which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of the neurons preventing them from getting overexcited

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of mitosis?

A. The replication of DNA
B. The condensation of chromosomes
C. The separation of sister chromatids
D. The formation of haploid cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) The replication of DNA is a characteristic of mitosis. Before cell division occurs, the DNA is replicated to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. B) The condensation of chromosomes is a characteristic of mitosis. During mitosis, the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope as distinct structures. C) The separation of sister chromatids is a crucial step in mitosis. During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart and move to opposite poles of the cell to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. D) The formation of haploid cells is NOT a characteristic of mitosis. Mitosis results in the formation of two identical diploid daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Haploid cells are typically formed through the process of meiosis, not mitosis.

3. What function do ribosomes serve within the cell?

A. Ribosomes are responsible for cell movement.
B. Ribosomes aid in protein synthesis.
C. Ribosomes help protect the cell from its environment.
D. Ribosomes have enzymes that help with digestion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ribosomes serve a crucial role in protein synthesis by translating mRNA into proteins. They are not involved in cell movement, protecting the cell from the environment, or aiding in digestion. Choice A is incorrect because ribosomes are not responsible for cell movement. Choice C is incorrect because ribosomes do not primarily protect the cell from its environment. Choice D is incorrect because ribosomes do not have enzymes that aid in digestion.

4. Which muscle type is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. Connective tissue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system. Skeletal muscle is primarily under voluntary control, smooth muscle is primarily under involuntary control, and connective tissue is not a muscle type, but rather provides support and structure to the body.

5. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be found in a human cell's genes?

A. Sequences of amino acids to be transcribed into mRNA
B. Lethal recessive traits like sickle cell anemia
C. Mutated DNA
D. DNA that codes for proteins the cell doesn't use

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Human cells typically contain genes that code for proteins necessary for the cell's functions. DNA that codes for proteins the cell doesn't use would be an inefficient use of the cell's resources. Therefore, it is less likely to be found in a human cell's genes. Options A, B, and C are more commonly associated with genes found in human cells. Choice A refers to the genetic information needed for protein synthesis, while choice B involves traits that can be present in the gene pool. Mutated DNA (choice C) can also be found in human cells as a result of genetic alterations. However, DNA that codes for proteins not utilized by the cell would be redundant and not typically retained in the genome.