some intercellular chemical signals diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors what are the two factors that enable this to occ

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

A. They are small and soluble.
B. They are large and soluble.
C. They are small and insoluble.
D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

2. What is the primary function of the strong nuclear force?

A. Binding electrons in atomic orbitals
B. Binding protons and neutrons within the nucleus
C. Mediating the attractive force between opposite charges
D. Mediating the repulsive force between like charges

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The strong nuclear force primarily functions to bind protons and neutrons within the nucleus. It is responsible for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons, holding the nucleus together. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong nuclear force specifically acts on nucleons (protons and neutrons) within the nucleus, not on electrons in atomic orbitals or charges outside the nucleus.

3. What is the difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)?

A. Emphysema damages alveoli, while chronic bronchitis inflames airways.
B. Emphysema causes coughing, while chronic bronchitis leads to shortness of breath.
C. Emphysema is more reversible than chronic bronchitis.
D. Emphysema affects only smokers, while chronic bronchitis can occur in non-smokers.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveoli in the lungs, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to excessive mucus production and coughing. Therefore, the correct difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis is that emphysema damages the alveoli, while chronic bronchitis inflames the airways. Choice B is incorrect because chronic bronchitis is associated with coughing, not emphysema. Choice C is incorrect as chronic bronchitis is typically less reversible compared to emphysema. Choice D is incorrect as both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are commonly seen in smokers, but chronic bronchitis can also occur in non-smokers due to other factors such as air pollution or genetic predisposition.

4. What is the role of the diaphragm in respiration?

A. To regulate air pressure in the lungs
B. To contract and expand the lungs
C. To store oxygen
D. To break down carbon dioxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and expanding the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand. This expansion leads to a decrease in pressure inside the lungs, causing air to rush in. When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back up, decreasing the space in the chest cavity and causing the lungs to deflate. This action increases the pressure in the lungs, leading to air being pushed out. Therefore, the diaphragm's main function is to facilitate the inhalation and exhalation of air by contracting and expanding the lungs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the diaphragm's primary function is not to regulate air pressure in the lungs, store oxygen, or break down carbon dioxide. Instead, its main purpose is to aid in the mechanical process of breathing.

5. What is the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, a key molecule in cellular respiration, called?

A. Beta-oxidation
B. Lipolysis
C. Carbohydrate catabolism
D. Nucleic acid catabolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beta-oxidation is the correct term for the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA molecules. This essential process takes place in the mitochondria and is a pivotal step in fatty acid metabolism for energy production. Lipolysis, however, refers to the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol but does not specifically involve the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA. Carbohydrate catabolism focuses on breaking down carbohydrates into glucose for energy production and is not directly linked to the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA. Nucleic acid catabolism involves the breakdown of nucleic acids into nucleotides and is not associated with the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA.