which structure in the skin is responsible for producing melanin

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. Which structure in the skin is responsible for producing melanin?

A. Sudoriferous gland
B. Melanocyte
C. Sebaceous gland
D. Hair follicle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melanocyte. Melanocytes in the skin are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and provides protection against harmful UV radiation. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat, sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), and hair follicles are associated with hair growth. However, the specific function of producing melanin is attributed to melanocytes, making them the correct answer in this context.

2. How do organisms maintain homeostasis?

A. By increasing their body temperature, blood pH, and fluid balance.
B. By undergoing biochemical processes and absorbing energy to increase entropy.
C. By undergoing biochemical processes to maintain the order of their external environment.
D. By using free energy and matter via biochemical processes to work against entropy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Organisms maintain homeostasis by utilizing free energy and matter through biochemical processes to counteract entropy, which helps in preserving internal stability. This process involves maintaining a balance within the organism's internal environment despite external changes, ensuring proper functioning and survival. Choice A is incorrect because increasing body temperature, blood pH, and fluid balance alone do not define the comprehensive process of maintaining homeostasis. Choice B is incorrect as absorbing energy to increase entropy goes against the concept of maintaining internal stability. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining the order of the external environment does not directly contribute to the organism's internal stability and balance.

3. Photons, the basic unit of light, are:

A. Charged particles
B. Packets of energy with wave-particle duality
C. Electromagnetic waves only
D. Always absorbed by matter

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Photons are not charged particles; they are packets of energy that exhibit wave-particle duality, meaning they can behave as both particles and waves. While photons are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are not electromagnetic waves themselves but rather discrete energy packets. They are not always absorbed by matter; they can be reflected, transmitted, or scattered.

4. Which of the following statements accurately characterizes the relationship between genes and chromosomes?

A. Each gene contains multiple chromosomes.
B. Each chromosome contains multiple genes.
C. Genes and chromosomes are two different things referring to the same entity.
D. Genes and chromosomes are not interchangeable terms and do not always occur in equal numbers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Each chromosome contains multiple genes. Genes, which are segments of DNA, are located on chromosomes and carry hereditary information. Chromosomes contain many genes, indicating that genes are part of the structure of chromosomes. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not contain chromosomes; rather, they are located on chromosomes. Choice C is incorrect as genes and chromosomes are distinct entities with different functions. Choice D is incorrect because genes and chromosomes are related but not in equal numbers; chromosomes contain multiple genes, but the number of genes can vary between chromosomes.

5. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant antibody type, responsible for:

A. Immediate allergic reactions
B. Neutralizing toxins and viruses
C. Activating other immune cells
D. Protecting newborns from infections

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is indeed the most prevalent antibody type in the blood and tissue fluids. Its primary functions include neutralizing toxins and viruses, promoting phagocytosis, and activating the complement system. IgG plays a crucial role in long-term immunity and provides passive immunity to newborns by crossing the placenta, safeguarding them from infections. Immediate allergic reactions are mainly mediated by IgE, not IgG. While IgM is known for activating other immune cells, IgG focuses on other key functions within the immune response, such as neutralizing pathogens and enhancing phagocytosis. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as IgG is primarily involved in neutralizing toxins and viruses, rather than the other options presented.