The adaptive immune system develops a targeted response to specific pathogens. What type of immune cell is responsible for producing antibodies?
- A. Natural killer cells
- B. Phagocytes
- C. Helper T cells
- D. B cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: B cells are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. When activated by a specific antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to target and neutralize pathogens. Natural killer cells are primarily involved in killing infected or cancerous cells, phagocytes engulf pathogens, and helper T cells assist in activating other immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B cells because they play a crucial role in antibody production, a key component of the adaptive immune response.
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Which of the following factors would increase the solubility of a gas in a liquid?
- A. Decreasing temperature
- B. Increasing pressure
- C. Decreasing surface area
- D. Increasing particle size
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is increasing pressure. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. Therefore, increasing pressure would force more gas molecules into the liquid, leading to an increase in solubility. Conversely, decreasing temperature, decreasing surface area, and increasing particle size would not directly impact the solubility of a gas in a liquid. Decreasing temperature typically decreases solubility as gases are less soluble at lower temperatures. Decreasing surface area and increasing particle size are related to surface area and not the pressure above the liquid, thus not affecting solubility as pressure does.
Which part of the brainstem is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing?
- A. Medulla oblongata
- B. Pons
- C. Midbrain
- D. Cerebellum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This part of the brainstem contains centers that regulate these essential autonomic functions to maintain homeostasis in the body. The pons and midbrain are also parts of the brainstem, but they are not primarily responsible for controlling these vital functions. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores?
- A. Cortisol
- B. Aldosterone
- C. Epinephrine
- D. Insulin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response. It increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores to provide the body with the necessary resources to respond to a perceived threat or stressor. Cortisol, although produced by the adrenal glands, is not responsible for the 'fight or flight' response; it is involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Aldosterone, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, primarily regulates electrolyte and fluid balance. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.
Which property of a wave remains constant when the wave enters a different medium?
- A. Frequency
- B. Wavelength
- C. Amplitude
- D. Speed
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a wave enters a different medium, its frequency remains constant. Frequency is an intrinsic property of the wave determined by its source, and it does not change when transitioning between different mediums. On the other hand, wavelength, amplitude, and speed of the wave can all be altered when the wave moves from one medium to another. Wavelength is dependent on the speed of the wave and can change when entering a different medium due to differences in propagation speed. Amplitude can also change as it is influenced by factors like energy loss or gain at the boundary of the mediums. Speed, determined by the medium's properties, typically changes when a wave transitions between different mediums due to variations in the medium's density and elasticity.
How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?
- A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
- B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
- C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
- D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.