what is the main function of lysosomes

ATI TEAS 7

ati teas 7 science

1. What is the main function of lysosomes?

A. Breaking down and recycling cellular waste
B. Storing carbohydrates
C. Synthesizing lipids
D. Transcribing DNA into mRNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of lysosomes is to break down and recycle cellular waste materials, such as old organelles, foreign substances, and cellular debris. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and proper functioning. Storing carbohydrates (B), synthesizing lipids (C), and transcribing DNA into mRNA (D) are not functions typically associated with lysosomes. Storing carbohydrates is primarily done by other organelles like vacuoles. Synthesizing lipids is a function usually associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and transcribing DNA into mRNA occurs in the nucleus by the process of transcription.

2. What do isotopes of the same element have in common?

A. Identical number of protons and neutrons.
B. Identical chemical properties.
C. Identical number of electrons.
D. Identical mass number.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines the element, but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count results in isotopes of the same element having different mass numbers. Chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in an atom, so isotopes of the same element may exhibit slightly different chemical behaviors due to different neutron numbers. The number of electrons can vary in isotopes, affecting their charge. However, the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons, is the same for isotopes of the same element. Therefore, the correct answer is that isotopes of the same element share an identical mass number.

3. Which organelle is responsible for producing energy in the cell?

A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Golgi apparatus
D. Ribosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through the process of cellular respiration. The other organelles listed, such as the nucleus, Golgi apparatus, and ribosome, have different functions within the cell and are not directly involved in energy production. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and controlling cell activities. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

4. Which of the following neurotransmitters is associated with the feeling of happiness and well-being?

A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known for its role in mood regulation, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being. It helps regulate emotions, sleep, and appetite. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to conditions like depression and anxiety. Choice A, Dopamine, is more associated with pleasure and reward pathways in the brain. GABA (Choice C) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in reducing neuronal excitability, not primarily linked to happiness. Acetylcholine (Choice D) is involved in muscle contraction and has functions related to memory and attention, but it is not primarily associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

5. What are the two main types of nuclear decay, and what differentiates them?

A. Fission and fusion, based on the size of the nucleus
B. Alpha and beta decay, based on the emitted particle
C. Spontaneous and induced decay, based on the trigger
D. Isotope decay and chain reactions, based on the stability of the nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The two main types of nuclear decay are alpha and beta decay, which are differentiated based on the emitted particle. In alpha decay, an alpha particle (consisting of two protons and two neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus, while in beta decay, a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) is emitted. These decay types are distinguished by the particles they emit, not by the size of the nucleus, trigger, or stability of the nucleus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because fission, fusion, spontaneous, induced, isotope decay, and chain reactions are different processes in nuclear physics and do not represent the two main types of nuclear decay based on emitted particles.