Admission Tests Admission Tests Certifications PCAT Questions & Answers

• Question 251:

  What is the predominant source of progesterone after ovulation?

  A. the oocyte

  B. the ovary

  C. the corpus callosum

  D. the corpus luteum

  Correct Answer: D

  Recall that the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle occurs after ovulation which occurs after the follicular phase. Progesterone saturation is highest during the luteal phase, and the corpus luteum is most responsible for this increased amount. The oocyte is an egg, which isn't responsible for progesterone. The ovary is a source of progesterone, but not the primary source. And the corpus callosum is the point of juncture between the hemispheres of the brain.

• Question 252:

  The liver and skeletal muscles have a high storage of:

  A. glycogen

  B. glucagon

  C. ketone bodies

  D. ammonia

  Correct Answer: A

  The liver and skeletal muscles are two of the major glycogen storage sites. The liver contains a high amount in order to regulate blood sugar levels. The skeletal muscles contain a high amount of glycogen in order to satisfy their energy demands.

• Question 253:

  Which of the following lacks mitochondria?

  A. fungi

  B. protozoan

  C. bacteria

  D. amoeba

  Correct Answer: C

  Unlike eukaryotes, prokaryotes do not possess organelles (excluding the ribosomes). Bacteria are categorized as prokaryotic and consequently do not possess a mitochondria.

• Question 254:

  The heart will automatically stop if the SA node stops working: True or False?

  A. True

  B. False

  Correct Answer: B

  Although the SA node is the primary pacemaker of the heart, in the absence of its operation, the AV node will take over at a slower pace.

• Question 255:

  The rhythm of the heart is set by the:

  A. AV node

  B. SA node

  C. purkinje fibers

  D. Heart valves

  Correct Answer: B

  The sinoatrial node (SA) is the main pacemaker of the heart, often initiating cardiac contraction due to generating impulses faster than other pacemaker areas. The SA is referred to as the primary pacemaker.

• Question 256:

  Which of the following is NOT the result of a viral infection?

  A. genital warts

  B. Syphilis

  C. AIDS

  D. the common cold

  Correct Answer: B

  Genital warts are caused by the Human papillomavirus. AIDS is a consequence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The common cold is also a viral infectious disease. Syphilis, however, is the result of a bacterial infection.

• Question 257:

  The release of ____ into the blood would increase the heart rate.

  A. rennin

  B. ANP

  C. norepinephrine

  D. insulin

  Correct Answer: C

  Norepinephrine (as well as epinephrine), released by the adrenal glands, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. A consequence of norepinephrine and epinephrine on the heart is an increase in the heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system is linked to the fight-or-flight response.

• Question 258:

  A cross between red bean (RR) and a blue bean (UU) yields all purple beans. How many purple beans would result from a cross between two purple beans?

  A. 0.25 of the offspring

  B. 0.50 of the offspring

  C. 0.75 of the offspring

  D. all of the offspring

  Correct Answer: B

  Begin by crossing a red bean with a blue bean: RR ?UU gives all RU, also known as incomplete

  dominance. Next cross a purple bean with a purple bean: RU ?RU yields 1 RR, 2 RU and 1 UU. Two out of

  the four offspring are purple beans.

  This is the same as 0.50, or 50%.

• Question 259:

  Which of the listed antibodies is released in response to an allergen?

  A. IgA

  B. IgE

  C. IgG

  D. IgM

  Correct Answer: B

  IgE is the antibody primarily involved in allergic reactions.

• Question 260:

  A female who is a carrier of an X-linked recessive disability produces an offspring with a normal male. What is the chance that the male offspring will have the disability?

  A. 0%

  B. 25%

  C. 50%

  D. 100%

  Correct Answer: C

  The situation presented is an Xx (female) crossed with an XY (male). Because the offspring is a male (XY), the X-chromosome must come from the mother. Consequently, there is a 50% chance of receiving the recessive x-chromosome.