What are the microscopic units responsible for muscle contraction called?
- A. Neurons
- B. Myofibrils
- C. Tendons
- D. Sarcomeres
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sarcomeres are the fundamental contractile units of skeletal muscles and are responsible for muscle contraction. They consist of actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other during muscle contraction. Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals to and from muscles but are not directly involved in muscle contraction. Myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres and are the structures within muscle cells where muscle contractions take place. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not directly involved in muscle contraction.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which structure in the respiratory system is responsible for preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing?
- A. Bronchi
- B. Larynx
- C. Alveoli
- D. Pharynx
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The larynx, housing the epiglottis, a flap of tissue, is the structure responsible for preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing. It acts as a protective barrier, covering the trachea to ensure that ingested substances are directed to the esophagus. The bronchi are the primary airway passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The pharynx is the passage connecting the mouth and nasal cavity to the esophagus and trachea.
Which vitamin deficiency can lead to a condition called pernicious anemia, affecting vitamin B12 absorption in the digestive system?
- A. Vitamin A
- B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- C. Vitamin D
- D. Vitamin E
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Pernicious anemia occurs when there is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the digestive system. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E deficiencies do not lead to pernicious anemia. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and skin issues, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia, and Vitamin E deficiency can result in neurological problems and muscle weakness.
Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes symptoms like:
- A. Fever and fatigue
- B. Runny nose and itchiness
- C. Muscle aches and joint pain
- D. Cough and shortness of breath
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. It is responsible for causing symptoms such as a runny nose, itchiness, sneezing, and watery eyes. These symptoms are commonly seen in allergies like hay fever. Fever and fatigue (option A) are not typically caused by histamine release during an allergic reaction. Muscle aches and joint pain (option C) are not common symptoms of histamine release in allergic reactions. Cough and shortness of breath (option D) are more commonly associated with asthma or respiratory allergies rather than histamine release.
Which type of waves travel by causing particles in the medium to vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel?
- A. Transverse waves
- B. Longitudinal waves
- C. Surface waves
- D. Electromagnetic waves
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Longitudinal waves are waves in which particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel. These waves are characterized by compressions and rarefactions in the medium, where particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave. Transverse waves, on the other hand, cause particles to vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. Surface waves combine both longitudinal and transverse motion, making them different from pure longitudinal waves. Electromagnetic waves, unlike longitudinal and transverse waves, do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.
What accurately describes the Linnaean system of classification?
- A. It focuses on evolutionary relationships between organisms.
- B. It uses dichotomous keys for identification.
- C. It groups organisms based on shared functions.
- D. It emphasizes a hierarchical ranking system.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Linnaean system of classification, developed by Carl Linnaeus, is based on a hierarchical ranking system where organisms are grouped into categories based on shared characteristics. This system organizes organisms into a hierarchy of increasingly specific categories, from broad to narrow, such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. The emphasis on a hierarchical ranking system allows for systematic organization and classification of a wide variety of organisms based on their similarities and differences, making it easier to study and understand the diversity of life forms. Choice A is incorrect because the Linnaean system is not primarily focused on evolutionary relationships but rather on shared characteristics for classification. Choice B is incorrect because dichotomous keys are tools used for identifying organisms, not the fundamental basis of the Linnaean system. Choice C is incorrect as the Linnaean system categorizes organisms based on shared characteristics, not shared functions.