Which of the following choices would contain the code for making a protein?
- A. mRNA
- B. tRNA
- C. rRNA
- D. DNA polymerase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mRNA (messenger RNA). mRNA contains the genetic code or instructions for making a protein. During protein synthesis, mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids that will be used to build the protein. Choice B, tRNA (transfer RNA), is involved in carrying amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but does not contain the code for making a protein. Choice C, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs but does not contain the specific code for making a protein. Choice D, DNA polymerase, is an enzyme involved in DNA replication, not in directly coding for protein synthesis.
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Which of the following describes the muscular organ that processes food material into increasingly smaller pieces, mixes it with saliva to create a bolus, and creates a barrier to transport food into the esophagus?
- A. pharynx
- B. tongue
- C. diaphragm
- D. stomach
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The tongue is the muscular organ responsible for manipulating food material in the mouth, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and mixing it with saliva to form a bolus. It also plays a crucial role in pushing the food bolus towards the back of the mouth to facilitate swallowing and transport the food into the esophagus. The pharynx is involved in swallowing and directing food to the esophagus after it passes the mouth. The diaphragm is a muscle involved in the breathing process, not food processing. The stomach is an organ responsible for further digestion of food after it passes through the esophagus.
Which of the following is specialized tissue in the right atrium that acts as the heart's natural pacemaker by generating the electrical signal for the heartbeat?
- A. sinus venosus
- B. sinoatrial node
- C. atrioventricular node
- D. tricuspid valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sinoatrial node, often referred to as the SA node, is specialized tissue located in the right atrium of the heart. It functions as the heart's natural pacemaker by generating the electrical signal that initiates each heartbeat. This electrical signal spreads to the atrial muscles and then to the atrioventricular node, causing the heart to contract rhythmically and efficiently. The other options listed do not serve as the heart's natural pacemaker responsible for generating the electrical signal for the heartbeat. Sinus venosus is a developmental structure in fetal hearts, the atrioventricular node delays the electrical signal, and the tricuspid valve is a heart valve that prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium.
Which of the following is the region of the brain that controls and regulates autonomic functions such as respiration, digestion, and heart rate?
- A. cerebellum
- B. medulla oblongata
- C. temporal lobe
- D. cerebral cortex
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is the region of the brain located at the base of the brainstem responsible for regulating autonomic functions such as respiration, digestion, and heart rate. These functions are essential for maintaining life. The cerebellum (Option A), temporal lobe (Option C), and cerebral cortex (Option D) do not control these autonomic functions. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, the temporal lobe is associated with memory and hearing, and the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making.
Which of the following cell organelles is the site of lipid synthesis?
- A. smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- B. ribosome
- C. rough endoplasmic reticulum
- D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This organelle lacks ribosomes on its surface, unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein synthesis. The enzymes present in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are responsible for synthesizing lipids such as phospholipids and steroids. Choice B, ribosomes, are responsible for protein synthesis and not lipid synthesis. Choice C, rough endoplasmic reticulum, is involved in protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes. Choice D, Golgi apparatus, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not lipid synthesis.
What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?
- A. digestion
- B. deglutition
- C. defecation
- D. peristalsis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.