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The enzyme pepsin is produced in the cells of the stomach but not in the cells of the small intestine. The small intestine produces a different enzyme, trypsin. The reason that the stomach and small intestine produce different enzymes is that the gene that codes for pepsin is

A. in the cells of the stomach, but not in the cells of the small intestine

B. expressed in the stomach but not expressed in the small intestine

C. mutated in the small intestine

D. digested by the trypsin in the small intestine

Answer Explanation:

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific biochemical reactions in living organisms.

The production of enzymes is regulated by gene expression, where specific genes are activated (expressed) to produce particular enzymes in different cells or tissues.

In this case, the gene responsible for coding the enzyme pepsin is expressed in the cells of the stomach, leading to the production of pepsin in the stomach.

Conversely, the gene for trypsin is expressed in the cells of the small intestine, resulting in the production of trypsin in the small intestine.

Therefore, the reason that the stomach and small intestine produce different enzymes is due to the differential gene expression in these respective tissues.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Three days after an organism eats some meat, many of the organic molecules originally contained in the meat would be found in newly formed molecules of

    A. glucose

    B. protein

    C. starch

    D. oxygen

    Answer Explanation

    B) protein

    - Correct: After an organism consumes meat, the organic molecules present in the meat, such as amino acids and lipids, are broken down through the process of digestion. These molecules are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various cells throughout the body. In the cells, these molecules are used as building blocks for synthesizing new proteins. Proteins are essential macromolecules involved in numerous cellular functions, including structural support, enzymatic activity, and regulation of cellular processes. Therefore, many of the organic molecules originally contained in the meat would be found in newly formed molecules of protein within the organism's cells.

    A) glucose

    - Incorrect: Glucose is a simple sugar that is primarily derived from the digestion of carbohydrates. While some amino acids obtained from the digestion of protein can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis, the majority of amino acids are used for protein synthesis, not glucose production.

    C) starch

    - Incorrect: Starch is a complex carbohydrate found in plants. It is not typically present in meat, and it is not directly synthesized from the organic molecules obtained from meat consumption.

    D) oxygen

    - Incorrect: Oxygen is a gas essential for cellular respiration but is not synthesized from the organic molecules obtained from meat consumption. Oxygen is mainly obtained through breathing and is used in cellular respiration to generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

  • Q #2: If no carbohydrate ingestion occurs in the body during a 24-hour period, liver activity provides for the body's needs by

    A. emulsification

    B. manufacturing more bile

    C. converting glycogen into glucose

    D. releasing iron

    Answer Explanation

    C) converting glycogen into glucose

    - Correct: When no carbohydrate ingestion occurs in the body during a 24-hour period, the liver can provide for the body's glucose needs by converting stored glycogen into glucose through a process known as glycogenolysis. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the liver and muscles. When blood glucose levels decrease, such as during fasting or low carbohydrate intake, the liver breaks down glycogen into glucose molecules, which are then released into the bloodstream to maintain blood glucose levels and provide energy to cells throughout the body.

    A) emulsification

    - Incorrect: Emulsification is a process by which bile breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in fat digestion in the small intestine. It is not related to the liver's role in glucose metabolism.

    B) manufacturing more bile

    - Incorrect: The liver produces bile continuously, regardless of carbohydrate ingestion. While the liver's production of bile is important for fat digestion and absorption, it is not directly related to glucose metabolism.

    D) releasing iron

    - Incorrect: The liver is involved in storing and regulating iron levels in the body, but releasing iron is not directly related to providing for the body's glucose needs in the absence of carbohydrate ingestion.

  • Q #3: If a person was unable to break down food particles into molecules that could be absorbed by the body, you would predict

    A. there is a malfunction with the digestive system

    B. there is a malfunction with the excretory system

    C. there is a malfunction with the reproductive system

    D. there is a malfunction with the circulatory system

    Answer Explanation

    A) there is a malfunction with the digestive system

    - Correct: Inability to break down food particles into molecules that can be absorbed by the body suggests a malfunction with the digestive system. The digestive system is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that can be absorbed by the intestines and utilized by the body for energy, growth, and repair. If the digestive system is not functioning properly, it can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in nutritional deficiencies and related health issues.

    B) there is a malfunction with the excretory system

    - Incorrect: The excretory system is responsible for removing waste products from the body, primarily through the kidneys, urinary tract, and skin. While the excretory system plays a role in eliminating some metabolic waste products generated from the breakdown of nutrients, it is not primarily responsible for the breakdown of food particles into absorbable molecules.

    C) there is a malfunction with the reproductive system

    - Incorrect: The reproductive system is responsible for the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) and the facilitation of reproduction. It is not directly involved in the breakdown and absorption of food particles in the digestive process.

    D) there is a malfunction with the circulatory system

    - Incorrect: The circulatory system, comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood, is responsible for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and other substances throughout the body. While the circulatory system transports nutrients absorbed by the digestive system to various tissues and organs, it does not directly participate in the breakdown of food particles into absorbable molecules.