explain how a single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 science review

1. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

2. Which of the following is a component of the immune system?

A. Red blood cells
B. White blood cells
C. Platelets
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: White blood cells are a crucial component of the immune system as they play a key role in fighting infections and foreign invaders. Red blood cells are primarily involved in oxygen transport, platelets are important for blood clotting, and plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances but is not directly involved in the immune response.

3. Which sexually transmitted infection (STI) can potentially cause infertility in both men and women if left untreated?

A. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
B. Chlamydia
C. Gonorrhea
D. Syphilis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chlamydia is the correct answer because if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can cause infertility. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that often presents with no symptoms, making it important for individuals to get tested regularly, especially if they are sexually active. It is crucial to detect and treat Chlamydia early to prevent long-term consequences such as infertility. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to genital warts and certain types of cancer but is not typically associated with infertility. Gonorrhea and syphilis can cause serious health problems if untreated, but infertility is more commonly associated with Chlamydia.

4. Which structure in the eye is responsible for detecting light?

A. Cornea
B. Retina
C. Lens
D. Iris

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The retina is the correct answer as it is the light-sensitive structure in the eye that detects light and converts it into signals for the brain to process visual information. The cornea is the transparent outer covering of the eye that helps to focus incoming light onto the lens. The lens further focuses the light onto the retina, which is where the actual light detection and signal conversion occur. The iris, on the other hand, controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil but is not directly responsible for detecting light.

5. What are the components of the male external genitalia and their functions?

A. Prostate gland: produces seminal fluid
B. Scrotum: protects and maintains the temperature of the testes
C. Penis: delivers sperm to female reproductive tract
D. Urethra: conducts urine out of the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The penis is responsible for delivering sperm to the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse. The scrotum is not involved in producing sperm but rather protects and regulates the temperature of the testes, which is essential for sperm production. The prostate gland is involved in producing seminal fluid, not sperm. The urethra serves the purpose of conducting urine out of the body and also acts as a passage for semen during ejaculation.