what is the process by which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?

A. Transformation
B. Transduction
C. Conjugation
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information. Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

2. Which property of matter refers to the force of gravity acting on an object?

A. Mass
B. Weight
C. Density
D. Volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weight is the property of matter that refers to the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, not affected by gravity. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance, not directly related to gravity. Volume is the amount of space that an object occupies, not a measure of gravity's force.

3. Which of the following best describes a chemical change?

A. Melting ice to form water
B. Dissolving sugar in water
C. Burning wood to produce ash
D. Crushing a can to reduce its size

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A chemical change involves a chemical reaction where new substances are formed. Burning wood to produce ash is an example of a chemical change because the wood undergoes a chemical reaction to form a new substance (ash). In this process, the chemical composition of wood changes to produce ash, which is a new substance. On the other hand, melting ice to form water, dissolving sugar in water, and crushing a can to reduce its size are examples of physical changes. In these instances, the substances may change their physical state or appearance but do not undergo a chemical reaction to form new substances. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it represents a chemical change, while choices A, B, and D represent physical changes.

4. What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?

A. Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system, while motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
B. Sensory neurons control voluntary muscles, while motor neurons control involuntary muscles.
C. Sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system.
D. Sensory neurons detect light, while motor neurons detect sound.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sensory neurons are responsible for carrying signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), allowing the brain to receive information about the external environment. On the other hand, motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling the brain to control voluntary and involuntary movements. Choice B is incorrect because sensory neurons do not control muscles, and motor neurons control both voluntary and involuntary muscles. Choice C is incorrect as sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system. Choice D is incorrect because sensory neurons detect various stimuli such as touch, taste, smell, and sound, while motor neurons are not involved in detecting sensory stimuli.

5. What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

A. Transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells
B. Carrying waste products away from tissues
C. Regulating body temperature
D. Producing red blood cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to carry waste products away from tissues. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid, waste materials, and toxins from the body's tissues and transport them to the bloodstream for elimination. Choice A is incorrect because transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells is mainly the function of the circulatory system. Choice C is incorrect as regulating body temperature is primarily done by the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms. Choice D is incorrect because the production of red blood cells occurs in the bone marrow, not in the lymphatic system.