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 part of the brain controls the pituitary gland and regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature?

A. Thalamus
B. Hypothalamus
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in controlling the pituitary gland and regulating essential functions such as hunger, thirst, and body temperature. It acts as a vital link between the nervous system and the endocrine system, contributing to the maintenance of homeostasis in the body. Choice A, the Thalamus, is incorrect as it is primarily involved in relaying sensory information to the cerebral cortex. Choice C, the Medulla oblongata, is not responsible for regulating hunger, thirst, and body temperature; instead, it controls autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate. Choice D, the Cerebellum, is primarily associated with coordination and balance, not the regulation of endocrine functions or basic physiological needs.

3. Which part of the ear is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear?

A. Cochlea
B. Ossicles
C. Semicircular canals
D. Eustachian tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ossicles. The ossicles, consisting of the malleus, incus, and stapes, are located in the middle ear. They play a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, specifically to the cochlea. The cochlea is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. The semicircular canals are not involved in transmitting sound but are responsible for balance and orientation. The eustachian tube's function is to help equalize pressure in the middle ear, not to transmit sound vibrations.

4. What is the difference between a ventral and dorsal root of a spinal nerve?

A. Ventral carries motor, dorsal carries sensory information.
B. Ventral carries sensory, dorsal carries motor information.
C. Ventral is larger, dorsal is smaller.
D. Ventral is located anteriorly, dorsal is posteriorly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventral carries motor, dorsal carries sensory information. In the spinal nerve, the ventral root carries motor information from the spinal cord to the muscles, while the dorsal root carries sensory information from the peripheral sensory receptors to the spinal cord. Therefore, other choices are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as it states the opposite roles of ventral and dorsal roots. Choice C is incorrect as the size comparison between ventral and dorsal roots is not related to their functions. Choice D is incorrect as the terms 'anteriorly' and 'posteriorly' are not commonly used to describe the locations of ventral and dorsal roots in relation to each other.

5. According to the periodic table, which of the following elements is the least reactive?

A. Fluorine
B. Silicon
C. Neon
D. Gallium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neon is the least reactive among the given elements because it belongs to the noble gases group in the periodic table. Noble gases have a full valence shell of electrons, making them highly stable and least likely to react with other elements. Fluorine is the most reactive non-metal due to its high electronegativity. Silicon is a metalloid with moderate reactivity, falling between metals and nonmetals. Gallium is a metal with higher reactivity compared to Neon, but it is not as reactive as Fluorine.