What is the function of the pituitary gland?
- A. Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism
- B. Filters blood and removes waste products
- C. Stores and releases bile
- D. Produces red blood cells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it produces and releases hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. It does not filter blood or remove waste products (option B), store and release bile (option C), or produce red blood cells (option D). The pituitary gland's primary role is in hormone production and regulation, influencing many essential functions in the body.
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What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?
- A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
- B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
- C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
- D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.
Which component of the nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles?
- A. Autonomic nervous system
- B. Peripheral nervous system
- C. Somatic nervous system
- D. Sympathetic nervous system
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles. This system consists of motor neurons that send signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles, allowing for conscious control over movement. The autonomic nervous system (A) controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, the peripheral nervous system (B) includes all nerves outside the central nervous system, and the sympathetic nervous system (D) is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically regulate voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, which is a function of the somatic nervous system.
What is the final stage of both mitosis and meiosis?
- A. Interphase
- B. Telophase
- C. Cytokinesis
- D. G1 phase
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: - Interphase (option A) is not the final stage of mitosis or meiosis; it is the phase before cell division where the cell prepares for division by growing and replicating its DNA.
- Telophase (option B) is the final stage of both mitosis and meiosis. During telophase, the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell, the nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to decondense.
- Cytokinesis (option C) is the process of dividing the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells. While it occurs after telophase, it is not considered the final stage of mitosis or meiosis.
- G1 phase (option D) is the first gap phase in the cell cycle, occurring before DNA replication. It is not the final stage of mitosis or meiosis.
What type of inheritance pattern results in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation?
- A. Incomplete dominance
- B. Codominance
- C. Sex-linked inheritance
- D. Autosomal dominant inheritance
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autosomal dominant inheritance results in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation. This inheritance pattern occurs when a single copy of the dominant allele is enough to express the dominant phenotype.
A) Incomplete dominance: In incomplete dominance, the heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the two homozygous phenotypes, and it does not lead to a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation.
B) Codominance: In codominance, both alleles are fully expressed in the heterozygous phenotype, but this pattern also does not result in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation.
C) Sex-linked inheritance: Sex-linked inheritance involves genes located on the sex chromosomes and does not typically lead to a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation.
How do vaccines work?
- A. By directly killing pathogens
- B. By introducing weakened or inactive versions of pathogens to trigger an immune response
- C. By stimulating the immediate production of specific antibodies
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vaccines work by introducing weakened or inactive versions of pathogens to trigger an immune response in the body. This exposure helps the immune system recognize and remember the pathogen, enabling a faster and more effective response upon future exposure. Vaccines do not directly kill pathogens but prepare the immune system for a potential encounter, enhancing protection. They also do not stimulate the immediate production of specific antibodies as the immune response takes time to develop upon vaccination. Choice A is incorrect because vaccines do not kill pathogens directly; they prime the immune system to recognize and respond to them. Choice C is incorrect because while vaccines lead to the production of specific antibodies, it is not immediate, as it takes time for the immune response to develop and produce these antibodies.
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