What condition is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting?
- A. Muscular dystrophy
- B. Myositis
- C. Fibromyalgia
- D. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to mutations in genes responsible for muscle cells' structure and function. Myositis is an inflammatory muscle disease, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition, and carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hand and arm nerves, but none present with the progressive muscle weakness and wasting seen in muscular dystrophy.
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Which type of cell division is responsible for sexual reproduction?
- A. Mitosis
- B. Meiosis
- C. Amitosis
- D. Cytokinesis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Meiosis is the type of cell division responsible for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, a single cell undergoes two rounds of division to produce four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is essential for sexual reproduction as it ensures that when two gametes (sperm and egg) combine during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct number of chromosomes. Mitosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that produces two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell and is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Amitosis is a rare form of cell division that does not involve the typical processes of mitosis or meiosis. Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell after mitosis or meiosis.
What is the process of making copies of RNA from DNA called?
- A. Replication
- B. Transcription
- C. Translation
- D. DNA repair
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transcription is the correct answer. Transcription is the process of making copies of RNA from DNA. During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand based on the DNA template. This process is essential for gene expression and protein synthesis in cells. Replication (option A) refers to the process of making copies of DNA, not RNA. Translation (option C) is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, not making copies of RNA from DNA. DNA repair (option D) involves mechanisms that cells use to repair damaged DNA, not the process of making RNA copies from DNA.
Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?
- A. Dopamine
- B. Acetylcholine
- C. Serotonin
- D. Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.
Which of the following is the main organ responsible for producing enzymes?
- A. Liver
- B. Pancreas
- C. Stomach
- D. Small intestine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The main organ responsible for producing enzymes is the pancreas. Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body. The pancreas produces and releases digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. While the liver also plays a role in producing bile, which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats, the primary organ responsible for producing enzymes is the pancreas. The stomach produces gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin to help break down food, but it is not the primary organ for enzyme production. The small intestine is where most nutrient digestion and absorption occur; however, it receives enzymes from organs like the pancreas rather than producing them itself.
What is the scientific term for the windpipe, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi?
- A. Pharynx
- B. Trachea
- C. Epiglottis
- D. Bronchiole
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The trachea is the correct scientific term for the windpipe, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. It is an essential part of the respiratory system, enabling the passage of air to and from the lungs. The pharynx is the region behind the mouth and nasal cavity, acting as a passageway for air and food. The epiglottis is a cartilage flap that shields the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. Bronchioles are smaller airways that branch off from the bronchi within the lungs, further dividing and distributing air within the lungs.