Glycogen is best described as a

A. complex carbohydrate that is often stored in red blood cells

B. complete protein necessary for the synthesis of cell membranes

C. polysaccharide that is synthesized and stored within the human liver

D. by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas

Answer Explanation:

C) polysaccharide that is synthesized and stored within the human liver

- Correct: Glycogen is a polysaccharide, which means it is a complex carbohydrate composed of many glucose molecules linked together. It is synthesized and stored primarily in the liver and muscles of humans and other vertebrates. Glycogen serves as a form of energy storage, allowing organisms to store glucose for later use when energy demands are high or when glucose availability is low.

A) complex carbohydrate that is often stored in red blood cells

- Incorrect: While glycogen is a complex carbohydrate, it is not stored in red blood cells. Red blood cells do not contain nuclei or organelles, including glycogen storage structures.

B) complete protein necessary for the synthesis of cell membranes

- Incorrect: Glycogen is not a protein. It is a carbohydrate used for energy storage. Proteins are composed of amino acids and are involved in various cellular functions, including the synthesis of cell membranes, but glycogen does not play a direct role in this process.

D) by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas

- Incorrect: Glycogen is not a by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, and it is broken down into its component sugars by enzymes in the small intestine, not the pancreas. Glycogen is synthesized and stored in the liver and muscles as a form of energy storage.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

Q #1: 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.
Q #2: The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greater than that of other human digestive organs because of its length and the presence of

A. alveoli

B. neurons

C. villi

D. nephrons

Answer Explanation

C) villi

- Correct: The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greatly increased due to the presence of villi. Villi are finger-like projections that line the inner surface of the small intestine. These structures greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. Each villus contains capillaries and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that absorb nutrients from digested food. The large surface area provided by the villi allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

A) alveoli

- Incorrect: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs during respiration. They are not found in the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

B) neurons

- Incorrect: Neurons are nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the body, including the digestive system. While neurons play a role in regulating digestion and other digestive processes, they do not directly contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

D) nephrons

- Incorrect: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. They are not part of the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.
Q #3: Vitamin B1 assists an organic catalyst in cell respiration. This vitamin functions as

A. a polypeptide

B. a coenzyme

C. a substrate

D. an inorganic catalyst

Answer Explanation

B) a coenzyme

- Correct: Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, functions as a coenzyme in cell respiration. Coenzymes are small molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing biochemical reactions. In the case of thiamine, it serves as a coenzyme for several enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, particularly in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and the pentose phosphate pathway, which are essential processes in cell respiration. Thiamine helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, ultimately facilitating ATP production.

A) a polypeptide

- Incorrect: Polypeptides are chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, and they serve as the building blocks of proteins. Vitamin B1 is not a polypeptide itself but rather a small organic molecule.

C) a substrate

- Incorrect: Substrates are molecules upon which enzymes act to catalyze biochemical reactions. Vitamin B1 is not a substrate but rather a cofactor (coenzyme) that assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

D) an inorganic catalyst

- Incorrect: Inorganic catalysts are typically metallic ions or small inorganic molecules that facilitate chemical reactions but are not part of the reaction products. Vitamin B1 is an organic molecule derived from thiazole and pyrimidine rings and is not classified as an inorganic catalyst.

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Glycogen is best described as a

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

Q #1: Which structure produces a substance that aids in the mechanical breakdown of fats?

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Q #2: The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greater than that of other human digestive organs because of its length and the presence of

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Q #3: Vitamin B1 assists an organic catalyst in cell respiration. This vitamin functions as

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