which of the following is the main function of the liver

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. What is the primary function of the liver?

A. To produce bile, which aids in the digestion of fats
B. To store energy in the form of glycogen
C. To produce proteins that assist in blood clotting
D. To detoxify harmful substances in the body

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the body. While the liver does produce bile to aid in the digestion of fats, this is not its primary function. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine for fat digestion. Storing energy in the form of glycogen is a function of the liver, but not its primary one. Glycogen serves as a reserve of glucose. Although the liver produces proteins that assist in blood clotting, such as fibrinogen and prothrombin, this is not its main function. These proteins play a crucial role in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Therefore, the primary role of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances by processing and removing toxins, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, thereby reducing their harmful effects.

2. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?

A. Natural selection
B. Genetic drift
C. Lamarckism
D. Mutation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to the next generation. B) Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that occurs due to random changes in allele frequencies in a population. C) Lamarckism, also known as the inheritance of acquired characteristics, is a discredited theory that suggests organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. This mechanism has been largely rejected by the scientific community. D) Mutation is a mechanism of evolution that introduces new genetic variation into a population, which can lead to the emergence of new traits and adaptations over time.

3. Why is it essential to formulate a hypothesis before conducting an experiment?

A. It will increase the investigator's reputation and prestige if their hypothesis is proven correct.
B. The hypothesis helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for.
C. Formulating a hypothesis shows potential sources of funding that the investigator has given some thought to the experiment.
D. The hypothesis directs which results to keep and publish; results that do not match the hypothesis should be discarded.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Formulating a hypothesis before conducting an experiment is crucial because it helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for. A hypothesis serves as a prediction or an educated guess about what might happen in the experiment, providing a clear direction for the research process. It allows the investigator to focus on specific variables and outcomes, making the experiment more organized and effective. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a hypothesis is not to boost an investigator's reputation but to guide the research. Choice C is incorrect as formulating a hypothesis is not primarily about impressing funders but about setting a clear direction for the study. Choice D is incorrect because the hypothesis is not meant to dictate which results to keep based on preconceived notions but to guide the investigation and allow for unbiased interpretation of results.

4. What does the innate immune system provide?

A. Nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens
B. Specific, long-term immune response through memory cells
C. Both (a) and (b)
D. Neither (a) nor (b)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The innate immune system provides nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens. It is the body's first line of defense in responding to infections and does not involve memory cells or specific long-term immune responses like the adaptive immune system. Choice B is incorrect because specific, long-term immune responses through memory cells are characteristics of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. Choice C is incorrect because the innate immune system does not provide specific, long-term immune responses. Choice D is incorrect because the innate immune system does provide an immediate defense against pathogens.

5. To which of the following bone types do the spine and hips belong?

A. Curved bones
B. Irregular bones
C. Flat bones
D. Long bones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Irregular bones. The spine and hips belong to the category of irregular bones. Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit into other bone type categories. These bones serve functions such as support and protection, and their shapes vary depending on their specific roles in the body. Choice A, curved bones, is incorrect because bones like ribs are typically described as curved, not the spine and hips. Choice C, flat bones, is incorrect as flat bones include the skull and ribs, but not the spine and hips. Choice D, long bones, is also incorrect because long bones include bones like the femur and humerus, which are elongated with a shaft and distinct ends, unlike the spine and hips.