which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

A. Pepsin
B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

2. What is the pH value of a neutral solution?

A. 0
B. 7
C. 14
D. -7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, indicating that the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution. A pH ranging from 0 to 6.9 signifies acidity, while a pH from 7.1 to 14 signifies alkalinity. Therefore, a neutral solution has a pH value of 7. Choice A (0) represents a highly acidic solution, Choices C (14) and D (-7) are outside the valid pH range and do not correspond to a neutral solution.

3. What is the term for a substance that can act as both a proton donor and a proton acceptor?

A. Acid
B. Base
C. Amphiprotic
D. Neutral

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Amphiprotic substances are those that can both donate and accept protons. They possess characteristics of both acids and bases, making them capable of acting as proton donors and proton acceptors. Choices A and B represent substances that are specific to either donating or accepting protons. Choice D does not describe a substance's ability to donate or accept protons since neutrality does not inherently involve proton donation or acceptance.

4. What is the term for a group of organisms living in the same place and interacting with each other?

A. Ecosystem
B. Community
C. Population
D. Niche

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - A) Ecosystem refers to a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. - B) Community specifically refers to a group of organisms of different species living in the same place and interacting with each other. - C) Population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area. - D) Niche refers to the role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem. In this context, the term for a group of organisms living in the same place and interacting with each other is best described as a community because it involves multiple species interacting within a shared habitat.

5. Which term refers to the space where lymph flows through the body?

A. Artery
B. Lumen
C. Interstitial space
D. Vein

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Interstitial space. This term specifically refers to the area where lymph flows between tissues. Lymph does not flow through arteries (choice A) or veins (choice D) as these vessels carry blood. The term 'lumen' (choice B) refers to the inside space of a tubular structure, like a blood vessel, but it does not specifically denote the space where lymph flows through the body.