what is the shape of the dna molecule

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the shape of the DNA molecule?

A. Linear
B. Circular
C. Double helix
D. Straight chain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Double helix. The shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix, a structure first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This shape consists of two strands twisted around each other in a spiral. The double helix structure allows DNA to be compactly stored within the cell nucleus and provides stability to the molecule. Options (A) Linear, (B) Circular, and (D) Straight chain are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the shape of the DNA molecule. DNA is not linear but rather forms a twisted double helix; it is not circular like a ring but has a spiral structure, and it is not a straight chain but a twisted ladder-like structure.

2. Which of the following lists the structures found beneath the rib in descending order?

A. Nerve → Artery → Vein
B. Vein → Nerve → Artery
C. Vein → Artery → Nerve
D. Artery → Nerve → Vein

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order of structures found beneath the rib in descending order is Vein → Artery → Nerve. This sequence is important to remember for medical procedures like inserting a chest tube to ensure precision and avoid complications. Choice A is incorrect because the nerve is not typically the structure closest to the rib. Choice B is incorrect as the vein is usually closer to the rib than the nerve. Choice D is incorrect as the artery is usually closer to the rib than the nerve.

3. Which of the following is the region of the brain that controls and regulates autonomic functions such as respiration, digestion, and heart rate?

A. cerebellum
B. medulla oblongata
C. temporal lobe
D. cerebral cortex

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is the region of the brain located at the base of the brainstem responsible for regulating autonomic functions such as respiration, digestion, and heart rate. These functions are essential for maintaining life. The cerebellum (Option A), temporal lobe (Option C), and cerebral cortex (Option D) do not control these autonomic functions. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, the temporal lobe is associated with memory and hearing, and the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making.

4. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture?

A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Thalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the cerebellum. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture. It receives inputs from sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other brain regions to fine-tune motor movements. The cerebrum, choice A, is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making. The medulla oblongata, choice C, controls essential functions such as breathing and heart rate. The thalamus, choice D, serves as a relay center for sensory information but is not directly responsible for coordinating muscle movements, balance, or posture.