what is the process of breaking down proteins into amino acids called

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science quizlet

1. What is the process of breaking down proteins into amino acids called?

A. Proteolysis
B. Lipolysis
C. Carbohydrate catabolism
D. Nucleic acid catabolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proteolysis is the specific process of breaking down proteins into amino acids. Lipolysis refers to the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol, not proteins. Carbohydrate catabolism involves the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose for energy production, not proteins. Nucleic acid catabolism is the breakdown of nucleic acids into nucleotides, not proteins. Therefore, in the context of breaking down proteins into amino acids, the correct term is proteolysis.

2. Which process is characterized by nuclear fission?

A. A heavy nucleus capturing a neutron and releasing energy
B. The fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element
C. A lighter element emitting an alpha particle through radioactive decay
D. An electron being absorbed by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nuclear fission is the process where a heavy nucleus, like uranium-235, captures a neutron, leading to its division into two lighter nuclei. This process releases a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat and gamma rays. It is utilized in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs due to its capacity to produce significant energy. Choices B, C, and D describe different nuclear processes: fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element, emission of alpha particles from a lighter element through radioactive decay, and absorption of an electron by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray, respectively. These processes are distinct from nuclear fission and do not involve the splitting of heavy nuclei into lighter ones.

3. Which system's primary function is protection, sensory reception, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, insulation, and vitamin D absorption?

A. Nervous system
B. Integumentary system
C. Endocrine system
D. Digestive system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Integumentary system (Option B). The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands, serves various functions such as providing protection against external factors, sensory reception, regulating body temperature (thermoregulation), maintaining water balance (osmoregulation), insulating the body, and absorbing vitamin D from sunlight. The nervous system (Option A) is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. The endocrine system (Option C) produces and secretes hormones to regulate bodily functions. The digestive system (Option D) is involved in breaking down food for nutrient absorption. Therefore, the primary functions described in the question align with those of the integumentary system, making it the correct choice.

4. Why are noble gas elements generally unreactive?

A. They are too large and cannot form bonds easily.
B. They lack valence electrons in their outermost shell.
C. They have strong bonds within their own molecules.
D. They have already achieved stable electron configurations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Noble gas elements are generally unreactive because they have already achieved stable electron configurations by having a full outer electron shell. This full shell makes them very stable and unlikely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other elements. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because noble gases are not unreactive due to being too large to form bonds easily (A), lacking valence electrons in their outermost shell (B), or having strong bonds within their own molecules (C).

5. Which of the following correctly matches a category of protein with a physiological example?

A. Keratin is a structural protein
B. Antigens are hormonal proteins
C. Channel proteins are marker proteins
D. Actin is a transport protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keratin is indeed a type of structural protein found in the skin, hair, and nails of animals. It provides strength and protection, helping to maintain the overall structure of these tissues. The other choices are incorrect as antigens are not hormonal proteins but rather are involved in immune response, channel proteins are involved in facilitating the transport of ions or molecules across cell membranes, and actin is primarily involved in cell structure and movement, not as a transport protein.