ATI TEAS 7 science review

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine. It specifically targets starches and sugars, breaking them down into smaller molecules like maltose and glucose that can be absorbed by the body. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach, not the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Alveoli. The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place between the air we breathe in and the blood. The trachea, larynx, and pharynx are all part of the airway passage but do not directly participate in gas exchange. The trachea serves as the windpipe, the larynx is involved in sound production and protecting the airway during swallowing, and the pharynx helps with swallowing and speech production. Therefore, the alveoli specifically facilitate the critical gas exchange process, making them the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the myelin sheath is to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. The myelin sheath acts as an insulating layer around the axon, allowing for faster conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fiber. This insulation prevents the electrical signal from dissipating or 'leaking' out, which helps in the rapid and efficient transmission of nerve impulses along the axon. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not initiate nerve impulses; it helps in conducting them. Choice B is incorrect as the myelin sheath's main role is not in transmitting sensory information but rather in facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. Choice D is incorrect because the myelin sheath's function is not to connect neurons at synapses; instead, it is primarily involved in enhancing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The cell wall is a rigid layer that surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria. Its main function is to provide structural support and protection for the cell, helping maintain the cell's shape and preventing it from bursting or collapsing. The cell wall also allows for the passage of water, ions, and other molecules in and out of the cell. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because those functions are typically carried out by other cellular structures. Option B is performed by the cell membrane, option C by ribosomes, and option D by the nucleus, which stores genetic material.