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What is the difference between polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy?
- A. Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes influencing one trait, while pleiotropy involves one gene affecting multiple traits.
- B. Polygenic inheritance is found in simple Mendelian traits, while pleiotropy is found in complex traits.
- C. Polygenic inheritance is always quantitative, while pleiotropy can be qualitative or quantitative.
- D. Both involve multiple genes and multiple traits, but the specific mechanisms differ
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: - Polygenic inheritance refers to the situation where a trait is influenced by multiple genes, each contributing a small effect to the phenotype. These traits often show continuous variation and are not easily categorized into discrete categories.
- Pleiotropy, on the other hand, occurs when a single gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated traits. This means that a mutation in one gene can lead to multiple phenotypic effects across different traits or characteristics.
- Therefore, the key difference between polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy lies in the number of genes involved in influencing a trait (multiple genes in polygenic inheritance vs. one gene in pleiotropy) and the direction of influence (one trait affected by multiple genes in polygenic inheritance vs. multiple traits affected by one gene in pleiotropy).
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What is the difference between active and passive immunity?
- A. Active immunity is short-lived, while passive immunity is long-lasting.
- B. Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, while passive immunity provides immediate protection through antibodies from another source.
- C. Active immunity only protects against bacterial infections, while passive immunity works against both bacteria and viruses.
- D. Passive immunity requires repeated vaccinations, while active immunity is a one-time process.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, where the individual's immune system produces antibodies in response to exposure to a pathogen or vaccine. This type of immunity is long-lasting because the immune system 'remembers' the pathogen and can mount a rapid response upon re-exposure. In contrast, passive immunity provides immediate protection through the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from another source, such as through maternal antibodies crossing the placenta or receiving antibodies through an injection. Passive immunity is short-lived because the transferred antibodies eventually degrade and are not produced by the recipient's immune system. Choice A is incorrect because active immunity is generally long-lasting, as it involves the production of antibodies by the individual's immune system. Choice C is incorrect as both active and passive immunity can work against various pathogens, not limited to bacteria or viruses. Choice D is incorrect as passive immunity does not require repeated vaccinations but provides temporary protection through the transfer of antibodies from an external source.
What is the primary function of the small intestine?
- A. To absorb water
- B. To absorb nutrients
- C. To store waste
- D. To produce enzymes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "To absorb nutrients." The small intestine's primary function is to absorb nutrients from digested food. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for the body's functions and energy production. Choice A, "To absorb water," is incorrect because the absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine. Choice C, "To store waste," is incorrect as waste is stored in the large intestine before elimination. Choice D, "To produce enzymes," is incorrect because while the small intestine does receive enzymes from other organs to aid in digestion, its primary role is not enzyme production.
Which of the following is an example of a fibrous protein?
- A. Insulin
- B. Keratin
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. Collagen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A) Insulin is a hormone, not a fibrous protein. It is produced in the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels.
B) Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in hair, nails, and the outer skin layer, providing strength and protection.
C) Hemoglobin is a globular protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport; it is not fibrous.
D) Collagen is a fibrous protein found in tendons, ligaments, and skin, offering strength and structure to connective tissues. Therefore, the correct answer is collagen, making it the main component of various connective tissues.
What is the term for the gradual loss of topsoil due to wind or water erosion?
- A. Desertification
- B. Leaching
- C. Salinization
- D. Acidification
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A) Desertification is the correct term for the gradual loss of topsoil due to wind or water erosion. It refers to the process by which fertile land becomes desert, usually due to factors like drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture practices. This process can lead to the degradation of land and contribute to the expansion of deserts. B) Leaching is the process in which minerals are washed out of the soil by water moving downwards through it. This is different from the loss of topsoil due to erosion. C) Salinization occurs when salt accumulates in the soil, typically as a result of irrigation in arid regions. While salinization affects soil quality, it is not specifically related to the gradual loss of topsoil due to erosion. D) Acidification refers to the decrease in soil pH, often caused by factors like acid rain or the use of acidic fertilizers. This process is distinct from the gradual loss of topsoil due to erosion.
Which of the following best describes the term homeostasis?
- A. The ability to maintain a constant body temperature
- B. The ability to maintain a stable internal environment
- C. The ability to increase body temperature when cold
- D. The ability to regulate blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'The ability to maintain a stable internal environment.' Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to regulate and maintain a stable internal environment, which includes variables like body temperature, pH levels, and fluid balance. It involves processes that help keep the body's internal conditions within a narrow range, despite external changes. While maintaining body temperature is a component of homeostasis, it is not the complete definition of the term. Choice C, 'The ability to increase body temperature when cold,' is incorrect as homeostasis aims to maintain stability rather than promoting temperature increases in response to external conditions. Choice D, 'The ability to regulate blood glucose levels,' is also incorrect as this is a specific function related to glucose homeostasis, which is a part of overall homeostatic processes but not the sole definition of homeostasis itself.