What is the function of the epiglottis?
- A. Produces saliva
- B. Senses taste
- C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
- D. Filters blood
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe functions of other structures in the body that are not related to the role of the epiglottis.
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What type of reaction is represented by the following equation: Fe2O3 (s) + 3H2 (g) -> 2Fe (s) + 3H2O (g)?
- A. Combustion
- B. Decomposition
- C. Single displacement
- D. Redox reaction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Single displacement. This reaction is a single displacement reaction because the iron (Fe) in Fe2O3 is displaced by the hydrogen (H) in H2 to form Fe and H2O. In single displacement reactions, one element replaces another in a compound. Choice A, Combustion, involves a reaction with oxygen typically producing heat, light, and often a flame. Choice B, Decomposition, is when a compound breaks down into simpler substances. Choice D, Redox reaction, involves both reduction and oxidation reactions happening simultaneously, which is not the case in the provided equation.
Which part of the brainstem is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing?
- A. Medulla oblongata
- B. Pons
- C. Midbrain
- D. Cerebellum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This part of the brainstem contains centers that regulate these essential autonomic functions to maintain homeostasis in the body. The pons and midbrain are also parts of the brainstem, but they are not primarily responsible for controlling these vital functions. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
What is kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease, characterized by?
- A. Muscle wasting
- B. Night blindness
- C. Scurvy
- D. Rickets
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Kwashiorkor is a severe acute malnutrition condition resulting from insufficient dietary protein intake. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and notably, muscle wasting. Muscle wasting occurs as the body breaks down muscle tissue to obtain essential amino acids for vital functions. Night blindness (option B) is associated with vitamin A deficiency, scurvy (option C) results from a lack of vitamin C, and rickets (option D) is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
What is the shape of the DNA molecule?
- A. Linear
- B. Circular
- C. Double helix
- D. Straight chain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Double helix. The shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix, a structure first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This shape consists of two strands twisted around each other in a spiral. The double helix structure allows DNA to be compactly stored within the cell nucleus and provides stability to the molecule. Options (A) Linear, (B) Circular, and (D) Straight chain are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the shape of the DNA molecule. DNA is not linear but rather forms a twisted double helix; it is not circular like a ring but has a spiral structure, and it is not a straight chain but a twisted ladder-like structure.
Which type of waves do not require a medium for propagation?
- A. Transverse waves
- B. Longitudinal waves
- C. Electromagnetic waves
- D. Surface waves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation as they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can travel through a vacuum. This property allows electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio waves, and X-rays, to propagate through space. In contrast, transverse and longitudinal waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) for propagation. Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves have vibrations parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Surface waves, which are a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves, also need a medium for propagation. Understanding the distinction between these wave types is essential in various fields, including physics and communication technologies.