which of the following is the primary function of the cell membrane

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

A. To provide structural support for the cell
B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

2. Which transport mechanism uses vesicles to move materials out of the cell?

A. Endocytosis
B. Active transport
C. Diffusion
D. Exocytosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Exocytosis is the transport mechanism that uses vesicles to move materials out of the cell. Vesicles carry substances to the cell membrane, fuse with it, and release their contents outside the cell. This process is essential for secreting molecules such as hormones, enzymes, or neurotransmitters. Endocytosis, on the other hand, is the process of bringing materials into the cell by engulfing them in vesicles. Active transport involves the movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy. Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

3. Which of the following are examples of positive correlation?

A. As rainfall increases, plant stem length decreases.
B. As rainfall increases, roots show longer length.
C. When plotting a comparison of rainfall to plant length, the line trends to the lower right.
D. When plotting a comparison of rainfall to plant length, the line trends to the upper right.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases. In this case, when plotting a comparison of rainfall to plant length, if the line trends to the upper right, it shows a positive correlation where as rainfall increases, plant length also increases. Choices A, B, and C show either no correlation or negative correlation, as they describe scenarios where the variables move in different or opposite directions.

4. What is the path of oxygenated blood flow in our body?

A. From the heart directly to the brain
B. From the lungs to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle, and out through the aorta
C. From the body to the right atrium to the lungs
D. From the left atrium directly to the aorta

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oxygenated blood flows from the lungs to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle, and is pumped out through the aorta to the body. This pathway ensures efficient oxygen delivery to the body's tissues and organs. Choice A is incorrect as oxygenated blood does not flow directly from the heart to the brain. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a route from the body to the right atrium and then to the lungs, which is the pathway for deoxygenated blood. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a direct pathway from the left atrium to the aorta, skipping the left ventricle, which is essential for pumping blood to the body.

5. Certain medications can suppress the immune system to treat autoimmune diseases or prevent organ rejection after transplants. What is a potential risk associated with immunosuppressive drugs?

A. Increased risk of developing allergies
B. Increased susceptibility to infections
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Immunosuppressive drugs work by suppressing the immune system's activity, which can increase the risk of infections as the body's ability to fight off pathogens is compromised. While allergies can be a side effect of some medications, the primary concern with immunosuppressive drugs is the increased susceptibility to infections. Therefore, the correct answer is B, increased susceptibility to infections. Choice A, 'Increased risk of developing allergies,' is incorrect as the primary risk associated with immunosuppressive drugs is not related to allergies. Choice C, 'Both A and B,' is incorrect as the main concern is the increased susceptibility to infections rather than developing allergies. Choice D, 'Neither A nor B,' is incorrect as there is a known risk of increased susceptibility to infections when using immunosuppressive drugs.