Nokea
What describes a cell's reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?
- A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
- B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
- C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
- D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?
- A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
- B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
- C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
- D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.
How many neutrons are in an atom of the following element with a mass number of 50?
- A. 38
- B. 88
- C. 50
- D. 126
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom along with protons. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number. In this case, the mass number given is 50. Since the atomic number is not specified, we can infer it from the choices provided. The mass number of an element represents the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the number of neutrons in this atom would also be 50, as the mass number is equivalent to the combined number of protons and neutrons, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not match the given mass number of 50.
Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?
- A. Schwann cell
- B. ganglion
- C. synapse
- D. axon
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons.
Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons.
Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons.
Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.
Which of the following correctly describes a strong acid?
- A. A strong acid completely ionizes in water.
- B. A strong acid donates more than one proton.
- C. A strong acid contains at least one metal atom.
- D. A strong acid will not decompose.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A strong acid is defined as an acid that completely ionizes in water, meaning it dissociates fully into its constituent ions in solution. This characteristic differentiates strong acids from weak acids, which do not fully dissociate in water. Choice B is incorrect because the number of protons donated does not solely define the strength of an acid. Choice C is incorrect as strong acids are not defined by the presence of metal atoms, and Choice D is incorrect because all acids can decompose, but the strength of the acid is based on its ability to ionize in water.
What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?
- A. digestion
- B. deglutition
- C. defecation
- D. peristalsis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.