a neutral atom of which element has 2 electrons in the first shell and 6 electrons in the second shell of the electron cloud

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. Which element's neutral atom has 2 electrons in the first shell and 6 electrons in the second shell of the electron cloud?

A. Beryllium
B. Carbon
C. Helium
D. Oxygen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Oxygen. Oxygen has a total of 8 electrons, with 2 in the first shell and 6 in the second shell. This configuration matches the description provided in the question. Choice A, Beryllium, has 2 electrons in total, so it cannot have 2 in the first shell and 6 in the second. Choice B, Carbon, has 6 electrons in total, so it also does not match the given electron distribution. Choice C, Helium, has only 2 electrons in total and therefore does not fit the electron configuration described in the question.

2. Which organelle in the cell is responsible for protein synthesis?

A. Ribosome
B. Nucleus
C. Mitochondrion
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ribosome. Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They are the cellular machinery where translation, the process of assembling proteins from amino acids based on mRNA sequences, occurs. Ribosomes can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The nucleus (choice B) houses DNA but is not directly involved in protein synthesis. Mitochondria (choice C) are responsible for energy production through cellular respiration, not protein synthesis. The Golgi apparatus (choice D) is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not in the synthesis of proteins.

3. How does AIDS impair the immune system?

A. AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, preventing the activation of Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells.
B. IgE stimulates mast cells to release excessive histamine.
C. IgE inhibits mast cells from releasing sufficient histamine.
D. Helper T-Cells deceive the body into attacking itself.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, which play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response. By affecting these cells, AIDS prevents the activation of other important immune cells like Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells. This disruption in the immune system's communication and response mechanisms leads to immune system failure and increased vulnerability to infections. Choices B and C are incorrect because they refer to the role of IgE in allergic reactions, which is not directly related to how AIDS impairs the immune system. Choice D is also incorrect as Helper T-Cells being destroyed in AIDS is not about deceiving the body into attacking itself, but rather the direct impact on immune system function.

4. When a certain plant is introduced into an area, and the population of a certain insect species declines, what can be concluded from this?

A. The plant is toxic to the insect in question.
B. The plant competes with and drives out plants that the insect feeds on.
C. The insect population was declining anyway; the fact that it happened when the plant was introduced is a coincidence.
D. All of these explanations may be possible; further investigation is necessary to determine which is true.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The given scenario presents multiple possible explanations for the decline in the insect population with the introduction of a particular plant. It could be due to the plant being toxic to the insect (Option A), competing with and driving out plants that the insect feeds on (Option B), or the decline could be coincidental with the plant introduction as the insect population was already decreasing (Option C). Without further investigation and evidence, it is not possible to definitively determine which explanation is correct. Therefore, all of these possibilities may be true, and thorough investigation is necessary to reach a conclusive conclusion.

5. What tool helps scientists identify and classify organisms based on their shared characteristics?

A. Binomial nomenclature
B. Cladistics
C. Dichotomous key
D. Domain-based classification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Binomial nomenclature is a system used to give each organism a two-part scientific name (genus and species) but does not help in identifying or classifying organisms based on shared characteristics. B) Cladistics is a method of classification based on evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics, but it is not a tool used for identifying organisms. C) A dichotomous key is a tool that helps scientists identify and classify organisms based on their shared characteristics by presenting a series of choices leading the user to the correct identification. D) Domain-based classification is a system of grouping organisms into three domains (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya) based on molecular and genetic similarities, but it is not a tool used for identifying organisms based on shared characteristics.