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Science questions from the TEAS track.

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Post-NGN questions with verified answers and rationales. This is the core drill.

Which of the following correctly describes the law of segregation?

  • aIt states that allele pairs segregate during gametogenesis and reunite randomly during the fertilization process.Correct
  • bIt states that the segregation of the dominant trait in the phenotype happens in the hybrid offspring.
  • cIt states that the hereditary factors segregate independently of one another during gametogenesis.
  • dIt states that all the genetic factors are present in the DNA.
Rationale

It states that allele pairs segregate during gametogenesis and reunite randomly during the fertilization process. The law of segregation states that each pair of alleles segregate randomly during gametogenesis (gamete formation). This means that each gamete (sex cell) receives one copy of a gene (an allele). They later reunite or combine randomly during fertilization. This way, the offspring acquires one allele from each of the parents. It states that the segregation of the dominant trait in the phenotype happens in the hybrid offspring: This incorrectly focuses on dominance and phenotype, whereas the law of segregation pertains to the separation of alleles during gamete formation. It states that all the genetic factors are present in the DNA: While true, this describes a general fact about genetics, not Mendel’s law of segregation. It states that the hereditary factors segregate independently of one another during gametogenesis: This describes Mendel’s law of independent assortment, which applies to genes on different chromosomes, not the law of segregation.

Source recency: 2026

The genotypes of the parents in the Punnett square below can be described as __________.

  • aHeterozygous dominant and homozygous dominantCorrect
  • bHeterozygous recessive and heterozygous dominant
  • cHeterozygous recessive and homozygous recessive
  • dHomozygous dominant and homozygous recessive
Rationale

Heterozygous dominant and homozygous dominant  The parents’ genotypes are heterozygous dominant (Rr) and homozygous dominant (RR). We can see this by going across the top (Rr) and down the side (RR). that heterozygous means the offspring has a combination of different alleles, whereas homozygous means that they only have copies of the same exact allele. The genotype contains all dominant alleles. Homozygous dominant (RR) and heterozygous dominant (Rr) suppress the activity of the r allele. Therefore, none of the possible genetic combinations would result in a recessive pairing. There are no homozygous recessive alleles in both parents. One of the parents shows the presence of homozygous dominant alleles but the other one does not contain homozygous recessive alleles. This means that each possible cross will always contain at least one dominant allele, so the dominant trait will be expressed in all of the offspring.

Source recency: 2026

Which of these is a function of a ribosome?

  • aRibosomes carry the codons required for protein synthesis.
  • bRibosomes can decode mRNA and assemble amino acids for protein synthesis.Correct
  • cRibosomes move along the length of the amino acid chain to introduce peptide bonds in between them.
  • dRibosomes transfer mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
Rationale

Ribosomes can decode mRNA and assemble amino acids for protein synthesis Ribosomal units can decode the codons on mRNA and assemble amino acids with the help of tRNA for translation.  Codons are contained within the mRNA strand, not on or inside the ribosomes.  Ribosomes do not move along the length of an amino acid chain, they create one. They move along the mRNA strand to decode it, which then directs the formation of the complementary amino acid chain. The transfer of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm does not occur with the help of tRNA.

Source recency: 2026

The number of protons is the same as?

  • aThe angular momentum
  • bNumber of isotopes for the element
  • cThe atomic numberCorrect
  • dThe nuclear force
Rationale

The atomic number The number of protons in the nucleus is the defining property of an element, and is referred to as the atomic number. The angular momentum refers to the momentum of a particle as it moves in a circular or orbital path. It’s related to the behavior of electrons, not protons. The number of protons in the nucleus doesn’t directly determine angular momentum. The number of possible isotopes is not connected to the number of protons in an atom. All atoms of a given element are not necessarily identical. For example, elements may have isotopes, which are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.  The nuclear force is a force that acts between the protons and neutrons of atoms.

Source recency: 2026

Which of the following statements is true about protons?

  • aThey have a negative charge.
  • bThey have more mass than a neutron.
  • cSome atoms have no protons.
  • dThe number of protons in the nucleus is the defining property of an element.Correct
Rationale

The number of protons in the nucleus is the defining property of an element. A proton is a subatomic particle that has a charge of +1. Every atom has at least one proton in its nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus is the defining property of an element and is referred to as the element’s atomic number. For example, any atom with one proton must be hydrogen; any atom with six protons must be carbon. All other statements are false regarding protons.

Source recency: 2026

Which of the following prefixes would likely be the most appropriate for measuring the weight of a 2,500 g kitten?

  • aGiga
  • bKiloCorrect
  • cNano
  • dPico
Rationale

Kilo Kilo- is a prefix in the metric system that means 1,000. Since the kitten weighs 2,500 grams, this can be expressed as 2.5 kilograms (kg) using the kilo prefix. Giga- means 1 billion (10⁹). Using this prefix for 2,500 grams would result in a value like 0.0000025 gigagrams, which is impractical for this scale. Nano- means 1 billionth (10⁻⁹). Expressing the kitten’s weight in nanograms would result in an enormous and impractical number: 2.5 × 10¹² nanograms. Pico- means 1 trillionth (10⁻¹²). Using pico would lead to an even more unwieldy number: 2.5 × 10¹⁵ picograms.

Source recency: 2026

Which of these bonds would we see between nitrogenous bases?

  • aIonic bonds
  • bSulphide bonds
  • cHydrogen bondsCorrect
  • dPolar bonds
Rationale

Hydrogen bonds Hydrogen bonds are the type of bonds that occur between nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA. These weak interactions are crucial for stabilizing the double-helix structure of DNA. Between nitrogenous bases, hydrogen bonds are seen since this bond is easy to break, which is needed during the processes of replication and transcription. Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons and the attraction between oppositely charged ions. Nitrogenous bases do not form ionic bonds with each other. Sulphide bonds (or disulfide bonds) occur between sulfur atoms in cysteine residues of proteins, not between nitrogenous bases. Polar bonds: while individual nitrogenous bases have polar functional groups, the bonds between complementary base pairs are specifically hydrogen bonds. 'Polar bond' refers to intramolecular covalent bonds with unequal electron sharing, not the intermolecular hydrogen bonds that hold base pairs together. Nitrogenous bases do contain polar functional groups (such as N-H and C=O), but the bonds between complementary bases in DNA are specifically hydrogen bonds, not generic polar covalent bonds.

Source recency: 2026

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the link between chromosomes and DNA?

  • aChromosomes include numerous genes, each of which is made up of a DNA sequence.Correct
  • bChromosomes are the building blocks of DNA.
  • cThe DNA sequence is made up of chromosomes, which include numerous genes.
  • dGenes contain chromosomes that are made up of DNA.
Rationale

Chromosomes include numerous genes, each of which is made up of a DNA sequence. Chromosomes carry genetic information in the form of DNA. Each gene is formed of sequences of DNA and carries information for characteristics of organisms. Chromosomes are the building blocks of DNA. This is incorrect, because it is the other way around: DNA is the fundamental molecule that makes up chromosomes, not the other way. Genes contain chromosomes that are made up of DNA. This is incorrect, because genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes. Genes do not contain chromosomes. The DNA sequence is made up of chromosomes, which include numerous genes. This is incorrect, because chromosomes themselves are made up of DNA, not the other way around. DNA sequences are found within chromosomes.

Source recency: 2026

Which of the following hormones is not increased in response to dehydration?

  • aAntidiuretic hormone
  • bErythropoietinCorrect
  • cAldosterone
  • dRenin
Rationale

Erythropoietin During dehydration, secretions of antidiuretic hormone, renin, and aldosterone are increased in order to prevent further loss of water in the urine. Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney in response to low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) in order to stimulate production of red blood cells.

Source recency: 2026

In which segment of the nephron is glucose reabsorbed?

  • aLoop of henle
  • bDistal convoluted tubule
  • cProximal convoluted tubuleCorrect
  • dCollecting duct
Rationale

Proximal convoluted tubule Glucose is reabsorbed primarily in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the nephron. The cells of the PCT have transport proteins that actively reabsorb glucose from the filtrate back into the bloodstream, under normal conditions, ensuring that glucose is not lost in the urine. Distal convoluted tubule: Involved in further reabsorption of ions, water, and regulation of pH but not glucose. Loop of Henle: Primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water and salts. Collecting duct: Involved in water reabsorption, especially under the influence of ADH, but not glucose reabsorption.

Source recency: 2026

Which of the following is a hypothesis?

  • aWhen I added fertilizer to my plants, they grew more quickly.
  • bOne liter of water was added to a reaction.
  • cFive different breeds of dogs are at the dog park.
  • dIf a student gets more sleep, they will get a higher test score.Correct
Rationale

If a student gets more sleep, they will get a higher test score. A hypothesis is a testable prediction or statement about the relationship between variables in an experiment. It typically follows an “If… then…” structure, where the “If” part refers to the cause or independent variable, and the “then” part refers to the effect or dependent variable. In this case, the hypothesis is making a specific prediction: if a student gets more sleep, then their test score will improve. This statement can be tested through experimentation, where the amount of sleep is controlled and test scores are measured. Five different breeds of dogs are at the dog park: This is an observation, not a hypothesis. It is a factual statement and does not propose a testable relationship between variables. When I added fertilizer to my plants, they grew more quickly: This is an observation of an experiment or event that happened, but it is not a hypothesis. It does not predict the outcome or establish a cause-effect relationship. It would be more of a conclusion derived from testing a hypothesis. One liter of water was added to a reaction: This is a factual statement about the procedure or an observation, not a testable hypothesis. A hypothesis would predict the outcome of adding water to the reaction, such as how it might affect the rate of the reaction.

Source recency: 2026

Which of the following descriptions is correct?

  • aSolid: no constant volume and no constant shape
  • bGas: constant volume and a definite shape
  • cGas: no definite volume and no definite shapeCorrect
  • dLiquid: no definite volume and constant shape
Rationale

Gas: no definite volume and no definite shape A gas is a substance with no definite volume and no definite shape. Solids and liquids have volumes that do not change easily. A solid has a definite shape and volume. There are two kinds of solids, crystalline and amorphous. Liquids can occupy whatever shape their container has, so they do not have a fixed shape. Because the particles in liquids are very close together (barely further apart than in solids) liquids do not easily compress, so their volume is fixed.

Source recency: 2026

Using the provided image, choose the anatomical structure designated by letter B.

  • aRight ventricle
  • bRight atrium
  • cLeft ventricle
  • dLeft atriumCorrect
Rationale

Left atrium Use the diagram of the heart below as a visual reference for all of its structures. Need help finding the left vs. right atrium? Here are some tips when looking at a diagram of a heart: Orientation: The left atrium is on the right side of the diagram, and the right atrium is on the left. Blood Flow: The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body (via vena cava), while the left atrium gets oxygenated blood from the lungs (via pulmonary veins). Vessels: The right atrium is near the vena cava, and the left atrium is near the pulmonary veins.

Source recency: 2026

Balance the following chemical equation: CH4 + Cl2 → CCl4 + HCl

  • a2 CH<sub>4</sub> + Cl<sub>2</sub> → 2 CCl<sub>4</sub> + HCl
  • bCH<sub>4</sub> + Cl<sub>2</sub> → CCl<sub>4</sub> + HCl
  • c2 CH<sub>4</sub> + 2 Cl<sub>2</sub> → 2 CCl<sub>4</sub> + 2 HCl
  • dCH<sub>4</sub> + 4 Cl<sub>2</sub> → CCl<sub>4</sub> + 4 HClCorrect
Rationale

CH4 + 4Cl2 → CCl4 + 4HCl To balance equations, it is helpful to write down the number of atoms of each element present in both the reactants and products. Change the coefficients of the reactants and products until the same number of atoms of each element is present on both sides of the reaction arrow. CH4 + Cl2 → CCl4 + HCl C: 1     C: 1 H: 4     H: 1 Cl: 2    Cl: 5 CH4 + Cl2 → CCl4 + 4 HCl C: 1    C: 1 H: 4    H: 4 Cl: 2   Cl: 5 CH4 + 4 Cl2 → CCl4 + 4 HCl C: 1    C: 1 H: 4    H: 4 Cl: 8  Cl: 8 Carbon (C): 1 carbon atom on both sides → balanced. Hydrogen (H): Left side: 4 H atoms from CH₄. Right side: Each HCl contains 1 H, so need 4 HCl to balance. Chlorine (Cl): Right side: 4 Cl in CCl₄ + 4 Cl in 4 HCl = 8 Cl atoms total. Cl₂ molecule contains 2 Cl atoms → need 4 Cl₂ to get 8 Cl atoms.

Source recency: 2026

The generation of tension in a muscle is called __________.

  • aContractionCorrect
  • bRelaxation
  • cSignaling
  • dModulation
Rationale

Contraction The generation of tension in a muscle occurs during contraction, where muscle fibers shorten and generate force. This process involves the sliding of actin and myosin filaments within the muscle fibers. Relaxation refers to the process where a muscle returns to its resting state after contraction, not the generation of tension. Signaling refers to the transmission of electrical impulses (action potentials) that trigger muscle contraction, but it is not the process of generating tension itself. Modulation refers to the adjustment or regulation of muscle activity, not the direct generation of tension.

Source recency: 2026

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