which of the following describes a cells reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. What describes a cell’s reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?

A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.

2. What is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis?

A. Bacteria
B. Viruses
C. Fungi
D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.

3. The innate immune system provides a non-specific first line of defense. What are some physical barriers that contribute to the innate immune system?

A. Antibodies
B. Phagocytes
C. Skin and mucous membranes
D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes are crucial components of the innate immune system's first line of defense. These barriers act as physical obstacles that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Antibodies (option A) are produced by the adaptive immune system in response to specific pathogens and do not serve as physical barriers. Phagocytes (option B) are cells that engulf and digest pathogens, playing a role in the innate immune response but not as physical barriers. Memory B cells (option D) are part of the adaptive immune system and aid in mounting a faster and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to a specific pathogen, but they are not physical barriers against initial pathogen entry.

4. What is the name of the monthly cycle in females that prepares the body for potential pregnancy?

A. Ovulation cycle
B. Menstrual cycle
C. Implantation cycle
D. Gestation cycle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes that occur in the female reproductive system, preparing the body for potential pregnancy. One of the key events in this cycle is the thickening of the uterine lining in anticipation of receiving a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, this thickened lining is shed during menstruation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The ovulation cycle specifically refers to the release of the egg from the ovary, not the entire monthly reproductive cycle. The implantation cycle is the phase when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, not the overall monthly cycle. The gestation cycle pertains to the period of development from conception to birth, not the cycle preparing for potential pregnancy.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A. Synthesis of lipids (fats)
B. Transport of materials within the cell
C. Detoxification of harmful substances
D. Breakdown of cellular waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not involved in the breakdown of cellular waste products; this function is primarily carried out by lysosomes. The ER is responsible for the synthesis of lipids (fats), transport of materials within the cell, and detoxification of harmful substances. Lysosomes are the organelles responsible for breaking down cellular waste products through processes like autophagy. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with the known functions of the endoplasmic reticulum.