which of the following is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. Which of the following is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection?

A. mucus membranes
B. stomach acid
C. skin
D. urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: skin.' The skin is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection. It acts as a protective shield that prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the body. The outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, acts as a tough physical barrier that blocks the entry of pathogens. Additionally, the skin has special immune cells that can help fight off invaders that manage to breach the physical barrier. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While mucous membranes, stomach acid, and urine play important roles in the body's defense against pathogens, the primary physical barrier is the skin, which covers the entire body and provides a robust protective barrier.

2. Photons, the basic unit of light, are:

A. Charged particles
B. Packets of energy with wave-particle duality
C. Electromagnetic waves only
D. Always absorbed by matter

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Photons are not charged particles; they are packets of energy that exhibit wave-particle duality, meaning they can behave as both particles and waves. While photons are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are not electromagnetic waves themselves but rather discrete energy packets. They are not always absorbed by matter; they can be reflected, transmitted, or scattered.

3. Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in a population?

A. Mutations in genes
B. Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies)
C. Gene flow (movement of genes between populations)
D. Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Mutations in genes: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new alleles into a population, leading to genetic variation. B) Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies): Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to genetic variation through chance events. C) Gene flow (movement of genes between populations): Gene flow occurs when individuals move between populations, bringing new alleles with them and increasing genetic variation within populations. D) Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring): Blending inheritance was a historical theory that suggested offspring inherit a blend of traits from their parents, leading to a reduction in genetic variation over time. However, this concept has been disproven by the understanding of Mendelian genetics, where traits are inherited independently and do not blend together. Therefore, blending inheritance does not contribute

4. Which of the following is a characteristic of a solution with high viscosity?

A. It flows easily
B. It has a low resistance to flow
C. It has a high resistance to flow
D. It does not mix with other liquids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It has a high resistance to flow.' A solution with high viscosity exhibits a high resistance to flow. Viscosity measures the fluid's resistance to deformation or flow, with higher viscosity indicating thicker and slower-flowing fluids. Choice A is incorrect because high viscosity means the solution flows slowly, not easily. Choice B is incorrect as high viscosity implies a high resistance to flow, not a low one. Choice D is irrelevant to viscosity and does not describe a characteristic associated with high viscosity.

5. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.