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. Which statement below best describes the process of condensation?

A. Condensation is the process of changing from a gas to a liquid.
B. Condensation is the process of changing from a liquid to a gas.
C. Condensation is the process of changing from a solid to a liquid.
D. Condensation is the process of changing from a solid to a gas.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Condensation is the process of changing from a gas to a liquid.' Condensation occurs when a gas cools and transforms into a liquid state. For example, when water vapor in the air cools and forms droplets, it is an example of condensation. This process is commonly observed in the formation of clouds or dew on grass in the early morning. Choice B is incorrect because it describes the process of vaporization rather than condensation. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the process of melting. Choice D is incorrect as it describes sublimation, which is the transition from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase.

3. Which muscles play a significant role in the process of forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume?

A. Diaphragm
B. External intercostal muscles
C. Internal intercostal muscles
D. Abdominal muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The abdominal muscles play a significant role in forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume. When these muscles contract, the pressure within the thoracic cavity increases, assisting in the expulsion of air from the lungs. This action helps to compress the abdomen and push the diaphragm upwards, further decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and aiding in the exhalation process. The diaphragm (Choice A) is mainly involved in inhalation by contracting and moving downward to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles (Choice B) and internal intercostal muscles (Choice C) are primarily involved in the process of inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity during normal breathing, rather than forced exhalation.

4. What is the name of the structure that packages DNA in eukaryotic cells?

A. Nucleosome
B. Chromatin
C. Histone
D. Centromere

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - A nucleosome is the basic structural unit of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells. It consists of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins. - Chromatin refers to the complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell, including nucleosomes. - Histones are the proteins around which DNA is wrapped to form nucleosomes. - Centromere is a region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined and to which spindle fibers attach during cell division.

5. Which of the following statements regarding macrophages is incorrect?

A. They are found abundantly in the blood
B. They are larger than neutrophils
C. They are long-lived
D. They are made in the bone marrow as monocytes, called macrophages once they reach organs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Macrophages are not found abundantly in the blood; they are present in tissues and organs. Macrophages are tissue-resident immune cells that play a key role in immune responses and are derived from monocytes produced in the bone marrow. Choice B is correct as macrophages are larger than neutrophils. Choice C is correct as macrophages are long-lived cells. Choice D is correct as macrophages originate in the bone marrow as monocytes and differentiate into macrophages once they migrate to various tissues and organs.