autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues what is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
B. Exposure to environmental toxins
C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of autoimmune diseases. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to various health issues but does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger immune responses, but autoimmune diseases specifically stem from the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms within immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms.

2. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize a key property of positrons for medical imaging. What is this property?

A. High mass
B. Positive charge
C. Extreme stability
D. Identical behavior to electrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize the property of positrons having a positive charge. Positrons are the antimatter counterpart of electrons, having the same mass but opposite charge. When a positron collides with an electron, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays that can be detected by the PET scanner to create images of the body's internal structures and functions. Choice A is incorrect because positrons have the same mass as electrons. Choice C is incorrect as positrons are not extremely stable due to their tendency to annihilate when they encounter electrons. Choice D is incorrect as positrons exhibit different behavior than electrons due to their opposite charges.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following is NOT a method of sterilization?

A. Autoclave
B. UV light
C. Chemical disinfectants
D. Boiling water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Autoclave: An autoclave is a method of sterilization that uses high pressure and steam to kill microorganisms, making it an effective way to sterilize equipment and materials.\nB) UV light: UV light is a method of sterilization that damages the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing infections.\nC) Chemical disinfectants: Chemical disinfectants are used to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces, but they may not always achieve sterilization, which is the complete destruction of all microorganisms.\nD) Boiling water: Boiling water is a method of disinfection rather than sterilization. While boiling water can kill many microorganisms, it may not be effective against all types of bacteria, viruses, and spores, making it unsuitable for achieving sterilization.\n\nTherefore, the correct answer is D) Boiling water, as it is not a method of sterilization.

5. What is the path of oxygenated blood flow in our body?

A. From the heart directly to the brain
B. From the lungs to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle, and out through the aorta
C. From the body to the right atrium to the lungs
D. From the left atrium directly to the aorta

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.