which of the following distinguishes the isotopes of an element

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. Which of the following distinguishes the isotopes of an element?

A. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different ionic charges.
B. Isotopes are atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table.
C. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
D. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different electron configurations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their nucleus but different numbers of neutrons. This leads to variations in atomic mass for isotopes of an element. The different number of neutrons in isotopes results in differences in their atomic mass and properties while still belonging to the same element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do not have different ionic charges, they have the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes are not atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table; they are variants of the same element. Choice D is incorrect because isotopes of an element have the same electron configuration, differing only in the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

2. What is the main function of red blood cells?

A. Transport oxygen
B. Transport carbon dioxide
C. Regulate blood pressure
D. Regulate heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transport oxygen. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to cells throughout the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. Red blood cells do not regulate blood pressure or heart rate; their main role is oxygen transport. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because red blood cells do not transport carbon dioxide, regulate blood pressure, or regulate heart rate. These functions are primarily carried out by other components of the circulatory and regulatory systems.

3. What is the process of separating a mixture based on the different boiling points of its components called?

A. Filtration
B. Chromatography
C. Distillation
D. Centrifugation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Distillation is the process of separating a mixture based on the different boiling points of its components. During distillation, the mixture is heated to vaporize the component with the lowest boiling point first. The vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid, allowing for the collection of fractions with different boiling ranges. This technique is effective for separating components that have significantly different boiling points. Filtration (Choice A) is a method used to separate solids from liquids or gases using a filter medium. Chromatography (Choice B) is a technique used to separate components of a mixture based on their differential affinities to a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Centrifugation (Choice D) is a process of separating particles from a solution based on differences in size, shape, density, and viscosity by spinning the mixture at high speeds.

4. Molecular clocks utilize the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences to estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. This method relies on the assumption that:

A. The rate of mutation is constant across all genes and all species.
B. Species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently.
C. Mutations are always beneficial and contribute to increased fitness.
D. The fossil record provides the most accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A molecular clock is a method used to estimate the time of divergence between species by measuring the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. This method relies on the assumption that mutations occur at a relatively constant rate over time. If the rate of mutation were not constant, it would be challenging to accurately estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the fundamental principle underlying the molecular clock hypothesis. Option B is incorrect because the assumption that species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently does not directly relate to the concept of molecular clocks and the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. Option C is incorrect because mutations are not always beneficial and do not always contribute to increased fitness. Mutations can be neutral or deleterious as well, and their accumulation is what is used to estimate evolutionary di

5. What occurs in each of the three phases of the uterine cycle?

A. Proliferative: uterine lining thickens
B. Secretory: ovulation occurs
C. Menstrual: uterine lining sheds
D. Proliferative: uterine lining thickens

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Ovulation occurs around day 14 of the cycle. The menstrual phase is when the uterine lining sheds if pregnancy has not occurred. Choice A is a duplicate of the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect as ovulation occurs during the mid-cycle, which is the ovulatory phase, not the secretory phase. Choice C is incorrect because the uterine lining sheds during the menstrual phase, not the secretory phase.