ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that are soluble in nonpolar solvents like oils but insoluble in water. They consist of fats, oils, waxes, and steroids and play essential roles in energy storage, insulation, and cell membrane structure. Carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are not typically soluble in nonpolar solvents and do not exhibit the same hydrophobic characteristics as lipids. Carbohydrates are usually hydrophilic and soluble in water, proteins have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions but are not generally soluble in nonpolar solvents, and nucleic acids are polar molecules that are not known for their solubility in nonpolar solvents.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, where a child complains of heavy breathing even when relaxing and has no history of respiratory problems, the most likely issue is hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is an abnormal breathing pattern where a person breathes in excess of the body's requirements. It can be triggered by stress, anxiety, panic attacks, or lower-than-normal carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Unlike asthma, a blood clot, or exercising too hard, hyperventilation fits the symptoms described and is more common in individuals without a history of respiratory problems.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Myelin.' Myelin is a fatty substance that functions as an insulator for axons, providing protection and enhancing the speed of electrical impulses along neurons. This insulation is essential for ensuring efficient and rapid communication within the nervous system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Dendrites are branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals, neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system that transmit information, and synapses are the junctions between neurons where communication occurs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct order of structures found beneath the rib in descending order is Vein → Artery → Nerve. This sequence is important to remember for medical procedures like inserting a chest tube to ensure precision and avoid complications. Choice A is incorrect because the nerve is not typically the structure closest to the rib. Choice B is incorrect as the vein is usually closer to the rib than the nerve. Choice D is incorrect as the artery is usually closer to the rib than the nerve.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: mRNA (messenger RNA) is directly transcribed from DNA in the nucleus during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation in the cytoplasm. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Thus, mRNA represents the first step in protein synthesis as it carries the code from the DNA to be translated into a protein. Choice A, siRNA (small interfering RNA), is involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing and does not play a role in protein synthesis. Choice B, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of the ribosome and plays a structural and functional role in protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA. Choice D, tRNA (transfer RNA), is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA.