which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

A. Pepsin
B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

2. Which of the following describes how atomic radius varies across the periodic table?

A. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table.
B. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and right to left on the periodic table.
C. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the halogens on the periodic table.
D. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the noble gases on the periodic table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atomic radius tends to increase from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table. This is because as you move down a group (top to bottom), new energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus and thus increasing the size of the atom. On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases, leading to a stronger nuclear charge that attracts the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in smaller atomic radii. Choice B is incorrect as atomic radius does not increase from right to left. Choices C and D are incorrect as they incorrectly associate the trend with specific groups of elements (halogens and noble gases) rather than the general trend observed on the periodic table.

3. Which human body system is correctly matched with its function?

A. Respiratory system; exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
B. Circulatory system; transports oxygen to cells and removes carbon dioxide.
C. Lymphatic system; produces antibodies that destroy virally affected or foreign cells.
D. Endocrine system; regulates hormones controlling bodily functions and metabolism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The circulatory system is responsible for the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to all the body's cells and tissues, as well as removing carbon dioxide from the cells and transporting it back to the lungs to be exhaled. This process is crucial for cellular respiration and the exchange of gases necessary for bodily functions. Choice B accurately matches the role of the circulatory system by describing its function of transporting oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide, which is essential for maintaining proper cellular activities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately match the body system with its function. The respiratory system primarily involves the exchange of gases in the lungs, not transportation to cells; the lymphatic system deals with immunity through the production of antibodies, not gas exchange; and the endocrine system's main function is hormone regulation, not the transport of gases.

4. What is kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease, characterized by?

A. Muscle wasting
B. Night blindness
C. Scurvy
D. Rickets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Kwashiorkor is a severe acute malnutrition condition resulting from insufficient dietary protein intake. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and notably, muscle wasting. Muscle wasting occurs as the body breaks down muscle tissue to obtain essential amino acids for vital functions. Night blindness (option B) is associated with vitamin A deficiency, scurvy (option C) results from a lack of vitamin C, and rickets (option D) is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

5. Which hormone is released by the pituitary gland?

A. Estrogen
B. Luteinizing Hormone
C. Progesterone
D. Testosterone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Luteinizing Hormone. The pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone, which plays a crucial role in reproductive functions by stimulating ovulation in females and testosterone production in males. Choice A, Estrogen, is incorrect as estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries. Choice C, Progesterone, is incorrect as progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries and the placenta during pregnancy. Choice D, Testosterone, is incorrect as testosterone is produced primarily in the testes in males and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in females.