The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of an antibiotic refers to:
- A. The lowest concentration that kills bacteria
- B. The dose required for 50% bacterial inhibition
- C. The time it takes for an antibiotic to work
- D. The spectrum of bacteria the antibiotic targets
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A) The lowest concentration that kills bacteria is known as the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), not the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MIC is the lowest concentration of an antibiotic that inhibits visible growth of bacteria.
B) The MIC of an antibiotic is the concentration at which bacterial growth is inhibited by 50%. This concentration is used to determine the effectiveness of an antibiotic against a specific bacterium.
C) The time it takes for an antibiotic to work is not described by the MIC. MIC is a measure of concentration, not time.
D) The spectrum of bacteria the antibiotic targets is not defined by the MIC. The MIC value is specific to a particular antibiotic and bacterium, regardless of the spectrum of activity of the antibiotic.
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What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?
- A. Cramp
- B. Spasm
- C. Tic
- D. Fibrosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.
Why are isotopes of the same element chemically similar?
- A. They have the same number of protons.
- B. They have the same number of electrons.
- C. Their chemical properties are identical.
- D. They share the same electron configuration.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Isotopes of the same element are chemically similar because they have the same number of protons. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which is the defining characteristic of an element. Since chemical reactions primarily involve interactions between the electrons of atoms, having the same number of protons means the atoms have the same basic chemical properties. While isotopes may differ in the number of neutrons, it is the number of protons that dictates the element's identity and chemical behavior. Therefore, choice A is correct because the number of protons directly influences an element's chemical properties, making isotopes of the same element chemically similar despite potentially having different numbers of neutrons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because isotopes of the same element can have different numbers of electrons, their chemical properties are not identical due to potential differences in neutron numbers, and although they may have similarities in electron configurations, it is the number of protons that is the key factor determining chemical behavior.
Homologous structures are those that:
- A. Have the same function but different origins
- B. Have different functions but the same origin
- C. Are similar in appearance and function due to shared ancestry
- D. Are identical in both appearance and function
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Homologous structures are defined as anatomical features that are similar in appearance and function due to shared ancestry. This means that these structures are inherited from a common ancestor and may have evolved to fulfill different functions in different species. Option A, which mentions structures with the same function but different origins, describes analogous structures, not homologous ones. Option B, which refers to structures with different functions but the same origin, actually characterizes vestigial structures. Option D, stating that structures are identical in appearance and function, does not necessarily imply homology; such structures could result from convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry. Understanding homologous structures provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between different species and supports the concept of common descent.
Dietary fiber, although not fully digested by the body, plays a crucial role in digestion. What is one of the main benefits of consuming sufficient dietary fiber?
- A. Provides a concentrated source of energy
- B. Aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals
- C. Promotes satiety and gut health
- D. Breaks down complex carbohydrates
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Consuming sufficient dietary fiber promotes satiety and gut health by adding bulk to the diet, helping with feelings of fullness, and supporting healthy digestion. Additionally, fiber aids in regulating bowel movements and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, contributing to overall digestive wellness. It does not provide a concentrated source of energy as fiber is not fully digested for energy production, nor does it directly aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Fiber does not break down complex carbohydrates but rather assists in their digestion and absorption by slowing down the process, which helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and promoting better overall health.
After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:
- A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
- B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
- C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
- D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.