gas exchange and the overall metabolic processes within the body. Choice A is incorrect as the respiratory system primarily delivers O2, not nutrients, and removes CO2, not delivering it. Choice C is incorrect as while the respiratory system helps maintain blood pH by removing CO2, it does not primarily deliver nutrients. Choice D is incorrect as it combines the functions of delivering O2 and nutrients, which are distinct roles of different systems in the body.

4. Which of the following organelles is responsible for protein production in the cell?

A. Ribosomes
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Mitochondria
D. Lysosomes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ribosomes. Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They can be found either freely floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi apparatus (Choice B) is involved in processing and packaging proteins, not protein production. Mitochondria (Choice C) are responsible for energy production, not protein synthesis. Lysosomes (Choice D) are involved in digestion and waste removal, not protein production.

5. Which of the following structures in the skin is responsible for producing sweat?

A. Sebaceous gland
B. Sudoriferous gland
C. Hair follicle
D. Melanocyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudoriferous gland. Sudoriferous glands, also known as sweat glands, are responsible for producing sweat to regulate body temperature. Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and hair. Hair follicles are associated with hair growth, not sweat production. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin for skin pigmentation, not sweat.