which of the following describes an experiment

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. Which of the following describes an experiment?

A. The final math grades for a group of students passing through each year of elementary school are examined.
B. The health trends of smokers in a small random sample are examined.
C. Citizens in a local community are surveyed to determine concerns related to the next election.
D. The effects of a new drug are tested on a group of participants.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D describes an experiment because it involves testing the effects of a new drug on a group of participants. In an experiment, researchers intentionally manipulate an independent variable (in this case, the new drug) to observe its effects on a dependent variable (the participants' health outcomes). This method allows for establishing cause-and-effect relationships between variables, which is a key characteristic of experimental research design. Choices A, B, and C do not represent experiments. Choice A involves observational analysis of math grades, choice B involves observational analysis of health trends, and choice C involves a survey, none of which involve manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

2. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a crucial role in endocrine regulation. It secretes GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH. What is the MAIN function of FSH and LH?

A. Regulate blood sugar levels
B. Control growth and development
C. Stimulate the fight-or-flight response
D. Maintain calcium homeostasis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) are hormones produced by the pituitary gland in response to GnRH from the hypothalamus. FSH plays a key role in the growth and development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. LH is essential for the maturation of the ovarian follicle, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum in females, as well as the production of testosterone in males. Therefore, the main function of FSH and LH is to control growth and development in the reproductive system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the roles of FSH and LH in reproductive physiology. Regulating blood sugar levels is primarily the function of insulin and glucagon, controlling the fight-or-flight response involves hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, and maintaining calcium homeostasis is mainly regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.

3. Which type of cell has a nucleus but lacks membrane-bound organelles?

A. Plant cell
B. Prokaryotic cell
C. Animal cell
D. Fungal cell

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prokaryotic cell. Prokaryotic cells are characterized by having a nucleus that is not enclosed within a membrane (nuclear envelope) and lacking membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. Plant, animal, and fungal cells are eukaryotic cells, which have a true nucleus enclosed within a nuclear envelope and contain membrane-bound organelles. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they all represent eukaryotic cells that possess membrane-bound organelles.

4. What pigment is responsible for the yellow color of bananas?

A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Phosphorus
D. Carotene

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Carotene is the pigment responsible for the yellow color of bananas. It belongs to a group of plant pigments called carotenoids, which are responsible for giving fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, including the yellow hue of bananas. Potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are essential minerals found in bananas but are not responsible for their yellow color.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?

A. nutrient processing
B. blood filtration and detoxification
C. cholesterol and lipoprotein production
D. insulin production and blood sugar regulation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The liver does not produce insulin; instead, insulin is produced by the pancreas. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose but does not directly produce insulin. Choices A, B, and C are functions of the liver. Nutrient processing, blood filtration, detoxification, cholesterol, and lipoprotein production are essential roles performed by the liver to maintain overall metabolic balance and health.