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. What are energy levels and orbitals?

A. Energy levels are the paths that electrons travel around the nucleus of an atom, and orbitals are the regions where electrons are most likely to be found.
B. Energy levels are the regions where electrons are most likely to be found, and orbitals are the paths that electrons travel around the nucleus of an atom.
C. Energy levels are the same as orbitals.
D. Energy levels and orbitals do not exist.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Energy levels refer to the specific energies that electrons in an atom can have, while orbitals are the regions within an atom where electrons are most likely to be found. Electrons do not travel in fixed paths around the nucleus like planets around the sun, as suggested in option B. Option C is incorrect because energy levels and orbitals are distinct concepts in atomic structure. Option D is incorrect as energy levels and orbitals are fundamental concepts in understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms.

3. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. What enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

A. Pepsin
B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Trypsin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Trypsin is the correct enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids. It is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine to facilitate protein digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme from the stomach that also breaks down proteins, amylase targets carbohydrates, and lipase works on fats. In this context, since the question specifies the pancreas and small intestine, the correct answer is Trypsin as it is the pancreatic enzyme responsible for protein breakdown in the small intestine.

4. What are the constituents of an atomic nucleus?

A. Electrons and protons only
B. Protons and neutrons only
C. Electrons, protons, and neutrons
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protons and neutrons only. Electrons are located outside the nucleus in electron shells. Protons and neutrons are the subatomic particles found within the nucleus of an atom. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral. These particles contribute to the mass and stability of the nucleus. Choice A is incorrect because electrons are not part of the nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as electrons are not found within the nucleus, only protons and neutrons. Choice D is incorrect as protons and neutrons are indeed constituents of an atomic nucleus.

5. Homologous structures are those that:

A. Have the same function but different origins
B. Have different functions but the same origin
C. Are similar in appearance and function due to shared ancestry
D. Are identical in both appearance and function

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Homologous structures are defined as anatomical features that are similar in appearance and function due to shared ancestry. This means that these structures are inherited from a common ancestor and may have evolved to fulfill different functions in different species. Option A, which mentions structures with the same function but different origins, describes analogous structures, not homologous ones. Option B, which refers to structures with different functions but the same origin, actually characterizes vestigial structures. Option D, stating that structures are identical in appearance and function, does not necessarily imply homology; such structures could result from convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry. Understanding homologous structures provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between different species and supports the concept of common descent.