The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear
- A. Pink
- B. Blue
- C. Red
- D. Purple
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.
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What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
- A. To provide structural support for the cell
- B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
- C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
- D. To store genetic material
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.
In the process of cellular respiration, glucose is broken down to produce energy. What is the main waste product released?
- A. Water
- B. Carbon dioxide
- C. Oxygen
- D. Protein
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During cellular respiration, glucose undergoes a series of reactions in the presence of oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP. The main waste product released in this process is carbon dioxide, which is eliminated from the body through exhalation. While water is also produced as a byproduct of cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is considered the primary waste product. Oxygen is not a waste product but is actually consumed during cellular respiration to aid in breaking down glucose. Protein is essential for various cellular functions but is not a waste product of cellular respiration; instead, proteins are broken down into amino acids for cellular processes.
Which organ is responsible for filtering blood and removing waste products?
- A. Liver
- B. Kidneys
- C. Spleen
- D. Pancreas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the kidneys. The kidneys filter blood and remove waste products through the formation of urine. The liver primarily functions in detoxification and metabolism. The spleen is involved in blood filtering and immune function. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and insulin, not involved in filtering blood.
Which of Mendel's Laws states that alleles for a gene segregate during gamete formation?
- A. Law of Independent Assortment
- B. Law of Segregation
- C. Law of Dominance
- D. Law of Probability
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Law of Segregation, proposed by Gregor Mendel, states that alleles for a gene segregate during gamete formation. This means that each parent passes on only one allele for each gene to their offspring. This law explains how genetic diversity is maintained and how different combinations of alleles are generated in offspring. The Law of Independent Assortment (option A) is not the correct answer as it states that alleles of different genes assort independently of each other during gamete formation, not specifically alleles of a single gene. The Law of Dominance (option C) is incorrect as it pertains to the expression of alleles rather than their segregation during gamete formation. The Law of Probability (option D) is also incorrect as it is a general concept describing the likelihood of events, not specifically related to alleles segregating during gamete formation.
Which of the following organs is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces?
- A. Esophagus
- B. Stomach
- C. Small intestine
- D. Mouth
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mouth. The mouth is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva. This process is essential for breaking down food into smaller, more digestible pieces before swallowing. The esophagus (choice A) is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in the mechanical breakdown of food. The stomach (choice B) primarily functions to further break down food using acids and enzymes, rather than mechanical means. The small intestine (choice C) is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the digested food, not for the mechanical breakdown of food.
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