what is the primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. What is the primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?

A. Filtration of air
B. Production of mucus
C. Prevention of food entering the trachea
D. Oxygen exchange in the alveoli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system is to prevent food from entering the trachea. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the opening of the trachea, guiding food down the esophagus to the stomach and preventing it from entering the airway. This mechanism safeguards the respiratory system from foreign objects, ensuring proper air passage and avoiding potential choking hazards. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A) Filtration of air is mainly performed by the nasal hairs and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. B) Production of mucus is primarily carried out by the mucous glands in the respiratory system to trap particles and humidify the air. D) Oxygen exchange in the alveoli occurs in the lungs and is related to the process of respiration, not the function of the epiglottis.

2. What is the difference between a real image and a virtual image formed by a lens?

A. Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot.
B. Real images are always upright, while virtual images can be inverted.
C. Real images are formed by converging lenses, while virtual images are formed by diverging lenses.
D. All of the above are true.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Real images can be projected onto a screen because they are formed by the actual convergence of light rays, while virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen as they appear to diverge from a point behind the lens. Real and virtual images do not have a consistent orientation (upright or inverted), so option B is incorrect. Real images are formed by both converging and diverging lenses depending on the specific scenario, so option C is not a definitive distinction. Option D is incorrect as not all the statements are true. Therefore, the only accurate general distinction between real and virtual images is that real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot.

3. What is the waste product of protein digestion?

A. Glucose
B. Amino acids
C. Fatty acids
D. Ammonia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The waste product of protein digestion is ammonia. Protein digestion breaks down proteins into amino acids, and during this process, ammonia is produced. Ammonia is toxic and needs to be converted into urea in the liver for excretion via urine. Glucose is a product of carbohydrate digestion, amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and fatty acids are the end products of fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is ammonia.

4. How many mL of a 0 M stock solution of HCl should be added to water to create 250 mL of a 50 M solution of HCl?

A. 31.25 mL
B. 32 mL
C. 30 mL
D. 31.3 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prepare 250 mL of a 50 M solution of HCl, the formula V1 x C1 = V2 x C2 is used, where V1 is the volume of the stock solution, C1 is the concentration of the stock solution, V2 is the final volume of the desired solution, and C2 is the final concentration of the desired solution. Given V1 x 0 M = 250 mL x 50 M, solving for V1 results in V1 = (250 mL x 50 M) / 0 M = 32 mL. Therefore, 32 mL of the 0 M stock solution of HCl needs to be added to water to create a 250 mL solution of 50 M HCl. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the accurate volume required for the dilution calculation based on the given concentrations and volumes in the problem.

5. What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

A. Transcribes DNA into mRNA
B. Decodes the genetic code on mRNA
C. Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes
D. Modifies the structure of proteins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcribes DNA into mRNA: This is the function of RNA polymerase, not transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not transcription. B) Decodes the genetic code on mRNA: This is the function of tRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids and recognize the codons on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. C) Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes: This is the primary role of tRNA in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule is specific for a particular amino acid and carries it to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing protein chain. D) Modifies the structure of proteins: This is not a function of tRNA. Protein modification can occur after translation is complete and involves other cellular processes and molecules.