MCAT Biology And Chemistry Refresher
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is run by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The examination has become computer-based since 2007 and is administered 24 times a year. The Medical College Admission Test is an entrance examination for potential medical students in Canada and the United States. This quiz is a refresher for both the MCAT Biology and Chemistry examinations. Take this quiz to refresh your memory on the concepts of the topics involved.
- 1.
Of which of the following characteristics does an endangered species have that makes it most vulnerable to extinction?
- A.
A large variety in its diet
- B.
A small amount of genetic diversity
- C.
A high birthrate
- D.
A small amount of competition
Correct Answer
B. A small amount of genetic diversityExplanation
An endangered species with a small amount of genetic diversity is most vulnerable to extinction because it lacks the variation necessary to adapt to changing environments or resist diseases. Limited genetic diversity reduces the species' ability to evolve and respond to threats, making it more susceptible to extinction. Without genetic variation, the species may not have individuals with traits that can survive and reproduce in new or challenging conditions, ultimately leading to a decline in population and potential extinction.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which type of cell should contain a mutation so as for the mutation to be passed from a mother to her child?
- A.
Brain cell
- B.
Blood cell
- C.
Skin cell
- D.
Egg cell
Correct Answer
D. Egg cellExplanation
The egg cell should contain a mutation in order for it to be passed from a mother to her child. This is because the egg cell is the female reproductive cell that combines with the sperm cell during fertilization to create a new individual. Any genetic mutations present in the egg cell will be inherited by the child. Brain cells, blood cells, and skin cells do not directly contribute to the genetic material passed on from parent to child.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which class of organic molecules does salivary amylase break down to?
- A.
Carbohydrates
- B.
Proteins
- C.
Lipids
- D.
Nucleic acids
Correct Answer
A. CarbohydratesExplanation
Salivary amylase is an enzyme that specifically breaks down carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a class of organic molecules that include sugars, starches, and fibers. Salivary amylase works by breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, such as glucose and maltose, which can then be easily absorbed and utilized by the body for energy. Therefore, the correct answer is carbohydrates.Rate this question:
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- 4.
For which of the following functions of the human skeletal system are joints the most important for?
- A.
Blood cell formation
- B.
Protection
- C.
Storage of minerals
- D.
Movement
Correct Answer
D. MovementExplanation
Joints are the most important for movement in the human skeletal system. Joints are the points where two or more bones meet and allow for flexibility and mobility. They enable the body to perform various movements such as bending, rotating, and extending. Without joints, the skeletal system would be rigid and immobile, hindering any kind of movement. Therefore, movement is the primary function of the human skeletal system that relies on the presence and proper functioning of joints.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Fatty acids are one amongst the product that results from the action of lipase within the digestive system. What's a way that fatty acids are utilized in the body?
- A.
As the building blocks of antibodies
- B.
As the building blocks of hemoglobin
- C.
For storing energy
- D.
For encoding genetic information
Correct Answer
C. For storing energyExplanation
Fatty acids are utilized in the body for storing energy. When the body has excess energy, it converts it into fatty acids and stores them in adipose tissue for later use. These stored fatty acids can then be broken down and used as a source of energy when needed. This is an important mechanism for maintaining energy balance and providing fuel for various bodily functions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the subsequent statements best describes the connection of the kidneys and also the liver to the circulatory system?
- A.
The kidneys and the liver pump blood.
- B.
The kidneys and the liver remove wastes from blood.
- C.
The kidneys and the liver make blood-clotting proteins
- D.
The kidneys and the liver produce blood cells.
Correct Answer
B. The kidneys and the liver remove wastes from blood.Explanation
The kidneys and the liver are both vital organs involved in the filtration and detoxification processes of the body. The kidneys filter waste products, excess water, and toxins from the blood, producing urine as a result. The liver also plays a crucial role in detoxification by breaking down harmful substances and filtering out toxins from the bloodstream. Therefore, the statement "The kidneys and the liver remove wastes from blood" accurately describes their connection to the circulatory system.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the subsequent unremarkably results from meiosis in a human cell that contains forty six chromosomes?
- A.
A sperm cell with 23 chromosomes
- B.
An egg cell with 46 chromosomes
- C.
A liver cell with 23 chromosomes
- D.
A blood cell with 46 chromosomes
Correct Answer
A. A sperm cell with 23 chromosomesExplanation
During meiosis, the number of chromosomes in a cell is halved. In humans, each normal cell contains 46 chromosomes, but after meiosis, the resulting cells will have only 23 chromosomes. Sperm cells are produced through meiosis, so a sperm cell with 23 chromosomes is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the subsequent matches a cell organelle with its purpose?
- A.
Vacuole-energy production
- B.
Chloroplast-movement
- C.
Nucleus-cell regulation
- D.
Mitochondrion-photosynthesis
Correct Answer
C. Nucleus-cell regulationExplanation
The correct answer is nucleus-cell regulation. The nucleus is a cell organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and is responsible for regulating cell activities, including gene expression and cell division. It controls the production of proteins and plays a crucial role in maintaining the cell's overall function and structure.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the subsequent statements best describes the impact of hydrogen ion concentration(pH) on the functioning of salivary amylase?
- A.
Salivary amylase cannot break down starch into maltose at pH values less than 7.
- B.
Salivary amylase functions most effectively at a pH of about 7.
- C.
Salivary amylase breaks down protein instead of starch at pH values greater than 9.
- D.
Salivary amylase functions most effectively at a pH of about 4.
Correct Answer
B. Salivary amylase functions most effectively at a pH of about 7.Explanation
Salivary amylase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down starch into maltose. Enzymes have an optimal pH at which they function most effectively. In the case of salivary amylase, it functions best at a pH of about 7, which is neutral. At lower pH values (less than 7), the enzyme's activity decreases, and it cannot efficiently break down starch into maltose. Similarly, at higher pH values (greater than 7), the enzyme's activity may be affected, but it does not break down proteins instead of starch. Therefore, the statement that salivary amylase functions most effectively at a pH of about 7 is the best description of the enzyme's impact on its functioning.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The balance of which of the subsequent processes is determined primarily by the amount of water a plant has in its tissues? Which of the subsequent processes amount of water a plant has in its tissues is determined primarily by the balance <g class="gr_ gr_8 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="8" data-gr-id="8">of ?</g>
- A.
Root absorption and transpiration
- B.
Runoff and root absorption
- C.
Respiration and photosynthesis
- D.
Precipitation and photosynthesis
Correct Answer
A. Root absorption and transpirationExplanation
The balance of root absorption and transpiration is primarily determined by the amount of water a plant has in its tissues. Root absorption refers to the process by which plants take up water from the soil through their roots, while transpiration is the loss of water vapor from the plant's leaves. The amount of water in the plant's tissues affects the rate at which water is absorbed by the roots and lost through transpiration. If the plant has a high amount of water in its tissues, the rate of root absorption and transpiration will be lower, and vice versa.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 25, 2018Quiz Created by
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