what is the primary function of red blood cells

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 Science

1. What is the primary function of red blood cells?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transport oxygen. Red blood cells play a crucial role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues and organs in the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration, where oxygen is used in the production of energy. Red blood cells do not primarily transport nutrients, fight infection, or produce antibodies. Choice A is incorrect because while red blood cells do carry some nutrients, their primary function is to transport oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because immune cells, not red blood cells, are responsible for fighting infections. Choice D is incorrect as antibody production is mainly carried out by specialized white blood cells, not red blood cells.

2. Nuclear fusion powers the sun and other stars. What is the main obstacle to achieving controlled nuclear fusion on Earth for energy production?

A. Lack of suitable materials to handle high temperatures and pressures.
B. Limited availability of fusion fuels like deuterium and tritium.
C. Difficulty in containing the plasma where fusion occurs.
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main obstacle to achieving controlled nuclear fusion on Earth for energy production involves a combination of factors. A) Lack of suitable materials to handle high temperatures and pressures is a significant challenge due to the extreme conditions required for fusion reactions. B) Limited availability of fusion fuels like deuterium and tritium can pose a constraint on the scalability and sustainability of fusion energy. C) Difficulty in containing the plasma where fusion occurs is another critical issue as plasma instabilities and heat losses can hinder the efficiency of fusion reactions. Therefore, all of the options (A, B, and C) contribute to the challenges in achieving controlled nuclear fusion for energy production on Earth.

3. Which biome is characterized by cold temperatures, permafrost, and coniferous trees?

A. Tundra
B. Desert
C. Rainforest
D. Savanna

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Tundra: This biome is characterized by cold temperatures, permafrost (permanently frozen subsoil), and vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and coniferous trees like spruce and fir. The tundra is found in high latitudes near the Arctic Circle and high altitudes in mountainous regions. It is a cold and harsh environment where the ground remains frozen for a significant part of the year. The coniferous trees in this biome are adapted to survive in extreme cold conditions. B) Desert: Deserts are characterized by low precipitation levels and high temperatures, with sparse vegetation adapted to arid conditions. C) Rainforest: Rainforests are characterized by high levels of rainfall, warm temperatures, and dense vegetation with a variety of plant and animal species. D) Savanna: Savannas are tropical grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. They have a different climate pattern compared to the cold temperatures and permafrost found in the tundra biome. In this case, the description of cold temperatures, permafrost, and coniferous trees aligns most closely with the characteristics of the tundra biome, making option A the correct answer.

4. Identify the opposing muscle pair.

A. Bicep and tricep (Arm flexion and extension)
B. Hamstring and quadriceps (Knee extension and flexion)
C. Pectoralis major and pectoralis minor (Chest muscles)
D. Trapezius and deltoid (Shoulder movement)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The bicep and tricep muscles form an antagonistic muscle pair, where one muscle contracts while the other relaxes. The bicep, located on the front of the upper arm, is responsible for arm flexion (bending the elbow), while the tricep, situated on the back of the upper arm, is responsible for arm extension (straightening the elbow). This opposing action allows for controlled movement at the elbow joint. Choice B, hamstring and quadriceps, are not opposing muscles in the context of the knee joint; the hamstring group flexes the knee, while the quadriceps group extends it. Choices C and D do not represent an opposing muscle pair related to joint movement.

5. Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

A. Handwashing with soap and water
B. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
C. Disinfecting and reusing sterile medical devices
D. Using single-use sterile medical devices

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Disinfecting and reusing sterile medical devices is not a recommended method for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Reusing sterile medical devices can increase the risk of infections due to inadequate sterilization or potential damage to the devices during the reprocessing process. Proper sterilization and disposal of single-use medical devices are essential in preventing the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. A) Handwashing with soap and water is a crucial method for preventing HAIs as it helps to remove and reduce the number of pathogens on the hands of healthcare workers, preventing the spread of infections. B) Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection is important in preventing the transmission of infections between patients and healthcare workers. C) Disinfecting and reusing sterile medical devices is not a recommended practice as it can lead to the transmission of infections if the devices are not adequately sterilized. Using single-use sterile medical devices helps to ensure that each patient receives a sterile device, reducing the risk of infections.