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Which structure produces a substance that aids in the mechanical breakdown of fats?

A. liver

B. thyroid gland

C. testes

D. pituitary gland

Answer Explanation:

A) liver

- Correct: The liver produces bile, a substance that aids in the mechanical breakdown of fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed. Bile emulsifies large fat globules into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for the action of digestive enzymes. This process facilitates the breakdown of fats into smaller molecules for digestion and absorption.

B) thyroid gland

- Incorrect: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism but is not directly involved in the mechanical breakdown of fats.

C) testes

- Incorrect: The testes are reproductive organs responsible for the production of sperm in males and do not play a role in the mechanical breakdown of fats.

D) pituitary gland

- Incorrect: The pituitary gland is a master gland that produces and regulates various hormones but is not involved in the mechanical breakdown of fats.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is A.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Salmonella bacteria can cause humans to have stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The effect these bacteria have on humans indicates that Salmonella bacteria are

    A. predators

    B. pathogenic organisms

    C. parasitic fungi

    D. decomposers

    Answer Explanation

    B) pathogenic organisms

    - Correct: Salmonella bacteria are pathogenic organisms, meaning they can cause disease in humans and other animals. When ingested, Salmonella bacteria can lead to symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Salmonella infection, known as salmonellosis, is a common cause of foodborne illness, often associated with the consumption of contaminated food, particularly undercooked poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products.

    A) predators

    - Incorrect: Predators are organisms that hunt, kill, and consume other organisms for food. Salmonella bacteria are not predators; they do not actively hunt and consume other organisms.

    C) parasitic fungi

    - Incorrect: Salmonella bacteria are not parasitic fungi. Parasitic fungi are fungi that derive nutrients from living organisms, often causing harm or disease. Salmonella bacteria are a distinct type of pathogenic bacteria, not fungi.

    D) decomposers

    - Incorrect: Decomposers are organisms that break down and feed on dead organic matter, aiding in the process of decomposition. Salmonella bacteria are not decomposers; they are pathogenic bacteria that can cause illness in humans and animals.

  • Q #2: In some regions of the world, children suffer from a protein deficiency known as kwashiorkor. This deficiency occurs when a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal. Even though the child is receiving calories, the child becomes sick and less active, and growth ceases. These symptoms are probably due to

    A. too many nucleic acids in the diet

    B. an overconsumption of complete protein foods

    C. not enough carbohydrates in the diet

    D. a lack of essential amino acids in the diet

    Answer Explanation

    D) a lack of essential amino acids in the diet

    - Correct: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe acute malnutrition that occurs due to inadequate protein intake, particularly deficient in essential amino acids. When a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal, which is often low in protein and deficient in essential amino acids, the child may develop kwashiorkor despite receiving calories. Essential amino acids are necessary for proper growth, immune function, and overall health. Without an adequate supply of essential amino acids, the body cannot synthesize proteins required for various physiological processes, leading to symptoms such as stunted growth, lethargy, edema (swelling), and weakened immune function, which are characteristic of kwashiorkor.

    A) too many nucleic acids in the diet

    - Incorrect: Kwashiorkor is not caused by an excess of nucleic acids in the diet. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are not directly related to the development of kwashiorkor.

    B) an overconsumption of complete protein foods

    - Incorrect: Kwashiorkor results from a deficiency in protein intake, particularly inadequate consumption of essential amino acids, rather than an overconsumption of complete protein foods.

    C) not enough carbohydrates in the diet

    - Incorrect: While a diet lacking in carbohydrates can lead to energy deficiency, it does not directly cause the symptoms of kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is primarily associated with inadequate protein intake, not insufficient carbohydrate intake.

  • Q #3: 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.