which of the following best defines the term amphoteric

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science

1. Which of the following best defines the term amphoteric?

A. A substance that conducts electricity due to ionization when dissolved in a solvent
B. A substance that can act as an acid or a base depending on the properties of the solute
C. A substance that, according to the Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory, is a proton-donor
D. A substance that donates its proton and forms its conjugate base in a neutralization reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An amphoteric substance can act as both an acid or a base depending on the environment. It can donate a proton (act as an acid) or accept a proton (act as a base), showing versatility in its behavior. Choice A is incorrect as it describes an electrolyte rather than an amphoteric substance. Choice C is incorrect as it defines an acid based on the Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically refers to a substance donating a proton in a neutralization reaction, not capturing the dual behavior of an amphoteric substance.

2. What is the process of converting DNA into a protein called?

A. Transcription
B. Translation
C. Replication
D. Mutation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Translation is the correct answer. It is the process of converting the information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein. Transcription (Choice A) is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. Replication (Choice C) is the process of making an identical copy of DNA. Mutation (Choice D) refers to a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in proteins, but it is not the process of converting DNA into a protein.

3. Which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe?

A. Pharynx
B. Esophagus
C. Larynx
D. Epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the windpipe by covering the trachea during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the opening of the trachea to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and not into the airway. The pharynx is a shared pathway for both food and air, leading to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The larynx is responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing, but the epiglottis is specifically designed to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

4. How does the human eye focus light?

A. Cornea
B. Iris
C. Lens
D. Retina

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The human eye focuses light by adjusting the shape of its lens. The lens changes shape to allow the eye to focus on objects at different distances, a process known as accommodation. The cornea is the transparent outer covering of the eye that helps to focus light but does not change shape like the lens. The iris controls the size of the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that receives and processes images but does not adjust the focus of light.

5. Which statement is true regarding aromatic compounds?

A. Contain a ring structure with alternating single and double bonds
B. Readily undergo addition reactions
C. Are easily broken down by water
D. Do not contain any pi (π) bonds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aromatic compounds contain a ring structure with alternating single and double bonds, known as a benzene ring. This alternating pattern of bonds gives aromatic compounds their stability and unique properties. Due to this resonance, aromatic compounds are less reactive towards addition reactions. Water does not easily break down aromatic compounds due to their stability from the delocalized electrons in the ring structure. Therefore, the correct statement is that aromatic compounds contain a ring structure with alternating single and double bonds, providing them with stability and unique properties. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Aromatic compounds do not readily undergo addition reactions (B), are not easily broken down by water (C), and do contain pi (π) bonds due to the presence of the alternating single and double bonds in the ring structure (D).