which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

A. Cerebrum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Thalamus
D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

2. What are the building blocks of proteins?

A. Sugars
B. Fatty acids
C. Amino acids
D. Nucleotides

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proteins are macromolecules made up of long chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are linked together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into specific three-dimensional structures to carry out various functions in the body. Sugars (choice A) are the building blocks of carbohydrates, fatty acids (choice B) are the building blocks of lipids, and nucleotides (choice D) are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Therefore, the correct answer is amino acids (choice C), as they are specifically responsible for protein synthesis.

3. Where does glycolysis occur within the cell?

A. Cytosol
B. Nucleus
C. Mitochondria
D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol, the liquid component of the cytoplasm, not in the nucleus, mitochondria, or endoplasmic reticulum. It is the initial step in cellular respiration and involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid. The process takes place in the cytosol as it does not require membrane-bound organelles like the mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum for its completion.

4. Which of the following is NOT a method of sterilization?

A. Autoclave
B. UV light
C. Chemical disinfectants
D. Boiling water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Autoclave: An autoclave is a method of sterilization that uses high pressure and steam to kill microorganisms, making it an effective way to sterilize equipment and materials.\nB) UV light: UV light is a method of sterilization that damages the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing infections.\nC) Chemical disinfectants: Chemical disinfectants are used to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces, but they may not always achieve sterilization, which is the complete destruction of all microorganisms.\nD) Boiling water: Boiling water is a method of disinfection rather than sterilization. While boiling water can kill many microorganisms, it may not be effective against all types of bacteria, viruses, and spores, making it unsuitable for achieving sterilization.\n\nTherefore, the correct answer is D) Boiling water, as it is not a method of sterilization.

5. What is the end product of glycolysis?

A. Lactic acid
B. ATP
C. NADPH
D. Pyruvic acid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pyruvic acid. The end product of glycolysis is pyruvic acid, not lactic acid, ATP, or NADPH. Pyruvic acid is a key intermediary in cellular respiration and can be further metabolized to produce energy through processes like the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Lactic acid is produced in the absence of oxygen during fermentation, ATP is a product of cellular respiration but not the direct end product of glycolysis, and NADPH is generated in other metabolic pathways such as the pentose phosphate pathway, not in glycolysis.