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 is a characteristic property of acids?

A. Bitter taste
B. Sour taste
C. Slippery feel
D. Sweet taste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct characteristic property of acids is a sour taste. Acids release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water, giving them a sour taste. Bitter taste is a property associated with bases, not acids. Slippery feel is a characteristic property of bases, due to their soap-like nature. Sweet taste does not accurately describe the characteristic property of acids, as they are known for their sour taste.

3. Which type of wave motion occurs when particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation?

A. Transverse waves
B. Longitudinal waves
C. Electromagnetic waves
D. Surface waves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Transverse waves are characterized by particles moving perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In transverse waves, the oscillations of particles are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Longitudinal waves have particles that move parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Electromagnetic waves are a type of transverse wave that do not require a medium for propagation. Surface waves combine both longitudinal and transverse motions and occur at the interface between two different mediums.

4. Which of the following is NOT a type of antibody?

A. IgA
B. IgM
C. Interferon
D. IgG

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) IgA: This is a type of antibody found in mucosal areas such as the gut, respiratory tract, and genitourinary tract. It plays a role in mucosal immunity. B) IgM: This is a type of antibody produced during the primary immune response and is the first antibody to be produced in response to an infection. C) Interferon: Interferons are signaling proteins produced by cells in response to viral infections. They play a role in the immune response by interfering with viral replication, but they are not antibodies. D) IgG: This is the most abundant type of antibody in the bloodstream and is involved in long-term immunity. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Interferon, as it is not a type of antibody.

5. Which of the following statements about the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is true?

A. It controls involuntary functions
B. It contains motor (efferent) neurons
C. It contains sensory (afferent) neurons
D. It contains both parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for controlling involuntary functions and contains both parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not fully capture the role of the ANS. While the ANS does control involuntary functions, this is a broader concept than just the reflex arc. While the ANS does contain motor (efferent) neurons, it also includes sensory (afferent) neurons, which are not specifically mentioned in the question. Therefore, choice C is not fully accurate. Choice D provides the most accurate and comprehensive description of the autonomic nervous system by highlighting its components, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, which work together to regulate various bodily functions.