which statement confirms that the cell membrane is selectively permeable

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. Which statement confirms that the cell membrane is selectively permeable?

A. Receptors are found on a cell's surface.
B. Cells communicate with each other using cell signals.
C. Environmental changes can cause a cell to expand or shrink.
D. Sodium ions must travel through ion channels to enter the cell.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because selective permeability is demonstrated by the fact that specific ions, such as sodium, require ion channels to cross the cell membrane. This process allows the cell to control what substances can enter or exit, highlighting the selective nature of the cell membrane. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the concept of selective permeability of the cell membrane. Receptors on a cell's surface (Choice A) are involved in cell signaling rather than selective permeability. Cell communication through signals (Choice B) and environmental changes affecting cell size (Choice C) are not directly related to the selective permeability of the cell membrane, which specifically refers to the regulation of substances passing through the membrane.

2. Which of the following substances is NOT typically found in healthy urine?

A. Urea
B. Glucose
C. Creatinine
D. Electrolytes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucose is not typically found in healthy urine because the kidneys usually filter glucose from the blood and reabsorb it back into the bloodstream. The presence of glucose in urine, known as glucosuria, is usually indicative of diabetes or other medical conditions affecting glucose regulation. On the other hand, urea, creatinine, and electrolytes are commonly present in healthy urine as byproducts of metabolism and electrolyte balance. Urea is a waste product of protein metabolism, creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism, and electrolytes are essential for various physiological functions in the body. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are typically found in healthy urine, making them incorrect answers.

3. What is the mass number of an element?

A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
D. The number of isotopes of an element.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It specifically focuses on the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which contributes to the overall mass of the atom. Therefore, the mass number is not solely determined by the number of protons, electrons, or isotopes. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as the number of electrons in the valence shell is related to the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, not the mass number. Choice D is incorrect because the mass number does not represent the number of isotopes of an element, but rather the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Thus, option B, the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, is the correct choice.

4. Which type of wave motion occurs when particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation?

A. Transverse waves
B. Longitudinal waves
C. Electromagnetic waves
D. Surface waves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Transverse waves are characterized by particles moving perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In transverse waves, the oscillations of particles are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Longitudinal waves have particles that move parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Electromagnetic waves are a type of transverse wave that do not require a medium for propagation. Surface waves combine both longitudinal and transverse motions and occur at the interface between two different mediums.

5. Which of the following best describes one of the roles of RNA?

A. Manufacturing the proteins needed from DNA
B. Creating the bonds between the elements that make up DNA
C. Sending messages about the correct sequence of proteins in DNA
D. Forming the identifiable double helix shape of DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. RNA serves as a messenger that carries instructions from DNA for protein synthesis. It does not manufacture proteins directly from DNA (choice A), create bonds within DNA (choice B), or form the double helix structure of DNA (choice D). Therefore, the primary role of RNA is to convey information about the correct sequence of proteins to be synthesized based on the DNA sequences it receives.