if a biochemist isolates a large amount of pyruvate which part of the cell is he working with

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. If a biochemist isolates a large amount of pyruvate, which part of the cell is he working with?

A. Chloroplasts
B. Cytoplasm
C. Mitochondria
D. Nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cytoplasm. Pyruvate is a product of glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. Therefore, a biochemist isolating a large amount of pyruvate would be working with the cytoplasm of the cell. Choice A, Chloroplasts, is incorrect because pyruvate is not produced in chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Choice C, Mitochondria, is incorrect as pyruvate is produced in the cytoplasm before entering the mitochondria for further metabolism. Choice D, Nucleus, is incorrect as the nucleus is not involved in the production or isolation of pyruvate, which is a metabolic intermediate.

2. Which of the following structures can serve as a passageway for both food and air?

A. Esophagus
B. Laryngopharynx
C. Nasopharynx
D. Trachea

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Laryngopharynx. It is a common passageway for both food and air. The Esophagus (Choice A) is solely for transporting food from the throat to the stomach. The Nasopharynx (Choice C) is primarily involved in the passage of air. The Trachea (Choice D) is responsible for conducting air to and from the lungs and does not play a role in the passage of food.

3. What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

A. Carries amino acids to the ribosomes
B. Reads the genetic code on mRNA
C. Forms the structural framework of ribosomes
D. Controls the rate of protein synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in forming the structural framework of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and consist of both protein and rRNA components. The primary function of rRNA is to provide the structural support necessary for ribosomes to function properly. This structural framework allows the ribosome to interact with messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation, where genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble proteins from amino acids. Therefore, rRNA's main role is in contributing to the structure and function of ribosomes, rather than directly carrying amino acids, reading the genetic code, or controlling the rate of protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because rRNA does not carry amino acids to the ribosomes (tRNA does this), read the genetic code (this is the role of ribosomes and tRNA), or control the rate of protein synthesis (this is regulated by various factors but not directly by rRNA).

4. Which type of immunity does the MMR vaccine provide?

A. Artificial/active
B. Artificial/passive
C. Natural/active
D. Natural/passive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Artificial/active. The MMR vaccine provides artificial/active immunity. It works by introducing a weakened or killed form of the virus to trigger the body's immune response, leading to the production of antibodies that offer long-lasting protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Artificial immunity is obtained through medical intervention, such as vaccination, while active immunity involves the immune system's direct response to an antigen. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the MMR vaccine does not provide passive immunity nor is it acquired naturally; instead, it stimulates the body to actively produce its immune response.

5. What is the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell?

A. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells do not
B. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.
C. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.
D. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Prokaryotic cells are simpler and do not have a true nucleus. Their genetic material is located in the nucleoid region, which is not enclosed by a membrane. - Eukaryotic cells are more complex and have a true nucleus that houses the genetic material, enclosed within a nuclear membrane. - Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have organelles, but eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, while prokaryotic cells lack these membrane-bound organelles.