the average life expectancy at birth in the united states at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years the average life expectancy at birth

ATI TEAS 7

Science TEAS Practice Test

1. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

2. Which of the following cations is found at the center of a heme?

A. Cr (III)
B. Cu (II)
C. Iron (II)
D. Iron (III)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Iron (II) (Fe2+), which is the cation found at the center of a heme group. Heme contains an iron (II) ion that is coordinated within the porphyrin ring structure. This iron ion is crucial for the function of heme in binding and transporting oxygen in hemoglobin and myoglobin. Choice A (Cr (III)) is incorrect as chromium is not typically found at the center of a heme group. Choice B (Cu (II)) is incorrect as copper is not the cation typically present in heme. Choice D (Iron (III)) is also incorrect as heme predominantly contains iron (II) at its center, not iron (III).

3. Which of the following describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein?

A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. Translation
D. Both transcription and translation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Both transcription and translation.' Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA through transcription and from RNA to protein through translation. Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical DNA molecule. Choice A, 'Replication,' is incorrect because replication is not directly involved in the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein. Choice B, 'Transcription,' is incorrect as it represents the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, which is the initial step in the flow of genetic information. Choice C, 'Translation,' is also incorrect as it refers to the process of translating the information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis, which is the second step in the flow of genetic information.

4. What type of immunity is acquired through vaccination?

A. Passive natural immunity
B. Active natural immunity
C. Active artificial immunity
D. Passive artificial immunity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Active artificial immunity. Vaccination introduces a weakened or inactive form of the pathogen to stimulate the immune system, leading to the development of immunity. Active artificial immunity is the result of deliberate exposure to an antigen, such as through vaccination, to produce an immune response. Passive immunity, like receiving pre-formed antibodies, does not involve the immune system's activation. Natural immunity is typically acquired through exposure to the pathogen itself, not through vaccination.

5. What is the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints called?

A. Cartilage
B. Ligaments
C. Tendons
D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints, providing stability and support to prevent excessive movement and potential injury. Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery connective tissue that covers bone ends at joints. Tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. Fascia surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, providing support and structure to these tissues. In this context, ligaments are specifically the connective tissues that bind bones together at joints, not cartilage, tendons, or fascia.