which of the following best describes the process of osmosis

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Practice Test Science

1. Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis?

A. Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient
B. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane
C. Movement of water and solutes together
D. Movement of large molecules through a membrane

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osmosis is the process where water moves across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Choice A is incorrect because osmosis does not involve movement against the concentration gradient. Choice C is incorrect because osmosis primarily involves the movement of water, not water and solutes together. Choice D is incorrect as osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not large molecules, through a membrane.

2. Which group of elements is known for their reactivity and ability to form strong bonds with other elements?

A. Noble gases
B. Halogens
C. Alkali metals
D. Transition metals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Halogens are a group of elements in the periodic table known for their high reactivity and ability to form strong bonds with other elements. They possess seven valence electrons, requiring only one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, making them highly reactive. Halogens readily form compounds with other elements by gaining an electron to achieve a full outer shell, resulting in the formation of strong covalent bonds. Noble gases (option A), on the other hand, are known for their inertness and stable electron configurations, making them unlikely to form bonds. Alkali metals (option C) are highly reactive but do not form bonds as strong as halogens. Transition metals (option D) are recognized for their variable oxidation states and ability to create complex ions but are not as reactive as halogens when it comes to bond formation.

3. What is the basic structure of an atom?

A. Protons, neutrons, electrons
B. Protons, electrons, ions
C. Neutrons, electrons, ions
D. Protons, ions, molecules

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The basic structure of an atom consists of protons and neutrons located in the nucleus, with electrons orbiting around the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells. Protons carry a positive charge, neutrons carry no charge, and electrons carry a negative charge. This arrangement maintains the overall neutrality of the atom, with the number of protons equaling the number of electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Protons, neutrons, electrons.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the fundamental components of an atom. Choice B includes 'ions,' which are charged particles, not fundamental components of an atom. Choice C includes 'ions' and lacks protons. Choice D includes 'ions' and 'molecules,' which are not part of the basic structure of an atom.

4. Muscle soreness after exercise is often caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers. This is called

A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
D. Spasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle soreness after exercise is often caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers, leading to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Atrophy refers to the wasting away of muscle tissue, hypertrophy is the increase in muscle size, and spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. DOMS typically occurs 24 to 72 hours after intense exercise and is characterized by muscle stiffness, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. It is a normal response to unfamiliar or strenuous physical activity and indicates that the muscles are adapting to the workload. Therefore, the correct answer is C (DOMS) as it specifically describes the phenomenon of muscle soreness resulting from microscopic tears in muscle fibers, distinguishing it from the other choices which refer to different physiological processes or conditions.

5. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

A. Packaging DNA
B. Replicating DNA
C. Transcribing DNA
D. Translating mRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Replicating DNA. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the template provided by the existing DNA strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Option A, Packaging DNA, refers to the coiling and organization of DNA into chromatin, a process involving histones and other proteins. Option C, Transcribing DNA, involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, a process carried out by RNA polymerase. Option D, Translating mRNA, refers to the process of protein synthesis where the information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.