neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?

A. Schwann cell
B. ganglion
C. synapse
D. axon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons. Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons. Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons. Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.

2. What is the difference between a germline mutation and a somatic mutation?

A. Germline mutations are passed to offspring, while somatic mutations are not.
B. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells, while somatic mutations occur in body cells.
C. Germline mutations only affect genes, while somatic mutations can affect any DNA.
D. Germline mutations are always beneficial, while somatic mutations are always harmful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Germline mutations are changes in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) and can be passed on to offspring, affecting all cells in the resulting organism. - Somatic mutations are changes in the DNA of non-reproductive cells (body cells) and are not passed on to offspring. These mutations only affect the cells that arise from the mutated cell. - Option A is incorrect because somatic mutations are not passed to offspring. - Option C is incorrect because both germline and somatic mutations can affect any DNA. - Option D is incorrect because the effects of mutations, whether germline or somatic, can be beneficial, harmful, or have no significant impact.

3. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body to respond to stressful situations?

A. Somatic nervous system
B. Autonomic nervous system
C. Peripheral nervous system
D. Central nervous system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The autonomic nervous system is correctly identified as the division responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which readies the body to react to stressful situations. This system regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, pupil dilation, and adrenaline release during stress. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and skeletal muscle activity, not the automatic responses seen in the 'fight or flight' reaction. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the body's organs and limbs, facilitating communication, while the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, serves as the primary control center of the body, integrating and processing information.

4. When ethanol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with sodium metal (Na), what is the product?

A. Ethene (C₂H₄)
B. Sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa)
C. Ethane (C₂H₆)
D. Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When ethanol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with sodium metal (Na), the product formed is Sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa). This reaction is a classic example of a metal displacing hydrogen in an alcohol to form an alkoxide. In this specific case, sodium replaces the hydrogen in ethanol, resulting in the formation of sodium ethoxide. Choice A, Ethene (C₂H₄), is incorrect as it is a different compound formed from the dehydration of ethanol, not its reaction with sodium. Choice C, Ethane (C₂H₆), is incorrect as it is a saturated hydrocarbon, not the product of the reaction of ethanol with sodium metal. Choice D, Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), is incorrect as it involves acetic acid, not ethanol, reacting with sodium to form the salt sodium acetate.

5. Which of the following hormones is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels?

A. Insulin
B. Adrenaline
C. Cortisol
D. Melatonin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels by promoting the storage of glucose in the liver, muscle, and fat cells. Adrenaline, cortisol, and melatonin do not directly regulate blood sugar levels. Adrenaline is involved in the fight-or-flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone that affects metabolism, immune response, and anti-inflammatory actions, while melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles.