which of the following is not a characteristic of living organisms

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

A. Made up of cells
B. Able to reproduce
C. Require energy
D. Non-motile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Made up of cells: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, a fundamental characteristic of life as defined by cell theory. B) Able to reproduce: Reproduction is a key characteristic of living organisms to pass on genetic information. C) Require energy: Energy is essential for carrying out life processes like growth and maintenance of homeostasis. D) Non-motile: While some living organisms are non-motile, movement is common in many organisms for survival activities like finding food, escaping predators, and responding to the environment. Therefore, being non-motile is not a universal characteristic of living organisms, making it the correct answer in this context.

2. Which macromolecules are composed of nucleotides and store information and energy?

A. Lipids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nucleic acids. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of nucleotides and are responsible for storing genetic information and energy (e.g., ATP). Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates are distinct macromolecules with varying functions and structures. Lipids primarily serve as energy reservoirs, structural components, and cell signaling molecules. Proteins play crucial roles in cellular functions like enzyme activity, structural support, and intracellular signaling. Carbohydrates are mainly utilized as an energy source and for structural purposes within cells.

3. During swallowing, what is the role of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located near the base of the tongue?

A. Initiates the swallowing reflex
B. Grinds food into smaller pieces
C. Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration
D. Stores saliva for lubrication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis plays a crucial role during swallowing by covering the trachea to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway, which could lead to aspiration. By acting as a lid over the trachea, it ensures that food passes down the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from entering the lungs. Choice A is incorrect as the swallowing reflex is a coordinated muscular action involving the tongue and throat muscles. Choice B is incorrect as grinding food into smaller pieces is primarily the function of the teeth and the initial stages of digestion. Choice D is incorrect as the storage of saliva for lubrication is not a function of the epiglottis, but rather involves salivary glands.

4. What is the SI unit of measurement for momentum?

A. Newton (N)
B. Kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s)
C. Joule (J)
D. Newton-second (N·s)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct SI unit of measurement for momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). Momentum is a vector quantity that is calculated by multiplying an object's mass (in kilograms) by its velocity (in meters per second), resulting in the unit kg·m/s. This unit represents the quantity of motion an object possesses, taking into account both the mass and velocity of the object. Choice A, Newton (N), is the unit of force, not momentum. Choice C, Joule (J), is the unit of energy, not momentum. Choice D, Newton-second (N·s), is the unit of impulse, not momentum.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the cilia lining the respiratory tract?

A. Trapping inhaled dust and debris
B. Moistening inhaled air
C. Producing mucus
D. Propelling mucus upwards towards the throat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moistening inhaled air. The cilia lining the respiratory tract primarily function to trap inhaled dust and debris, produce mucus, and propel the mucus upwards towards the throat for removal. Moistening inhaled air is primarily done by the mucous membranes in the nasal passages, which contain blood vessels that help warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal cavity. Therefore, the function of moistening inhaled air is not directly associated with the cilia in the respiratory tract, making it the correct choice in this scenario. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are all functions carried out by the cilia in the respiratory tract.