what is the major difference between somatic and germline mutations

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Questions

1. 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.

2. Which of the following is the smallest unit of matter?

A. Molecule
B. Atom
C. Compound
D. Element

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An atom is the fundamental building block of matter, while molecules are formed by the combination of atoms.

3. What is the primary function of the stomach?

A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
C. To produce enzymes that assist in digesting food
D. To eliminate waste products from the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the stomach is to store food, churn it, and break it down into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. This process is facilitated by the mixing of food with gastric juices, including stomach acid. The mechanical breakdown in the stomach helps initiate the digestion of food before it progresses to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. Absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Enzymes that aid in digesting food are primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine, not in the stomach. The elimination of waste products from the body mainly occurs through the large intestine and rectum, not the stomach.

4. What type of joint connects the bones of the skull?

A. Hinge joint
B. Fibrous joint
C. Ball-and-socket joint
D. Pivot joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fibrous joint. Fibrous joints connect the bones of the skull, providing stability with little to no movement. These joints are made of fibrous connective tissue, which holds the bones tightly together and prevents movement, making them ideal for the structure of the skull. Choice A: Hinge joint is incorrect because hinge joints allow movement in a single plane like the elbow or knee, which is not characteristic of the joints in the skull. Choice C: Ball-and-socket joint is incorrect as this type of joint allows for a wide range of movement in multiple planes, such as the hip and shoulder joints, which is not the case for skull bones. Choice D: Pivot joint is incorrect as pivot joints allow rotation around a central axis, as seen in the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis), but not in the skull bones.

5. What is the product of the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)?

A. NaCl + H2O
B. NaOH + HCl
C. Na2Cl + H2O
D. NaClO3 + H2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O) according to the following chemical equation: HCl + NaOH -> NaCl + H2O. Therefore, the correct answer is NaCl + H2O (Choice A). This reaction is a classic acid-base neutralization reaction where the acid (HCl) reacts with the base (NaOH) to form a salt (NaCl) and water (H2O). Choice B (NaOH + HCl) is incorrect because the order of the reactants matters in a chemical reaction, and in this case, HCl is the acid reacting with NaOH. Choices C (Na2Cl + H2O) and D (NaClO3 + H2) are incorrect because they do not represent the products of the reaction between HCl and NaOH as per the balanced chemical equation.