which vitamin is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which vitamin is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it triggers a process where a form of cholesterol in the skin is converted into vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in aiding calcium absorption in the gut, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function but is not produced by sunlight exposure. Vitamin K (Choice C) is known for its role in blood clotting and bone metabolism, but it is not produced by sunlight. Vitamin E (Choice D) is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage but is not synthesized in the skin through sunlight exposure.

2. In the suburban neighborhood of Northwoods, there has been a large population of deer, and residents have complained about them eating flowers and garden plants. What would be a logical explanation for the large increase in the deer population over the last two seasons?

A. There has been an increase in the quantity of food sources in surrounding areas.
B. The population of natural predators in Northwoods has decreased.
C. Deer have migrated from surrounding areas.
D. There has been a recent increase in hunting licenses sold.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a decrease in natural predators can lead to an increase in the deer population as there are fewer predators to control their numbers. This explanation aligns with the situation described in the question, where the deer population has increased, causing issues for residents. Choice A is incorrect because an increase in food sources would not directly explain the increase in the deer population. Choice C is incorrect as it introduces a new factor of migration which is not mentioned in the question. Choice D is incorrect as an increase in hunting licenses sold would likely have the opposite effect on the deer population.

3. What are the primary processes involved in breathing?

A. Inspiration and Expiration
B. Inhalation and Exhalation
C. Respiration and Circulation
D. Inspiration and Respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary processes involved in breathing are inspiration (inhaling air) and expiration (exhaling air). Inspiration is the process of taking air into the lungs, while expiration is the process of expelling air from the lungs. These two phases are crucial for gas exchange, where oxygen is taken in during inspiration and carbon dioxide is expelled during expiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they either combine inspiration with respiration or include unrelated processes like respiration and circulation. Therefore, the correct pair of processes involved in breathing is A, inspiration and expiration.

4. Which neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation, and is often implicated in conditions such as addiction?

A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. It plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system and is often implicated in conditions such as addiction. Acetylcholine is involved in muscle movement and memory, serotonin is linked to mood regulation, and GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability. Therefore, the correct answer is dopamine as it aligns with the neurotransmitter functions related to pleasure, reward, and motivation, distinct from the roles of acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA.

5. What is the term for the balanced equation that represents a chemical reaction?

A. Hypothesis
B. Chemical formula
C. Balanced equation
D. Reaction mechanism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - 'Balanced equation'. A balanced equation is a representation of a chemical reaction that shows the reactants, products, and their stoichiometric coefficients. It ensures that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation, following the law of conservation of mass. Choice A, 'Hypothesis', is incorrect as it refers to a proposed explanation based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. Choice B, 'Chemical formula', is incorrect as it represents the composition of a compound using symbols and subscripts. Choice D, 'Reaction mechanism', is incorrect as it describes the step-by-step process by which a chemical reaction occurs, not just the overall representation of the reaction itself.