TEAS 7 Biology: Master Key Concepts

ATI TEAS 7

Biology

1. What is the process by which decomposers break down organic matter?

A. Photosynthesis
B. Bioremediation
C. Decomposition
D. Nitrification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This process is not related to the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers. B) Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up contaminated environments. While it involves the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants, it is not specifically focused on breaking down organic matter. C) Decomposition is the process by which decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms break down organic matter into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. D) Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia or ammonium to nitrite followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria. This process is part of the nitrogen cycle and is not directly related to the breakdown of organic matter.

2. What is the significance of cell division?

A. Growth and repair of tissues
B. Sexual reproduction
C. Genetic diversity
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cell division is a fundamental process that is essential for the growth, repair, and reproduction of all living organisms. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that organisms maintain their proper size and shape, and it allows for the replacement of damaged or worn-out cells. Cell division is also essential for sexual reproduction, as it is the process by which haploid gametes (sex cells) are produced. These gametes fuse during fertilization to form a diploid zygote, which ultimately gives rise to a new organism.

3. Muscle soreness after exercise is often caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers. This is called

A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dom (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
D. Spasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle soreness after exercise is commonly caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers, leading to a condition known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Atrophy refers to the shrinking of muscle due to inactivity or lack of use, which is not the cause of muscle soreness after exercise. Hypertrophy is the increase in muscle size through exercise, not related to muscle soreness. Spasm is a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction unrelated to the micro-tears that cause muscle soreness. Therefore, the correct answer is C, DOMS, as it specifically addresses the micro-tears in muscle fibers that result in post-exercise soreness.

4. Elements tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve stable electron configurations like those of noble gases. Their group number often indicates the number of electrons gained/lost and the resulting ionic charge, providing a good starting point for prediction.

A. Ionic bonds involve electron sharing, while metallic bonds involve electron transfer
B. Ionic bonds are weak and directional, while metallic bonds are strong and non-directional
C. Ionic bonds exist between metals and non-metals, while metallic bonds exist only between metals
D. Ionic bonds form discrete molecules, while metallic bonds form extended structures

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic bonds involve complete electron transfer between atoms, creating strong, non-directional electrostatic attraction. Metallic bonds involve a delocalized "sea" of electrons shared across all metal atoms, resulting in a strong, extended structure.

5. Calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels, is produced by the:

A. Thyroid gland
B. Parathyroid gland
C. Thymus gland
D. Adrenal gland

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Thyroid gland." Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the body. It works in opposition to parathyroid hormone, which is produced by the parathyroid gland. The thymus gland is responsible for immune function, while the adrenal gland produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Therefore, the thyroid gland is the specific gland responsible for producing calcitonin to regulate calcium levels in the body.