which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. Which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients?

A. Esophagus
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the correct answer because it is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It contains specialized structures such as villi and microvilli that maximize the absorption of nutrients from digested food. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach; the stomach primarily aids in digestion by secreting enzymes and acids; and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter. Therefore, the small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing essential nutrients for the body's functions, making it the correct choice in this context.

2. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

A. Packaging DNA
B. Replicating DNA
C. Transcribing DNA
D. Translating mRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Replicating DNA. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the template provided by the existing DNA strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Option A, Packaging DNA, refers to the coiling and organization of DNA into chromatin, a process involving histones and other proteins. Option C, Transcribing DNA, involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, a process carried out by RNA polymerase. Option D, Translating mRNA, refers to the process of protein synthesis where the information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

3. What determines the final velocity of a block sliding down a frictionless inclined plane?

A. The length of the incline
B. The angle of the incline
C. The mass of the block
D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final velocity of a block sliding down a frictionless inclined plane is determined by the angle of the incline. The angle directly impacts the acceleration of the block, affecting the final velocity it attains at the bottom. The length of the incline and the mass of the block do not play a direct role in determining the final velocity. Therefore, the correct answer is the angle of the incline (Choice B). Choices A and C are incorrect because the length of the incline and the mass of the block do not have a direct influence on the final velocity of the block in this scenario.

4. Where is the major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system?

A. Mouth
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is recognized as the major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. The small intestine's villi and microvilli provide a large surface area specialized for absorbing nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This efficient absorption process is essential for supplying the body with the necessary nutrients for energy production, growth, and overall functioning. The mouth is primarily involved in the initial stages of digestion through mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. The stomach aids in further mechanical and chemical digestion but is not the primary site for nutrient absorption. The large intestine's main function is to absorb water and electrolytes, not nutrients.

5. What is the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell?

A. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells do not
B. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.
C. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.
D. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Prokaryotic cells are simpler and do not have a true nucleus. Their genetic material is located in the nucleoid region, which is not enclosed by a membrane. - Eukaryotic cells are more complex and have a true nucleus that houses the genetic material, enclosed within a nuclear membrane. - Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have organelles, but eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, while prokaryotic cells lack these membrane-bound organelles.