Nokea
What determines the defining characteristic of an element?
- A. Neutrons in its nucleus
- B. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
- C. Protons in its nucleus
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The defining characteristic of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is referred to as the atomic number. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. The correct answer is choice C because the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom defines its elemental identity, as different elements have a unique number of protons. Neutrons and electrons do play essential roles in the atom, but they do not determine the defining characteristic of an element. Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus and isotopes of an element, while electrons are involved in chemical bonding and the reactivity of an atom.
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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 involved in the involuntary reflex arc that withdraws your hand from a hot object?
- A. Central nervous system only
- B. Peripheral nervous system only
- C. Both CNS and PNS
- D. Sensory neurons only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The involuntary reflex arc that withdraws your hand from a hot object involves both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). When your hand touches a hot object, sensory neurons in the PNS detect the heat and send signals to the spinal cord in the CNS. The spinal cord processes this information and sends a signal back through motor neurons in the PNS to move your hand away from the hot object. This coordinated response requires the collaboration of both the CNS and PNS to protect the body from harm. Choice A is incorrect because the reflex arc involves more than just the central nervous system. Choice B is incorrect because the reflex arc involves more than just the peripheral nervous system. Choice D is incorrect because the reflex arc also involves motor neurons, not just sensory neurons.
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
- A. Breaking down and recycling cellular waste
- B. Packaging and transporting proteins and lipids
- C. Generating energy through cellular respiration
- D. Translating DNA into proteins
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Golgi apparatus plays a crucial role in the cell by packaging and modifying proteins and lipids synthesized by the endoplasmic reticulum. These proteins and lipids are then transported to their final destinations within the cell or outside of it. The Golgi apparatus does not break down and recycle cellular waste, generate energy through cellular respiration, or translate DNA into proteins. Its primary function is related to processing and sorting molecules for cellular use.
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.
How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?
- A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
- B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
- C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
- D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.