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. A student hypothesizes that higher sugar consumption negatively impacts test scores. To investigate this, the student recruits participants to consume varying amounts of sugar, wait for one hour, and then complete an aptitude test. The student will record both the amount of sugar consumed and the test scores to analyze the relationship. What is the best experimental approach?

A. Conduct one round of testing where each participant consumes a different amount of sugar.
B. Conduct two rounds of testing: In the first round, participants consume varying amounts of sugar; in the second round, they consume the same amount of sugar as they did in the first round.
C. Conduct two rounds of testing: In the first round, participants consume varying amounts of sugar; in the second round, participants consume no sugar.
D. Conduct one round of testing where all participants consume the same amount of sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C provides the most thorough experimental design by including a control group. In the first round, varying sugar intake levels help explore the relationship between sugar consumption and test scores. In the second round, by having participants consume no sugar, the student can compare results to observe any changes due to sugar intake. This approach enhances the validity of the findings by accounting for potential confounding factors and better identifying causal relationships. Choice A is not ideal as it lacks a control group and does not compare the impact of sugar consumption. Choice B does not explore the effects of sugar consumption adequately as it does not include a group without sugar. Choice D does not allow for comparison between different sugar consumption levels, limiting the ability to draw meaningful conclusions.

3. Which blood vessels carry deoxygenated blood from the body back to the right atrium of the heart?

A. Arteries
B. Veins
C. Capillaries
D. Venules

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Veins are the blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. Arteries transport oxygenated blood away from the heart. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues. Venules are small veins that connect capillaries to larger veins, but they do not directly carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

4. What is the SI unit of measurement for work?

A. Newton-meter (N·m)
B. Joule (J)
C. Watt (W)
D. Meter per second (m/s)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Joule (J). Work is defined as the amount of energy transferred by a force acting through a distance. The Joule is the unit used to measure this energy transfer. Choice A, Newton-meter (N·m), is the unit for torque, not work. Choice C, Watt (W), is the unit of power, not work. Choice D, Meter per second (m/s), is a unit for speed or velocity and is not related to work.

5. In nuclear fusion, where does the released energy originate from?

A. The fission of heavy nuclei
B. The binding energy released during the fusion of light nuclei
C. Electronic transitions within atoms
D. Matter-antimatter annihilation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The binding energy released during the fusion of light nuclei.' Nuclear fusion involves the combination of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This energy arises from the binding energy that keeps the nucleus intact. As lighter nuclei fuse, they create a more stable nucleus, and the excess energy is emitted as radiation. This fundamental process is the primary source of energy in stars and holds promise as a potential future energy source on Earth. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'The fission of heavy nuclei,' is related to nuclear fission, not fusion. Choice C, 'Electronic transitions within atoms,' refers to energy release in atomic transitions, not nuclear fusion. Choice D, 'Matter-antimatter annihilation,' is a process where matter and antimatter collide, converting their mass into energy, but it is not the energy source for nuclear fusion.