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. What does 'monophyletic' mean in the context of classification?

A. A group with a single representative organism
B. A group with diverse and unrelated members
C. A group with similar functions but different origins
D. A group descended from a common ancestor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of classification, 'monophyletic' refers to a group that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants. This group shares a single evolutionary origin and forms a complete branch on a phylogenetic tree. Monophyletic groups are considered natural and valid taxonomic units because they reflect evolutionary relationships accurately. Option D is the correct choice as it accurately defines the term 'monophyletic' in the context of classification. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because 'monophyletic' does not refer to a group with a single representative organism but rather a group descended from a common ancestor. Choice B is incorrect as a monophyletic group consists of related, not diverse and unrelated, members. Choice C is incorrect as a monophyletic group includes descendants from a common ancestor, not just organisms with similar functions but different origins.

3. Which organelle is responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in plant cells?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Mitochondria
C. Chloroplasts
D. Lysosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or for use within the cell. It is not involved in photosynthesis. B) Mitochondria: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. They are not involved in photosynthesis. C) Chloroplasts: Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. D) Lysosomes: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris. They are not involved in photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Chloroplasts, as they are specifically responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in plant

4. When is a solution considered saturated?

A. More solute cannot be dissolved
B. The solvent starts to evaporate
C. The solution becomes cloudy
D. It reaches a specific temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A solution is considered saturated when it has dissolved the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved at a given temperature. At this point, adding more solute will not result in further dissolution, indicating that the solution is saturated. The other choices are incorrect because the solvent evaporating or the solution becoming cloudy are not definitive indicators of a saturated solution. Additionally, reaching a specific temperature does not determine saturation, as the solubility of a solute can vary with temperature. Therefore, the correct answer is that more solute cannot be dissolved in a saturated solution.

5. Which hormone is released by the pituitary gland?

A. Estrogen
B. Luteinizing Hormone
C. Progesterone
D. Testosterone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Luteinizing Hormone. The pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone, which plays a crucial role in reproductive functions by stimulating ovulation in females and testosterone production in males. Choice A, Estrogen, is incorrect as estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries. Choice C, Progesterone, is incorrect as progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries and the placenta during pregnancy. Choice D, Testosterone, is incorrect as testosterone is produced primarily in the testes in males and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in females.