which of the following enzymes are responsible for adding a nucleotide to a growing dna chain

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. Which of the following enzymes is responsible for adding a nucleotide to a growing DNA chain?

A. Helicase
B. Ligase
C. Nuclease
D. Polymerase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Polymerase. Polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain during DNA replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix to separate the DNA strands for replication, Ligase joins DNA fragments together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between them, and Nuclease cuts or degrades DNA strands. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain.

2. What is the primary function of the stomach?

A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
C. To produce enzymes that assist in digesting food
D. To eliminate waste products from the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the stomach is to store food, churn it, and break it down into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. This process is facilitated by the mixing of food with gastric juices, including stomach acid. The mechanical breakdown in the stomach helps initiate the digestion of food before it progresses to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. Absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Enzymes that aid in digesting food are primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine, not in the stomach. The elimination of waste products from the body mainly occurs through the large intestine and rectum, not the stomach.

3. Which element has the same number of protons and neutrons?

A. Carbon (C)
B. Oxygen (O)
C. Lithium (Li)
D. Helium (He)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Helium (He). Helium has an atomic number of 2, meaning it has 2 protons. It also has 2 neutrons, which gives it a total mass number of 4. Therefore, Helium is an example of an element with an equal number of protons and neutrons. Choice A (Carbon) has 6 protons and usually has more neutrons than protons. Choice B (Oxygen) has 8 protons and 8 neutrons, so the numbers are not equal. Choice C (Lithium) has 3 protons and usually has more neutrons than protons, so it does not fit the criteria of having the same number of protons and neutrons.

4. What is the role of hemoglobin in the human body?

A. Transport oxygen in red blood cells
B. Bind oxygen to red blood cells
C. Carry carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs
D. Help red blood cells transport oxygen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Help red blood cells transport oxygen.' Hemoglobin acts as a carrier molecule in red blood cells, binding to oxygen in the lungs and releasing it in the tissues. It facilitates the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and aids in returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hemoglobin itself does not transport oxygen independently or bind oxygen to red blood cells nor does it carry carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs; instead, it assists red blood cells in the transportation of oxygen.

5. The innate immune system provides a non-specific first line of defense. What are some physical barriers that contribute to the innate immune system?

A. Antibodies
B. Phagocytes
C. Skin and mucous membranes
D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes are crucial components of the innate immune system's first line of defense. These barriers act as physical obstacles that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Antibodies (option A) are produced by the adaptive immune system in response to specific pathogens and do not serve as physical barriers. Phagocytes (option B) are cells that engulf and digest pathogens, playing a role in the innate immune response but not as physical barriers. Memory B cells (option D) are part of the adaptive immune system and aid in mounting a faster and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to a specific pathogen, but they are not physical barriers against initial pathogen entry.