ATI TEAS Science Test

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the axon. The axon is the elongated, threadlike part of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells, such as muscles or glands, in the direction of a synapse. Action potentials travel along the axon as electrical signals to communicate with neighboring cells. The cell body (choice A) contains the nucleus and organelles but does not transmit action potentials. Neuron (choice C) is a broad term that includes the entire nerve cell, not a specific structure. Myelin (choice D) is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, aiding in the conduction of nerve impulses, but it does not directly carry the action potential towards a synapse.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternate pathway for the reaction to occur, lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. As a result, more reactant molecules can overcome this energy barrier and participate in the reaction, leading to a faster overall reaction rate. This explanation contradicts choices B, C, and D as a catalyst does not slow down, reverse, or prevent a reaction; instead, it accelerates the reaction by facilitating a more efficient route for the reaction to take place. Therefore, the correct answer is that a catalyst speeds up the reaction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The term 'proximal' means situated close to the point of attachment or the center of the body, such as close to the trunk. In anatomical terms, proximal is used to describe locations that are closer to the body's center or point of reference. 'Superficial' refers to something situated near the surface, 'sagittal' refers to a plane that divides the body into left and right portions, and 'distal' refers to a position away from the center or point of reference. Therefore, 'proximal' is the correct term to indicate a position close to the trunk of the body.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Meiosis is the process of cell division that results in the formation of sex cells (gametes) with only half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, leading to genetically different cells. In contrast, mitosis is a cell division process that produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and the parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as meiosis and mitosis differ in their genetic outcomes - meiosis results in genetic diversity, while mitosis maintains genetic identity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately distinguish between meiosis and mitosis. Meiosis is not used for repairing the body or asexual reproduction, and the occurrence of both processes in various organisms does not highlight their primary differences in genetic outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Glial cells. Glial cells are responsible for producing the myelin sheaths that surround and insulate nerve cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system are types of glial cells that form the myelin sheaths. Choice B, dendrites, are not involved in forming myelin sheaths; they are extensions of neurons that receive signals. Choice C, melanocytes, are cells responsible for producing melanin, not myelin. Choice D, squamous cells, are flat epithelial cells found in various tissues but are not involved in myelin sheath formation.