the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the

ATI TEAS 7

Science TEAS Practice Test

1. Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?

A. Mouth
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine is where the final stages of digestion take place, and it is specialized for absorption with its large surface area and villi that increase nutrient absorption efficiency. The mouth is responsible for mechanical digestion through chewing, the stomach primarily aids in digestion through mixing and breakdown of food, and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, with minimal nutrient absorption.

2. Which of the following correctly describes a strong acid?

A. A strong acid completely ionizes in water.
B. A strong acid donates more than one proton.
C. A strong acid contains at least one metal atom.
D. A strong acid will not decompose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A strong acid is defined as an acid that completely ionizes in water, meaning it dissociates fully into its constituent ions in solution. This characteristic differentiates strong acids from weak acids, which do not fully dissociate in water. Choice B is incorrect because the number of protons donated does not solely define the strength of an acid. Choice C is incorrect as strong acids are not defined by the presence of metal atoms, and Choice D is incorrect because all acids can decompose, but the strength of the acid is based on its ability to ionize in water.

3. What hormone signals the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas?

A. Gastrin
B. Insulin
C. Glucagon
D. Secretin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the release of gastric acid in the stomach, not digestive enzymes from the pancreas. B) Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, but it does not directly signal the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. C) Glucagon is another hormone produced by the pancreas that works opposite to insulin by increasing blood sugar levels, but it is not involved in signaling the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. D) Secretin is a hormone released by the small intestine in response to the presence of acidic chyme. It stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize the acidity of the chyme and also triggers the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas to aid in digestion. Therefore, secretin is the hormone that signals the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.

4. The neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that:

A. Most mutations in DNA are selectively neutral and do not affect an organism's fitness.
B. All mutations are beneficial and contribute to the adaptation of a population.
C. The rate of evolution is primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures.
D. Genetic drift plays a negligible role in shaping genetic variation within populations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s, suggests that the majority of mutations that occur in DNA are selectively neutral, meaning they do not have a significant impact on an organism's fitness. These neutral mutations are not subject to natural selection and are allowed to accumulate in populations over time. This theory helps explain the high levels of genetic variation observed within populations. B) Option B is incorrect because not all mutations are beneficial. Mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, and the neutral theory specifically focuses on the idea that many mutations are neutral in their effects. C) Option C is incorrect because the neutral theory suggests that evolution is not primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures. Instead, it emphasizes the role of genetic drift and the accumulation of neutral mutations in shaping genetic variation. D) Option D is incorrect because

5. In the body, muscle tissue is involved in which of the following functions?

A. Generation of body heat
B. Joint stabilization
C. Maintenance of posture
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Muscle tissue serves multiple functions in the body, including the generation of body heat, joint stabilization, and maintenance of posture. These functions are essential for movement, stability, and overall bodily functions. The correct answer is 'All of the above' because muscle tissue plays a key role in each of these vital functions. The generation of body heat occurs through muscle activity, joint stabilization is achieved by muscles surrounding joints, and maintaining posture involves muscle contraction to support the body's position. Therefore, all the listed functions are interconnected and rely on the proper functioning of muscle tissue.