which structure in the ear is responsible for maintaining balance

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. Which structure in the ear is responsible for maintaining balance?

A. Cochlea
B. Semicircular canals
C. Eardrum
D. Auditory nerve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the semicircular canals. These structures in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium by detecting rotational movements of the head. The cochlea is responsible for hearing as it contains the sensory cells for detecting sound vibrations, the eardrum is a membrane that transmits sound waves to the middle ear, and the auditory nerve carries sound signals from the cochlea to the brain for processing. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not primarily associated with maintaining balance.

2. Which property of a substance refers to its ability to be stretched into thin wires without breaking?

A. Conductivity
B. Viscosity
C. Ductility
D. Malleability

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ductility is the property of a substance that allows it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking. This property is distinct from the other options provided. Conductivity refers to the ability to conduct electricity or heat, viscosity refers to a liquid's resistance to flow, and malleability refers to the ability of a substance to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Ductility.'

3. What is the role of RNA in the regulation of gene expression?

A. Provides energy for the process
B. Controls the timing and location of protein synthesis
C. Translates the genetic code into amino acids
D. Stores genetic information

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) RNA does not provide energy for the process of gene expression. Energy is typically provided by molecules like ATP. B) RNA plays a crucial role in controlling the timing and location of protein synthesis through processes like transcriptional regulation, RNA splicing, and post-transcriptional modifications. It helps determine when and where specific proteins are produced in the cell. C) While mRNA translates the genetic code into amino acids during the process of translation, this is not the primary role of RNA in the regulation of gene expression. D) RNA does not store genetic information in the same way that DNA does. DNA is the molecule responsible for storing genetic information in the form of genes. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it accurately describes the role of RNA in regulating gene expression.

4. Which of the following structures in the skin is responsible for producing sweat?

A. Sebaceous gland
B. Sudoriferous gland
C. Hair follicle
D. Melanocyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudoriferous gland. Sudoriferous glands, also known as sweat glands, are responsible for producing sweat to regulate body temperature. Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and hair. Hair follicles are associated with hair growth, not sweat production. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin for skin pigmentation, not sweat.

5. When sugar is heated, it breaks down into carbon and water vapor. This is an example of a:

A. Combination reaction
B. Decomposition reaction
C. Double displacement reaction
D. Single displacement reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition reaction. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction where it breaks down into simpler substances, carbon, and water vapor. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Choice A, Combination reaction, is incorrect because a combination reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a new compound, which is the opposite of what happens when sugar breaks down. Choices C and D, Double displacement reaction and Single displacement reaction, are incorrect as they involve different mechanisms where the atoms or ions of the reactants are exchanged, which is not the case in the breakdown of sugar into carbon and water vapor.