DHN 101 EXAM 1 ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS NEWEST | ALREADY GRADED A+/NEWEST
UPDATE
Question 1
Jillian drinks multiple beers and smokes cigarettes daily. Despite being 40 lbs overweight, she
frequently wears tight-fitting clothing. Which of the following conditions is Jillian at the highest
risk of developing based on these lifestyle factors?
A) Celiac disease
B) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
C) Pyloric stenosis
D) Crohn's disease
E) Type 1 diabetes
Correct Answer: B) gastroesophageal reflux disease
Rationale: GERD is caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Risk
factors include obesity (which increases intra-abdominal pressure), smoking (which relaxes
the lower esophageal sphincter), alcohol consumption, and wearing tight-fitting clothing
around the waist, all of which apply to Jillian.
Question 2
Which of the following statements regarding the human sense of taste is true?
A) Children have fewer taste buds than older adults.
B) Older adults generally have fewer taste buds than children.
C) Taste buds are only found on the tongue.
D) The sense of taste improves significantly after age 70.
E) Taste is unaffected by the sense of smell.
Correct Answer: B) Older adults generally have fewer taste buds than children
Rationale: As humans age, the number of taste buds decreases and the remaining ones may
shrink. This is why children are often more sensitive to bitter or strong flavors, while older
adults may require more seasoning or salt to perceive flavors at the same intensity.
Question 3
In the study of biochemistry and nutrition, which of the following is a common characteristic of
enzyme names?
A) They usually end with the suffix -ose.
B) They usually end with the suffix -ite.
C) Most enzymes have names that end with -ase.
D) They are always named after the person who discovered them.
E) They never contain more than two syllables.
Correct Answer: C) Most enzymes have names that end with -ase.
Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts. A standard naming convention in science is to
add "-ase" to the end of the substrate or the reaction they catalyze (e.g., Lipase breaks
down lipids; Protease breaks down proteins; Amylase breaks down amylose/starch).
, 2
Question 4
Which of the following substances is essential for the chemical reaction that results in the
digestion of fats in the stomach?
A) Salivary amylase
B) Gastric lipase
C) Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
D) Intrinsic factor
E) Pancreatic protease
Correct Answer: B) Gastric lipase
Rationale: While most fat digestion occurs in the small intestine via pancreatic lipase,
"gastric lipase" is secreted by the stomach lining and initiates the breakdown of milk fats
and other lipids in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Question 5
What is the primary function of the human cardiovascular system?
A) The breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose.
B) The filtration of toxins from the blood via the kidneys.
C) The circulation of blood throughout the body.
D) The production of hormones like insulin and glucagon.
E) The regulation of the "fight or flight" response.
Correct Answer: C) circulation of blood throughout the body
Rationale: The cardiovascular system (heart, blood, and blood vessels) acts as the body's
transport network, moving oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products to and from
cells by circulating blood continuously.
Question 6
Sara consumed a high-fat meal consisting of French fries, fried fish, and a chocolate milkshake.
An hour later, she experienced severe abdominal pain. Based on this intake, which of the
following is the most likely cause?
A) Lactose intolerance
B) Gastric ulcers
C) Gallstones
D) Appendicitis
E) Constipation
Correct Answer: C) gallstones
Rationale: The gallbladder stores bile, which is released to emulsify fats. High-fat meals
trigger intense gallbladder contraction. If gallstones are present and block the bile duct
during this contraction, it causes severe, sudden abdominal pain (biliary colic).
Question 7
A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are attracted to each other and held together by:
, 3
A) Gravity
B) Magnetism
C) Bonds
D) Enzymes
E) Hormones
Correct Answer: C) bonds
Rationale: Molecules are the result of chemical bonding (such as ionic or covalent bonds)
between atoms. These bonds represent the force of attraction that keeps atoms in a stable,
combined state.
Question 8
Paisley records having four bowel movements per week. Based on clinical definitions of
digestive health, what should Paisley be told?
A) She is severely constipated and needs immediate medical care.
B) She should not worry, because she is not constipated.
C) She must increase her fiber intake to have at least two movements per day.
D) She has a high risk of developing colon cancer.
E) She should only eat liquid foods for one week.
Correct Answer: B) not worry, because she is not constipated
Rationale: "Normal" bowel frequency varies widely between individuals, typically ranging
from three times per day to three times per week. Since Paisley has four per week, she falls
within the healthy range and does not meet the clinical criteria for constipation.
Question 9
The small intestine consists of three distinct segments. Which of the following is the second
segment?
A) Duodenum
B) Ileum
C) Jejunum
D) Cecum
E) Colon
Correct Answer: C) jejunum
Rationale: The anatomy of the small intestine follows the order: Duodenum (first), Jejunum
(second/middle), and Ileum (third/final). The jejunum is where the majority of nutrient
absorption occurs.
Question 10
A specific food has a pH that is higher than pure water but lower than oven cleaner. Which of the
following foods fits this description?
A) Lemon juice
B) Vinegar
, 4
C) An egg white
D) Black coffee
E) Tomatoes
Correct Answer: C) an egg white
Rationale: Pure water has a neutral pH of 7.0. Lemon juice, vinegar, and coffee are acidic
(pH < 7). Oven cleaner is highly basic/alkaline (pH ~13-14). Egg whites are slightly alkaline,
typically having a pH around 8.0 to 9.0, placing them between water and strong cleaners.
Question 11
A researcher gives 5 mcg of cadmium to 100 mice for 12 weeks. The mice lose weight and show
abnormal hormone levels. However, the study has no "control group" of mice receiving no
cadmium. What can be concluded about this study?
A) Cadmium is definitely toxic to humans.
B) The researcher has proven a direct link between weight loss and cadmium.
C) The findings are not meaningful or valid because of the way she designed her study.
D) The study is a prospective epidemiological study.
E) Cadmium should be added to the mouse diet permanently.
Correct Answer: C) The findings are not meaningful or valid because of the way she
designed her study.
Rationale: A valid scientific experiment requires a control group to compare results against.
Without a control group, the researcher cannot know if the weight loss or hormone changes
were caused by the cadmium or by other factors like the mice's environment, aging, or the
base diet provided.
Question 12
A scientist discovers a chemical compound in rocks called "stonia." Why can she NOT market
extracts of this compound as a dietary supplement?
A) The FDA has not tested it for efficacy yet.
B) It is too expensive to extract.
C) It does not contain dietary ingredients.
D) Rocks are considered "organic" but not "natural."
E) Supplements can only be made from synthetic chemicals.
Correct Answer: C) does not contain dietary ingredients
Rationale: Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a dietary
supplement must contain one or more "dietary ingredients," such as vitamins, minerals,
herbs, amino acids, or other botanical substances. Inorganic minerals found in rocks that
have no nutritional role in the human body do not qualify.
Question 13
Zach claims that taking 500 mg of Vitamin C daily protects him from viruses because he hasn't
had a cold in a year. This claim is an example of:
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS NEWEST | ALREADY GRADED A+/NEWEST
UPDATE
Question 1
Jillian drinks multiple beers and smokes cigarettes daily. Despite being 40 lbs overweight, she
frequently wears tight-fitting clothing. Which of the following conditions is Jillian at the highest
risk of developing based on these lifestyle factors?
A) Celiac disease
B) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
C) Pyloric stenosis
D) Crohn's disease
E) Type 1 diabetes
Correct Answer: B) gastroesophageal reflux disease
Rationale: GERD is caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Risk
factors include obesity (which increases intra-abdominal pressure), smoking (which relaxes
the lower esophageal sphincter), alcohol consumption, and wearing tight-fitting clothing
around the waist, all of which apply to Jillian.
Question 2
Which of the following statements regarding the human sense of taste is true?
A) Children have fewer taste buds than older adults.
B) Older adults generally have fewer taste buds than children.
C) Taste buds are only found on the tongue.
D) The sense of taste improves significantly after age 70.
E) Taste is unaffected by the sense of smell.
Correct Answer: B) Older adults generally have fewer taste buds than children
Rationale: As humans age, the number of taste buds decreases and the remaining ones may
shrink. This is why children are often more sensitive to bitter or strong flavors, while older
adults may require more seasoning or salt to perceive flavors at the same intensity.
Question 3
In the study of biochemistry and nutrition, which of the following is a common characteristic of
enzyme names?
A) They usually end with the suffix -ose.
B) They usually end with the suffix -ite.
C) Most enzymes have names that end with -ase.
D) They are always named after the person who discovered them.
E) They never contain more than two syllables.
Correct Answer: C) Most enzymes have names that end with -ase.
Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts. A standard naming convention in science is to
add "-ase" to the end of the substrate or the reaction they catalyze (e.g., Lipase breaks
down lipids; Protease breaks down proteins; Amylase breaks down amylose/starch).
, 2
Question 4
Which of the following substances is essential for the chemical reaction that results in the
digestion of fats in the stomach?
A) Salivary amylase
B) Gastric lipase
C) Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
D) Intrinsic factor
E) Pancreatic protease
Correct Answer: B) Gastric lipase
Rationale: While most fat digestion occurs in the small intestine via pancreatic lipase,
"gastric lipase" is secreted by the stomach lining and initiates the breakdown of milk fats
and other lipids in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Question 5
What is the primary function of the human cardiovascular system?
A) The breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose.
B) The filtration of toxins from the blood via the kidneys.
C) The circulation of blood throughout the body.
D) The production of hormones like insulin and glucagon.
E) The regulation of the "fight or flight" response.
Correct Answer: C) circulation of blood throughout the body
Rationale: The cardiovascular system (heart, blood, and blood vessels) acts as the body's
transport network, moving oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products to and from
cells by circulating blood continuously.
Question 6
Sara consumed a high-fat meal consisting of French fries, fried fish, and a chocolate milkshake.
An hour later, she experienced severe abdominal pain. Based on this intake, which of the
following is the most likely cause?
A) Lactose intolerance
B) Gastric ulcers
C) Gallstones
D) Appendicitis
E) Constipation
Correct Answer: C) gallstones
Rationale: The gallbladder stores bile, which is released to emulsify fats. High-fat meals
trigger intense gallbladder contraction. If gallstones are present and block the bile duct
during this contraction, it causes severe, sudden abdominal pain (biliary colic).
Question 7
A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are attracted to each other and held together by:
, 3
A) Gravity
B) Magnetism
C) Bonds
D) Enzymes
E) Hormones
Correct Answer: C) bonds
Rationale: Molecules are the result of chemical bonding (such as ionic or covalent bonds)
between atoms. These bonds represent the force of attraction that keeps atoms in a stable,
combined state.
Question 8
Paisley records having four bowel movements per week. Based on clinical definitions of
digestive health, what should Paisley be told?
A) She is severely constipated and needs immediate medical care.
B) She should not worry, because she is not constipated.
C) She must increase her fiber intake to have at least two movements per day.
D) She has a high risk of developing colon cancer.
E) She should only eat liquid foods for one week.
Correct Answer: B) not worry, because she is not constipated
Rationale: "Normal" bowel frequency varies widely between individuals, typically ranging
from three times per day to three times per week. Since Paisley has four per week, she falls
within the healthy range and does not meet the clinical criteria for constipation.
Question 9
The small intestine consists of three distinct segments. Which of the following is the second
segment?
A) Duodenum
B) Ileum
C) Jejunum
D) Cecum
E) Colon
Correct Answer: C) jejunum
Rationale: The anatomy of the small intestine follows the order: Duodenum (first), Jejunum
(second/middle), and Ileum (third/final). The jejunum is where the majority of nutrient
absorption occurs.
Question 10
A specific food has a pH that is higher than pure water but lower than oven cleaner. Which of the
following foods fits this description?
A) Lemon juice
B) Vinegar
, 4
C) An egg white
D) Black coffee
E) Tomatoes
Correct Answer: C) an egg white
Rationale: Pure water has a neutral pH of 7.0. Lemon juice, vinegar, and coffee are acidic
(pH < 7). Oven cleaner is highly basic/alkaline (pH ~13-14). Egg whites are slightly alkaline,
typically having a pH around 8.0 to 9.0, placing them between water and strong cleaners.
Question 11
A researcher gives 5 mcg of cadmium to 100 mice for 12 weeks. The mice lose weight and show
abnormal hormone levels. However, the study has no "control group" of mice receiving no
cadmium. What can be concluded about this study?
A) Cadmium is definitely toxic to humans.
B) The researcher has proven a direct link between weight loss and cadmium.
C) The findings are not meaningful or valid because of the way she designed her study.
D) The study is a prospective epidemiological study.
E) Cadmium should be added to the mouse diet permanently.
Correct Answer: C) The findings are not meaningful or valid because of the way she
designed her study.
Rationale: A valid scientific experiment requires a control group to compare results against.
Without a control group, the researcher cannot know if the weight loss or hormone changes
were caused by the cadmium or by other factors like the mice's environment, aging, or the
base diet provided.
Question 12
A scientist discovers a chemical compound in rocks called "stonia." Why can she NOT market
extracts of this compound as a dietary supplement?
A) The FDA has not tested it for efficacy yet.
B) It is too expensive to extract.
C) It does not contain dietary ingredients.
D) Rocks are considered "organic" but not "natural."
E) Supplements can only be made from synthetic chemicals.
Correct Answer: C) does not contain dietary ingredients
Rationale: Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a dietary
supplement must contain one or more "dietary ingredients," such as vitamins, minerals,
herbs, amino acids, or other botanical substances. Inorganic minerals found in rocks that
have no nutritional role in the human body do not qualify.
Question 13
Zach claims that taking 500 mg of Vitamin C daily protects him from viruses because he hasn't
had a cold in a year. This claim is an example of:
