DAT - Dental Admission Reading Comprehension: Scientific Passages Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the passage?

Accepted Answer

To describe the molecular adaptations of psychrophiles and their biotechnological applications.

Answer

To argue for increased funding for research into extremophiles.

Answer

To compare the enzymatic activity of psychrophiles and mesophiles.

Answer

To detail the process of ice recrystallization inhibition in polar organisms.

Question 2

According to the passage, how do psychrophiles maintain cell membrane fluidity at low temperatures?

Accepted Answer

By incorporating a higher percentage of unsaturated and short-chain fatty acids.

Answer

By increasing the production of antifreeze proteins to prevent membrane freezing.

Answer

By synthesizing a thicker, more insulating cell wall.

Answer

By reducing the number of transport proteins embedded in the membrane.

Question 3

The passage suggests that a cold-adapted enzyme from a psychrophile would most likely:

Accepted Answer

lose its catalytic function if heated to 50 °C.

Answer

function optimally in the human body (approximately 37 °C).

Answer

have more rigid and stable protein structures than its mesophilic counterpart.

Answer

be highly effective in a high-pressure, deep-sea environment.

Question 4

A biotechnology company wants to develop a laundry detergent that effectively removes protein-based stains in cold water washes. Based on the passage, which of the following would be the most promising component to include?

Accepted Answer

A protease isolated from a psychrophilic organism.

Answer

A lipase isolated from a mesophilic bacterium.

Answer

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from an alpine insect.

Answer

Cold-shock proteins (CSPs) from a deep-sea microbe.

Question 5

In the context of the third paragraph, what is the best definition for the word 'adsorbing'?

Accepted Answer

Accumulating on the surface of the ice crystals.

Answer

Absorbing and integrating into the crystal's interior.

Answer

Chemically reacting with and dissolving the ice.

Answer

Repelling and pushing the ice crystals away.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as an adaptation for survival in cold environments?

Accepted Answer

An altered metabolism to generate more internal heat.

Answer

The production of RNA chaperones.

Answer

Increased flexibility in enzyme active sites.

Answer

Modification of fatty acids in the cell membrane.