what is the function of white blood cells

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. What is the function of white blood cells?

A. To transport oxygen
B. To fight infection
C. To carry oxygen
D. To produce antibodies

Correct answer: B

Rationale: White blood cells play a crucial role in the immune system by fighting infection and protecting the body from foreign invaders. Choice A, 'To transport oxygen,' is incorrect because red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen. Choice C, 'To carry oxygen,' is also inaccurate for the same reason. Choice D, 'To produce antibodies,' while related to the immune system, is not the primary function of white blood cells, as their main role is to directly combat infections.

2. Most catalysts found in biological systems are which of the following?

A. Special lipids called cofactors.
B. Special proteins called enzymes.
C. Special lipids called enzymes.
D. Special proteins called cofactors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are special proteins that act as catalysts in biological systems. They accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes play a critical role in the regulation of metabolic pathways and are essential for various biological processes. While some enzymes may require cofactors for activity, the enzymes themselves are the catalysts in biological systems. Therefore, choice B, special proteins called enzymes, is the most suitable answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes, not lipids, are the primary catalysts in biological systems.

3. What is the major difference between somatic and germline mutations?

A. Somatic mutations usually benefit the individual while germline mutations usually harm them.
B. Since germline mutations only affect one cell, they are less noticeable than the rapidly dividing somatic cells.
C. Somatic mutations are not expressed for several generations, but germline mutations are expressed immediately.
D. Germline mutations are usually inherited while somatic mutations will affect only the individual.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between somatic and germline mutations is that germline mutations are usually inherited and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and only affect the individual in which they occur. This means that germline mutations have the potential to be present in future generations, while somatic mutations do not.

4. What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?

A. digestion
B. deglutition
C. defecation
D. peristalsis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.

5. What is the importance of RNA splicing?

A. Removes introns from the mRNA molecule
B. Adds the poly-A tail to the mRNA molecule
C. Activates the mRNA molecule for translation
D. Modifies the structure of the protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: RNA splicing is a crucial process in gene expression where non-coding regions called introns are removed from the pre-mRNA molecule, and the remaining coding regions called exons are joined together to form the mature mRNA molecule. This process ensures that only the protein-coding sequences are retained in the mRNA for translation, allowing for the production of functional proteins. Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the importance of RNA splicing in generating mature mRNA molecules for protein synthesis. B) Adding the poly-A tail to the mRNA molecule is a post-transcriptional modification that occurs after RNA splicing and is not directly related to the process of removing introns. C) Activating the mRNA molecule for translation is typically achieved through the addition of a 5' cap and the poly-A tail, rather than through RNA splicing. D) Modifying the structure of the protein is not directly related to the process of RNA splicing, which primarily focuses on mRNA maturation by removing non-coding introns.