what is the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl coa a key molecule in cellular respiration called

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test free science

1. What is the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, a key molecule in cellular respiration, called?

A. Beta-oxidation
B. Lipolysis
C. Carbohydrate catabolism
D. Nucleic acid catabolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beta-oxidation is the correct term for the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA molecules. This essential process takes place in the mitochondria and is a pivotal step in fatty acid metabolism for energy production. Lipolysis, however, refers to the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol but does not specifically involve the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA. Carbohydrate catabolism focuses on breaking down carbohydrates into glucose for energy production and is not directly linked to the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA. Nucleic acid catabolism involves the breakdown of nucleic acids into nucleotides and is not associated with the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA.

2. Which of the following statements best describes Newton's first law of motion?

A. An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force.
B. Force equals mass times acceleration.
C. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
D. The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Newton's first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object in motion will remain in motion, and an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force. This principle highlights the concept of inertia, which is the tendency of objects to resist changes in their state of motion. Option A accurately captures this fundamental aspect of Newton's first law. Options B, C, and D describe Newton's second law, third law, and the relationship between force, acceleration, and mass, respectively. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they pertain to different laws formulated by Newton.

3. What is the function of the pleurae?

A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
B. To facilitate the flow of air
C. To produce mucus
D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

4. What information does a genotype provide that a phenotype does not?

A. The genotype necessarily includes the proteins coded for by its alleles.
B. The genotype will always display an organism's recessive alleles.
C. The genotype must include the organism's physical characteristics.
D. The genotype indicates what an organism's parents looked like.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The genotype provides information about the specific genetic makeup of an organism, including the alleles it possesses for a particular trait. This information is not always directly reflected in the phenotype, which is the observable physical characteristics of an organism. The genotype determines the proteins coded for by its alleles, but the phenotype is the expression of those proteins in the organism's traits. Therefore, the genotype necessarily includes the proteins coded for by its alleles, a detail not provided solely by the phenotype.\nChoice B is incorrect because the genotype may include dominant alleles as well, not just recessive ones. Choice C is incorrect because the genotype refers to genetic information, not physical characteristics. Choice D is incorrect because the genotype does not directly indicate what an organism's parents looked like; it primarily describes the genetic information inherited from parents.

5. What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

A. Transcribes DNA into mRNA
B. Decodes the genetic code on mRNA
C. Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes
D. Modifies the structure of proteins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcribes DNA into mRNA: This is the function of RNA polymerase, not transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not transcription. B) Decodes the genetic code on mRNA: This is the function of tRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids and recognize the codons on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. C) Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes: This is the primary role of tRNA in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule is specific for a particular amino acid and carries it to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing protein chain. D) Modifies the structure of proteins: This is not a function of tRNA. Protein modification can occur after translation is complete and involves other cellular processes and molecules.