which of the following is the primary function of the cell membrane

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

A. To provide structural support for the cell
B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

2. Balance the chemical equation: C4H10 + O2 → CO2 + H2O. What is the coefficient for oxygen?

A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To balance the chemical equation, we need to ensure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation. In this case, there are 10 oxygen atoms on the right side (5 in CO2 and 5 in H2O). To balance this, we need to add a coefficient of 6 in front of O2 on the left side, resulting in 6 O2 molecules. This change will give us a total of 12 oxygen atoms on both sides, making the equation balanced. Choice A (5) is incorrect because it does not account for all the oxygen atoms present in the products. Choices C (7) and D (8) are incorrect as they would result in an imbalance in the number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.

3. Which structure of the respiratory system bifurcates into the primary bronchi?

A. Trachea
B. Alveoli
C. Bronchioles
D. Larynx

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The trachea is the structure that bifurcates into the primary bronchi. The trachea is a tube that carries air to and from the lungs. It divides into the left and right primary bronchi at a specific point called the carina, which then further divide into secondary and tertiary bronchi, leading to the bronchioles. The alveoli are the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles where gas exchange occurs, not the structure that bifurcates into the primary bronchi. Bronchioles are smaller airway branches that come after the bronchi but do not bifurcate into them. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is located above the trachea and is responsible for sound production, not the bifurcation into primary bronchi. Therefore, the correct answer is the trachea.

4. What term describes the front of the body, for example, the kneecap?

A. Posterior
B. Anterior
C. Superior
D. Inferior

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Anterior.' In anatomy, 'anterior' refers to the front of the body, like the kneecap. On the other hand, 'posterior' describes the back of the body. Choices 'C: Superior' and 'D: Inferior' relate to structures being above or below a reference point, respectively, and are not used to describe the front or back of the body. Therefore, 'Anterior' is the most appropriate term given the context provided in the question.

5. What is the external body covering, providing protection and contributing to temperature regulation, composed of?

A. Muscle tissue
B. Epithelial tissue (skin)
C. Bone marrow
D. Cartilage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The external body covering, which is the skin, is composed of epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier against pathogens, chemicals, and physical damage. It also helps regulate body temperature through processes like sweating. Choice A (Muscle tissue) is incorrect as muscles are responsible for movement and not the external body covering. Choice C (Bone marrow) is incorrect as it is a component of the skeletal system and not the external body covering. Choice D (Cartilage) is incorrect as cartilage is a type of connective tissue found in joints and the structure of some body parts, not the external body covering.