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Which of the following indicates the function of sodium bicarbonate secreted by the pancreas?

A. Sodium bicarbonate is a protease that digests carbohydrates.

B. Sodium bicarbonate stimulates the pyloric sphincter.

C. Sodium bicarbonate inhibits peristalsis.

D. Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity of chyme.

Answer Explanation:

Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity of chyme.

The pancreas secretes large amounts of sodium bicarbonate, which protects the duodenum by neutralizing the acid that comes from the stomach.

This compound helps neutralize stomach acid generated during the digestive process.

 

Choice A is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate is not a protease that digests carbohydrates.

Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins, while sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound that helps neutralize stomach acid.

Choice B is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate does not stimulate the pyloric sphincter.

The pyloric sphincter is a ring of smooth muscle that separates the stomach from the duodenum and regulates the passage of partially digested food (chyme) into the small intestine.

Choice C is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate does not inhibit peristalsis.

Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

 

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Which of the following properties of water explains its solvent abilities for certain substances?

    A. Kinetic energy of liquid water molecules

    B. High specific heat

    C. High surface tension

    D. Polarity of water molecules

    Answer Explanation

    The polarity of water molecules explains its solvent abilities for certain substances.

    Water is a polar molecule because it has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other end due to the unequal sharing of electrons between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.

    This polarity allows water to dissolve other polar substances and ionic compounds.

     

    Choice A.

    Kinetic energy of liquid water molecules is not the correct answer because kinetic energy refers to the energy of motion and does not directly explain water’s solvent abilities.

    Choice B.

    High specific heat is not the correct answer because specific heat refers to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance and does not directly explain water’s solvent abilities.

    Choice C.

    High surface tension is not the correct answer because surface tension refers to the cohesive forces between liquid molecules and does not directly explain water’s solvent abilities.

  • Q #2: Which of the following best describes the result of using a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

    A. The reaction is completed in a shorter amount of time

    B. A more desirable product is often formed

    C. A greater amount of heat energy is released by the reaction

    D. The yield of product is increased

    Answer Explanation

    A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed by the reaction.

    As a result, the reaction is completed in a shorter amount of time.

    Choice B is not correct because using a catalyst does not necessarily result in the formation of a more desirable product.

    Choice C is not correct because using a catalyst does not necessarily result in the release of a greater amount of heat energy by the reaction.

    Choice D is not correct because using a catalyst does not necessarily increase the yield of product.

  • Q #3: What is the approximate threshold value for mammalian neurons?

    A. -55 mV

    B. -80 mV

    C. +35 mV

    D. 0 mV

    Answer Explanation

    The approximate threshold value for mammalian neurons is -55 mV.

    The threshold potential is the critical level to which a membrane potential must be depolarized to initiate an action potential.

    Most often, the threshold potential is a membrane potential value between –50 and –55 mV

     

    The membrane potential of a neuron is determined by the distribution of ions across the cell membrane.

    At rest, the inside of a neuron is more negative than the outside due to the presence of negatively charged proteins and other molecules.

    The movement of ions across the cell membrane can change the membrane potential.

    For example, when sodium ions enter the cell, they make the inside of the cell more positive (less negative), causing depolarization.

    Choice B is incorrect because -80 mV is below the typical threshold value for mammalian neurons.

    Choice C is incorrect because +35 mV is above the typical threshold value for mammalian neurons.

    Choice D is incorrect because 0 mV is above the typical threshold value for mammalian neurons.