what is the purpose of a catalyst

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of a catalyst?

A. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the activation energy
B. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the temperature
C. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy
D. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of a catalyst is to increase a reaction's rate by decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly without being consumed in the process. The catalyst provides an alternate mechanism with a lower activation energy, making it easier for the reactants to convert into products. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst lowers, not increases, the activation energy. Choice B is incorrect because a catalyst does not affect the temperature directly but provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur more easily. Choice D is incorrect because a catalyst does not lower the temperature but facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier. Therefore, the correct answer is C, 'To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy.'

2. Which organ in the body is responsible for maintaining electrolyte balance and filtering waste from the blood?

A. Liver
B. Kidneys
C. Heart
D. Lungs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and maintaining electrolyte balance. They help regulate the body's fluid levels and produce urine as a means of waste elimination. The liver primarily plays a role in detoxification and metabolism, not in maintaining electrolyte balance or filtering waste from the blood. The heart is responsible for pumping blood, not for electrolyte balance or waste filtration. The lungs are primarily involved in gas exchange, not in maintaining electrolyte balance or filtering waste from the blood.

3. Adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, primarily functions in:

A. Support
B. Insulation
C. Energy storage
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Adipose tissue, also known as fat, serves multiple essential functions in the body. It provides support by cushioning and protecting organs, acts as an insulator to help regulate body temperature, and serves as a major energy storage site by storing excess energy in the form of triglycerides. Therefore, all the options (support, insulation, and energy storage) are correct functions of adipose tissue, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are all individually valid functions of adipose tissue, but to encompass the comprehensive role of adipose tissue, 'All of the above' is the most accurate option.

4. What term describes the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction?

A. Myofibril
B. Sarcomere
C. Tendon
D. Myoglobin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is indeed the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction. It is composed of actin and myosin filaments that interact to generate muscle contraction. Choice A, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres, not the functional units themselves. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons connect muscles to bones and do not directly participate in muscle contraction. Choice D, 'Myoglobin,' is incorrect as myoglobin is a protein that stores oxygen in muscle cells and is not directly involved in muscle contraction.

5. Which of the following is an example of a flat bone?

A. Femur
B. Scapula
C. Humerus
D. Tibia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the Scapula. Flat bones, such as the scapula, are thin, flattened bones that provide protection to internal organs and serve as attachment points for muscles. The other choices, femur, humerus, and tibia, are examples of long bones, which are characterized by their elongated structure and are primarily involved in supporting weight and facilitating movement.