TEAS 7 practice test science

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and break down cellular components or foreign particles for recycling or waste removal. It is a vital mechanism used by cells to maintain homeostasis and remove waste materials. Photosynthesis (A) is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce food, not for breaking down cellular components. Cellular respiration (B) is the process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, not for waste removal. Cell division (C) is the process by which cells replicate and divide to form new cells during growth, repair, or development, not for breaking down cellular components.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms into different groups based on their evolutionary relationships. It involves identifying, naming, and categorizing living organisms according to their similarities and differences, helping us understand the diversity of life. Microbiology (option B) focuses on the study of microorganisms. Genetics (option C) deals with genes and heredity. Epidemiology (option D) explores the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in populations. Therefore, the correct answer is Taxonomy as it specifically pertains to the classification of organisms based on their evolutionary relationships.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Antagonist.' An antagonist muscle is a muscle that lengthens while another muscle (agonist) contracts to produce movement. The antagonist muscle relaxes to allow the agonist muscle to contract effectively. In this scenario, the antagonist muscle works in opposition to the agonist muscle, providing control and precision to movement. The other choices are incorrect because a synergist muscle assists the agonist muscle in performing a movement, an agonist muscle is the primary muscle responsible for generating movement, and a flexor muscle is a muscle that decreases the angle at a joint.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for muscle movement. It is released from motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction and binds to receptors on muscle fibers, initiating muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and GABA serve different functions in the brain and body, such as regulating mood, sleep, and inhibitory signaling, respectively. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect in the context of muscle movement.