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 is the role of RNA interference in silencing genes?

A. Increases protein production
B. Promotes gene mutation
C. Inhibits the expression of specific genes
D. Repairs damaged DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, 'Inhibits the expression of specific genes,' is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because RNA interference does not increase protein production, promote gene mutation, or repair damaged DNA; its primary function is to inhibit gene expression by degrading or interfering with mRNA.

3. Which statement accurately describes cytokinesis in animal cells?

A. Which statement accurately describes cytokinesis in animal cells?
B. A cell plate forms in the center of the dividing cell, eventually separating the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.
C. A cell plate forms in the center of the dividing cell, eventually separating the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.
D. The nucleus elongates and pulls apart, physically dividing the cytoplasm into two.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) This statement is a duplicate of option C and does not accurately describe cytokinesis in animal cells. B) In animal cells, during cytokinesis, a cleavage furrow forms in the center of the dividing cell. This furrow deepens and eventually pinches the cytoplasm into two daughter cells. This process is distinct from plant cells, where a cell plate forms. C) This statement is a duplicate of option A and does not accurately describe cytokinesis in animal cells. D) This statement describes the process of nuclear division (mitosis) rather than cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm.

4. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes a(n):

A. Molecule
B. Isotope
C. Ion
D. Compound

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. Gaining or losing electrons alters the atom's electron count and charge, creating a positively or negatively charged ion. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are chemically bonded. An isotope is a variation of an element with a different number of neutrons. A compound consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the lymphatic system?

A. Removing substances from the blood.
B. Releasing hormones.
C. Combating disease.
D. Maintaining tissue fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Releasing hormones is not a function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays crucial roles in removing substances from the blood, combating disease through the production of immune cells, and maintaining tissue fluid balance by circulating lymph. Releasing hormones is primarily the function of endocrine glands, not the lymphatic system.