what is the principle behind optical fibers used in communication

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the principle behind optical fibers used in communication?

A. Reflection of light within the fiber
B. Refraction of light due to different densities within the fiber
C. Total internal reflection guiding light through the fiber core
D. Diffraction of light around bends in the fiber

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Optical fibers used in communication rely on the principle of total internal reflection guiding light through the fiber core. Total internal reflection occurs when light traveling through the core of the fiber is reflected back into the core due to the higher refractive index of the core compared to the cladding. This reflection ensures that the light remains confined within the core and propagates along the fiber without significant loss, allowing for efficient transmission of signals over long distances in optical communication systems. Choice A is incorrect because optical fibers do not primarily rely on simple reflection; instead, they utilize total internal reflection to guide light. Choice B is incorrect as the primary principle is not the refraction of light due to different densities within the fiber, but rather total internal reflection. Choice D is incorrect as diffraction is not the main principle behind optical fibers, which mainly rely on total internal reflection to guide light through the fiber core.

2. Which division of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary muscle movements?

A. Somatic nervous system
B. Autonomic nervous system
C. Sympathetic nervous system
D. Parasympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, allowing for voluntary muscle movements. The autonomic nervous system, sympathetic nervous system, and parasympathetic nervous system are not involved in voluntary muscle movements. Instead, they regulate involuntary functions of the body such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with voluntary muscle movements.

3. Which is the correct order of formed elements in blood from smallest to largest cell size?

A. Erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and leukocytes
B. Thrombocytes, leukocytes, and erythrocytes
C. Thrombocytes, erythrocytes, and leukocytes
D. Leukocytes, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order of formed elements in blood from smallest to largest cell size is thrombocytes (platelets), erythrocytes (red blood cells), and leukocytes (white blood cells), making choice C the correct answer. Thrombocytes are the smallest, followed by erythrocytes, and then leukocytes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct order of cell size in blood formed elements.

4. Which statement most accurately compares and contrasts the structures of DNA and RNA?

A. Both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases. Three of the bases are the same, but the fourth base is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.
B. Both DNA and RNA have the same 4 nucleotide bases. However, the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA.
C. Both DNA and RNA have different numbers of nucleotide bases. DNA is a double helix while RNA is a single strand.
D. Both DNA and RNA have a double helix structure. However, DNA contains 6 nucleotide bases and RNA contains 4 nucleotide bases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because DNA and RNA both consist of 4 nucleotide bases, namely adenine, cytosine, and guanine, which are common in both. The key difference lies in the fourth base, which is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. This distinction is fundamental in understanding the structural variances between DNA and RNA. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA without specifying the crucial base differences. Choice C is inaccurate as it misrepresents the numbers of nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, and incorrectly describes DNA as a double helix and RNA as a single strand, which is not related to the difference in bases. Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately portrays DNA with 6 nucleotide bases and RNA with 4, which is not true; both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases, but with differences in one of the bases.

5. What is the main function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the cell?

A. To synthesize and transport proteins and lipids
B. To package and transport proteins
C. To break down macromolecules
D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes within the cell that plays a crucial role in protein and lipid synthesis. It consists of two types: rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification. The ER's main function is to synthesize proteins and lipids, not just package and transport them. While the ER is involved in transporting these synthesized proteins and lipids to other parts of the cell or outside the cell, its primary role is in their synthesis. Breaking down macromolecules is primarily the function of lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for digestion. Storing genetic material is the function of the nucleus, which houses the cell's DNA. The ER is not involved in storing genetic material.