The number of protons in an atom is determined by its:
- A. Atomic mass
- B. Electron configuration
- C. Chemical properties
- D. Atomic number
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is determined by its atomic number. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which also determines the element's identity. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Atomic number. Choices (A) Atomic mass, (B) Electron configuration, and (C) Chemical properties are not directly related to the number of protons in an atom. Atomic mass is the total mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom. Electron configuration refers to the arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels, and chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in the outermost energy level.
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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.
Which of the following reagents can be used to convert a primary alcohol to an alkyl halide?
- A. HI
- B. H2O
- C. NaOH
- D. SOCl2
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SOCl2 (thionyl chloride) is commonly used to convert primary alcohols to alkyl halides through an SN2 mechanism. Thionyl chloride reacts with the alcohol to form an alkyl chloride. HI (hydroiodic acid) is typically used to convert alcohols to alkyl iodides specifically, not alkyl halides in general. H2O (water) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) are not reagents used for converting alcohols to alkyl halides. Therefore, the correct answer is SOCl2 as it facilitates the conversion of primary alcohols to alkyl halides, unlike the other options provided.
Which of the following equations represents a redox reaction?
- A. 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
- B. Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2
- C. 2NaCl → 2Na + Cl2
- D. CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between reactants. In option B, Zn loses electrons to form Zn2+ while H+ gains electrons to form H2. This exchange of electrons demonstrates a redox reaction, making choice B the correct answer. In options A, C, and D, there is no clear transfer of electrons between the reactants, indicating that they are not redox reactions. Option A represents a synthesis reaction, option C represents a decomposition reaction, and option D represents a combustion reaction. These types of reactions do not involve the transfer of electrons between reactants, unlike a redox reaction.
Calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels, is produced by the:
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Parathyroid gland
- C. Thymus gland
- D. Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It helps regulate calcium levels in the body by inhibiting the breakdown of bone and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which works in opposition to calcitonin to regulate calcium levels. The thymus gland is involved in the development of the immune system, and the adrenal gland produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland as it specifically secretes calcitonin for calcium regulation.
How many amino acids can make up a protein?
- A. 10-20
- B. 50-100
- C. 100-500
- D. 1000+
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and there are 20 standard amino acids commonly found in proteins. The sequence and arrangement of these amino acids determine the structure and function of a protein. While proteins can vary in size and complexity, the number of amino acids typically ranges from around 10 to 20 in smaller proteins to hundreds or even thousands in larger proteins. Therefore, the range of 10-20 amino acids is the most accurate representation of the number of amino acids that can make up a protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide ranges that are beyond the typical number of amino acids found in proteins and may lead to confusion. The correct answer is A (10-20).