ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle cells fit the description provided in the question; they are involuntary, striated, and branched, with intercalated discs containing gap junctions that allow for synchronized contractions of the heart. Smooth muscle (choice A) lacks striations and is found in the walls of internal organs. Skeletal muscle (choice C) is voluntary and attaches to bones for movement. 'Epithelial muscle' (choice D) is not a valid muscle type, making it an incorrect choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Chemical digestion occurs in all three locations in the digestive system - the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Enzymes in the saliva break down carbohydrates in the mouth, gastric juices in the stomach help break down proteins, and enzymes in the small intestine further break down macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The mouth initiates the digestion of carbohydrates, the stomach digests proteins, and the small intestine continues the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Choice A is incorrect because chemical digestion does occur in the mouth. Choice B is incorrect as both the stomach and small intestine are sites of chemical digestion. Choice C is incorrect as the mouth is also a location of chemical digestion, not just the stomach and small intestine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Efferent fibers, which carry motor commands, exit the spinal cord through the ventral aspect, also known as the anterior aspect. The correct answer is C, 'Through the ventral aspect.' Efferent fibers exiting through the ventral aspect are responsible for carrying motor commands from the spinal cord to the muscles and glands. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Efferent fibers do not exit through the dorsal, lateral, or anterior aspects of the spinal cord.

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.