the term symbiotic relationship describes an interaction between two organisms where

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test free science

1. The term 'symbiotic relationship' describes an interaction between two organisms where:

A. One organism benefits and the other is unaffected
B. Both organisms are harmed by the interaction
C. One organism benefits and the other is negatively impacted
D. Both organisms benefit from the interaction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a symbiotic relationship, both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. This mutually beneficial relationship can take different forms, such as mutualism where both organisms benefit, commensalism where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected, or parasitism where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. In this case, the term 'symbiotic relationship' specifically refers to a scenario where both organisms derive some form of benefit from their interaction. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe a symbiotic relationship. In symbiosis, both organisms benefit, making option D the correct choice.

2. In which medium does light propagate at its highest speed?

A. Air
B. Water
C. Glass
D. Diamond

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Light travels at its highest speed in a vacuum. However, among the options provided, air is the closest medium to a vacuum, making it the correct answer. In general, light travels slower in denser mediums due to interactions with atoms and molecules in the medium. Water, glass, and diamond are denser mediums compared to air, causing light to propagate at slower speeds in these materials, hence making them incorrect choices.

3. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

4. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is released in response to low blood sugar levels and stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream?

A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Cortisol
D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is the hormone produced by the pancreas that is released in response to low blood sugar levels. It acts to stimulate the release of glucose into the bloodstream by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Insulin, conversely, is released in response to high blood sugar levels and promotes the uptake of glucose by cells. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates metabolism and the immune response. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism but is not involved in responding to low blood sugar levels.

5. 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).