which of the following is a characteristic of an interneuron

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of an interneuron?

A. Forms neural circuits
B. Interacts with effectors
C. Sends impulses to the CNS
D. Functions as an efferent nerve cell

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct characteristic of an interneuron is that it forms neural circuits, connecting sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. Interneurons facilitate communication between different neurons in the central nervous system, helping in the processing and integration of signals. Choice B is incorrect as interneurons primarily interact with other neurons, not effectors. Choice C is incorrect as interneurons typically do not send impulses to the CNS; they operate within the CNS. Choice D is incorrect as interneurons are not efferent nerve cells; they are mainly involved in processing signals within the CNS rather than transmitting signals to effectors.

2. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

A. Both are double-stranded.
B. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.
C. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, while DNA contains thymine.
D. Both are identical molecules.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Incorrect. DNA is double-stranded, but RNA is typically single-stranded. B) Correct. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which lacks an oxygen atom on the 2' carbon of the sugar ring, while RNA contains ribose sugar, which has an additional hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon. C) Incorrect. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, while DNA contains thymine. D) Incorrect. DNA and RNA have distinct structures and functions, so they are not identical molecules.

3. What is the term for the phenomenon when two waves combine to form a new wave?

A. Diffraction
B. Interference
C. Refraction
D. Dispersion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Interference. Interference is the term used to describe the phenomenon when two waves combine to form a new wave. When waves interact constructively or destructively, they interfere with each other, resulting in a new wave pattern. Choice A, Diffraction, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles, not the combination of waves. Choice C, Refraction, is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, not the combination of waves. Choice D, Dispersion, is the separation of light into its different colors, not the combination of waves.

4. Why is warming up before exercise important?

A. To prevent dehydration
B. To prevent muscle soreness
C. To prevent increased heart rate
D. To prevent low blood sugar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Warming up before exercise is crucial to prevent muscle soreness. It helps by increasing blood flow to the muscles, improving flexibility, and preparing the body for physical activity. Dehydration, increased heart rate, and low blood sugar are not directly prevented by warming up before exercise. Dehydration is prevented by proper hydration before and during exercise; increased heart rate is a normal physiological response to exercise; and low blood sugar is managed through proper nutrition and timing of meals before physical activity.

5. What is the basic unit of heredity?

A. Chromosome
B. Cell
C. Gene
D. Organ

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A gene is the basic unit of heredity that carries the instructions for making proteins, which determine an organism's traits. Genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes within the cell. While chromosomes contain many genes, a gene itself is the fundamental unit of heredity responsible for passing on genetic information from one generation to the next. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms, but genes specifically carry genetic information. Organs are composed of tissues and serve specific functions within an organism, but they are not the basic unit of heredity.