which hormone produced by the adrenal glands is essential for the regulation of electrolyte balance particularly sodium and potassium in the body

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?

A. Aldosterone
B. Epinephrine
C. Cortisol
D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.

2. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

A. Calcitonin
B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
C. Thyroxine
D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by decreasing blood calcium levels through two main mechanisms: promoting calcium uptake by bones and decreasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the other hand, increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Thyroxine, another thyroid hormone, primarily regulates metabolism and has no direct influence on calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and is not related to calcium homeostasis.

3. When defending a scientific argument, which technique is most effective?

A. Citing other scientists who agree with your argument.
B. Showing the results of scientific experiments that support your argument.
C. Describing your scientific credentials, education, and past accomplishments.
D. Pointing out that no one has come up with a proven alternative explanation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective technique when defending a scientific argument is to show the results of scientific experiments that support your argument. In the realm of science, evidence-based support is crucial. By presenting concrete data and experimental results, you provide a convincing and reliable foundation for your argument. This method allows others to review, replicate, and verify the findings, thus strengthening the credibility of your position. Choices A, C, and D are not as effective as choice B because citing other scientists who agree with your argument (Choice A) may not carry the same weight as empirical evidence, describing your scientific credentials, education, and past accomplishments (Choice C) may not directly address the validity of your argument, and pointing out that no one has come up with a proven alternative explanation (Choice D) does not provide direct evidence supporting your argument.

4. Which of the following statements is NOT true about DNA?

A. DNA contains the nucleotides A, T, C, G and is read 5' to 3'.
B. DNA contains genetic information and is tightly coiled with proteins to form chromosomes.
C. DNA contains the nucleotides A, T, C, G and is read 3' to 5'.
D. DNA is a double-stranded molecule connected by hydrogen bonds.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because DNA is typically read from the 5' end to the 3' end, not from 3' to 5'. Choices A, B, and D are all true statements about DNA. DNA contains the nucleotides A, T, C, G and is read in a 5' to 3' direction. DNA also contains genetic information and is tightly coiled with proteins to form chromosomes. Additionally, DNA is a double-stranded molecule connected by hydrogen bonds.

5. Which statement most accurately compares and contrasts the structures of DNA and RNA?

A. Both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases. Three of the bases are the same, but the fourth base is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.
B. Both DNA and RNA have the same 4 nucleotide bases. However, the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA.
C. Both DNA and RNA have different numbers of nucleotide bases. DNA is a double helix while RNA is a single strand.
D. Both DNA and RNA have a double helix structure. However, DNA contains 6 nucleotide bases and RNA contains 4 nucleotide bases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because DNA and RNA both consist of 4 nucleotide bases, namely adenine, cytosine, and guanine, which are common in both. The key difference lies in the fourth base, which is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. This distinction is fundamental in understanding the structural variances between DNA and RNA. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA without specifying the crucial base differences. Choice C is inaccurate as it misrepresents the numbers of nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, and incorrectly describes DNA as a double helix and RNA as a single strand, which is not related to the difference in bases. Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately portrays DNA with 6 nucleotide bases and RNA with 4, which is not true; both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases, but with differences in one of the bases.