Nokea
What generates action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons?
- A. Glucose
- B. Sodium and potassium ions
- C. Neurotransmitters
- D. Myelin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons, are generated by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane. This movement creates changes in the membrane potential, leading to the propagation of the electrical signal along the neuron. Glucose is a source of energy for neurons but is not directly involved in generating action potentials. Neurotransmitters are involved in communication between neurons but do not directly generate action potentials. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates and speeds up the conduction of action potentials but does not generate them.
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Which of the following is the smallest part of an element that can still be recognized as that element?
- A. Electron
- B. Proton
- C. Neutron
- D. Atom
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number of the element, and the number of neutrons determines the isotope of the element. While electrons, protons, and neutrons are fundamental particles, an atom as a whole is the smallest part of an element that maintains its unique identity. Electrons are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus, protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus, and neutrons are neutral particles in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Atom.'
Why can optical fibers transmit light signals around bends?
- A. Reflection
- B. Refraction
- C. Diffraction
- D. Polarization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Optical fibers can transmit light signals around bends primarily due to refraction. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, such as from air to glass in an optical fiber. This bending allows the light signals to travel through the fiber even around bends, making optical fibers an efficient means of transmitting light signals over long distances. Reflection (Choice A) occurs when light bounces off a surface, which is not the primary mechanism allowing light to travel around bends in optical fibers. Diffraction (Choice C) refers to the bending of light waves around obstacles or openings, but it is not the main reason light signals can traverse bends in optical fibers. Polarization (Choice D) is the orientation of light waves in a specific plane, but it does not play a significant role in enabling light to navigate bends in optical fibers.
Which of the following minerals is important for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system?
- A. Iron
- B. Sodium
- C. Calcium
- D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is Calcium (Choice C). Calcium is essential for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system. Bones act as a reservoir for calcium, playing a critical role in maintaining bone strength and density. Iron, sodium, and magnesium are important for various bodily functions but are not primarily stored in bones for bone health. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, sodium helps regulate fluid balance, and magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.
How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?
- A. Transformation
- B. Transduction
- C. Conjugation
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits.
B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material.
C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information.
Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.
Which hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the growth and development of bones, muscles, and organs?
- A. Growth hormone (GH)
- B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- C. Prolactin
- D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Growth hormone (GH). GH, produced by the pituitary gland, is responsible for stimulating the growth and development of bones, muscles, and organs. It plays a critical role in regulating growth during childhood and adolescence by promoting cell division, protein synthesis, and tissue growth. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) functions to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, while prolactin is involved in milk production. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is primarily responsible for reproductive functions like egg development in females and sperm production in males.