Which of the following Mendelian laws describes how pairs of alleles within genes separate and recombine independently from other genes?
- A. law of segregation
- B. law of dominance
- C. law of independent assortment
- D. law of predictive traits
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The law of independent assortment describes how alleles of different genes segregate independently during gamete formation. This means that different gene pairs are passed on to offspring separately from one another, allowing for various combinations of traits. Gregor Mendel discovered this law, along with the law of segregation and the law of dominance, through his experiments with pea plants. The law of segregation (choice A) refers to how alleles of a gene separate during gamete formation, while the law of dominance (choice B) states that one allele can mask the presence of another in a heterozygous individual. The 'law of predictive traits' (choice D) is not a recognized Mendelian law and does not accurately describe the principles of genetic inheritance.
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Where does the nerve impulses send neurotransmitters across a synapse to a muscle cell to stimulate muscle contraction?
- A. sarcomere
- B. tendon
- C. myelin sheath
- D. neuromuscular junction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.
What is the initial step of the scientific method?
- A. construct a hypothesis
- B. make observations
- C. analyze data
- D. form a question
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step of the scientific method is to make observations. This involves collecting data and information about a specific phenomenon or problem. Observations serve as the basis for developing a question to be explored further. Forming a hypothesis (Choice A) comes after making observations, as the hypothesis is an educated guess to explain the observations. Analyzing data (Choice C) occurs later in the scientific method after data has been collected and experiments conducted. Forming a question (Choice D) is a crucial step but typically follows observations in the scientific process.
Which of the following sets of valves is primarily responsible for preventing blood flow from major blood vessels to the heart?
- A. atrioventricular valves
- B. semilunar valves
- C. tricuspid valves
- D. bicuspid valves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: semilunar valves. Semilunar valves are primarily responsible for preventing blood flow from major blood vessels to the heart. These valves are located at the base of the aorta and the pulmonary artery, ensuring blood flows in one direction only by closing when the ventricles relax to prevent blood from flowing back into the heart. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Atrioventricular valves (choice A) include the tricuspid and bicuspid valves, which prevent backflow between the atria and ventricles, not major blood vessels. Tricuspid valves (choice C) and bicuspid valves (choice D) are specific types of atrioventricular valves located between the atria and ventricles, not at the base of major blood vessels.
Which of the following are the blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart?
- A. arteries
- B. capillaries
- C. venules
- D. veins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. Therefore, they are the vessels that transport blood away from the heart. Veins, on the other hand, transport blood back to the heart. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels where the exchange of nutrients and waste products occurs between blood and tissues, not vessels that transport blood to the heart. Venules are small veins that collect blood from capillaries and connect them to larger veins, rather than transport blood to the heart.
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
- A. to create sound and speech
- B. to take oxygen into the body while removing carbon dioxide
- C. to transport nutrients to the cells and tissue of the body
- D. to act as a barrier between the body's organs and outside influences
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to take oxygen into the body through inhalation and remove carbon dioxide through exhalation. Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration and energy production, while carbon dioxide is a waste product that needs to be expelled from the body. This process is vital for the functioning of the body's cells and tissues. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because sound and speech production, nutrient transport, and acting as a barrier against outside influences are not the primary functions of the respiratory system. While the respiratory system is involved in speech production to some extent, its primary role is in gas exchange for respiration.