what is the primary function of antibodies

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. What is the primary function of antibodies?

A. Production of white blood cells
B. Initiation of gluconeogenesis
C. Promotion of intracellular storage of lipids
D. Facilitate the breakdown of antigens

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Facilitate the breakdown of antigens. Antibodies are protein molecules produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances, known as antigens, in the body. Antibodies bind to specific antigens and mark them for destruction by other immune cells, thereby helping the body to defend against infections and other threats. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because antibodies do not have a direct role in the production of white blood cells, initiation of gluconeogenesis, or promotion of intracellular storage of lipids. The primary function of antibodies is to target and facilitate the destruction of antigens in the body.

2. What force causes an object to move in a circular path?

A. Tension force
B. Frictional force
C. Centripetal force
D. Gravitational force

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The centripetal force is the force responsible for keeping an object moving in a circular path. It is directed towards the center of the circle, providing the necessary inward acceleration to maintain the object's curved trajectory. Without this force, the object would move in a straight line tangent to the circle. Tension force, frictional force, and gravitational force are not the forces that cause an object to move in a circular path. Tension force is typically present in a string or rope and acts along the length of the material. Frictional force opposes the motion of an object relative to a surface, and gravitational force is the force of attraction between two masses.

3. How do spindle fiber dynamics and microtubule attachment regulate cell cycle checkpoints?

A. Misaligned chromosomes fail to attach to microtubules, triggering a delay in anaphase onset.
B. The presence of unattached kinetochores on the centromeres sends a signal to pause cell cycle progression.
C. Microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization lead to the activation of checkpoint proteins.
D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Misaligned chromosomes fail to attach to microtubules, triggering a delay in anaphase onset: Proper attachment of chromosomes to spindle fibers is essential for accurate segregation of genetic material during cell division. Misaligned chromosomes that fail to attach to microtubules can lead to delays in anaphase onset, allowing the cell to correct errors before proceeding with division. B) The presence of unattached kinetochores on the centromeres sends a signal to pause cell cycle progression: Kinetochores at the centromeres help attach chromosomes to spindle fibers. When kinetochores are unattached or improperly attached to microtubules, they signal the cell to pause cell cycle progression, ensuring proper chromosome alignment before division. C) Microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization lead to the activation of checkpoint proteins: While microtubule dynamics are crucial for cell division, microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization can disrupt chromosome attachment. However, this mechanism is not directly related to the activation of cell cycle checkpoint proteins, making this statement incorrect. Therefore, choices A and B accurately describe how spindle fiber dynamics and microtubule attachment regulate cell cycle checkpoints, making option D the correct answer.

4. What happens when a protein unfolds?

A. Activation
B. Denaturation
C. Renaturation
D. Folding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Activation (Option A) refers to the process of initiating or increasing the activity of a molecule, such as an enzyme. Protein unfolding does not involve activation. - Denaturation (Option B) is the correct answer. Denaturation refers to the process by which a protein loses its three-dimensional structure, leading to the disruption of its function. This can be caused by factors such as heat, pH changes, or chemicals. - Renaturation (Option C) is the process by which a denatured protein regains its native structure and function. Protein unfolding is the opposite of renaturation. - Folding (Option D) is the process by which a protein assumes its functional three-dimensional structure. Unfolding is the reverse process of folding, not folding itself.

5. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a crucial role in endocrine regulation. It secretes GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH. What is the MAIN function of FSH and LH?

A. Regulate blood sugar levels
B. Control growth and development
C. Stimulate the fight-or-flight response
D. Maintain calcium homeostasis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) are hormones produced by the pituitary gland in response to GnRH from the hypothalamus. FSH plays a key role in the growth and development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. LH is essential for the maturation of the ovarian follicle, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum in females, as well as the production of testosterone in males. Therefore, the main function of FSH and LH is to control growth and development in the reproductive system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the roles of FSH and LH in reproductive physiology. Regulating blood sugar levels is primarily the function of insulin and glucagon, controlling the fight-or-flight response involves hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, and maintaining calcium homeostasis is mainly regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.