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.
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Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?
- A. Dissolving sugar in water
- B. Boiling water
- C. Rusting iron
- D. Crushing ice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rusting iron is an example of a chemical change because it involves a chemical reaction where iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water to form iron oxide (rust). This reaction results in a change in the chemical composition of the iron, unlike dissolving sugar in water, boiling water, or crushing ice, which are physical changes. Dissolving sugar in water is a physical change as sugar molecules remain unchanged but disperse in water. Boiling water is also a physical change as water changes its state from liquid to gas due to heat. Crushing ice is a physical change as the solid ice changes its physical form without altering its chemical composition.
What type of muscle tissue is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end when you get a goosebump?
- A. Skeletal muscle
- B. Smooth muscle
- C. Cardiac muscle
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smooth muscle is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end when you get a goosebump. This type of muscle tissue is found in the skin attached to hair follicles and contracts in response to stimuli such as cold or fear, causing the hair to stand up. Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements, and cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is not directly involved in causing goosebumps. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the specific type of muscle tissue responsible for this physiological response.
What describes the change in direction of light when it passes through different mediums, such as air and water?
- A. Diffraction
- B. Reflection
- C. Refraction
- D. Dispersion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Refraction is the change in direction of light as it moves from one medium to another, such as air to water or glass. This change occurs due to variations in the speed of light in each medium, causing the light rays to bend. When light passes through different mediums, it changes its path, a phenomenon known as refraction.
Choice A, Diffraction, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading of waves when passing through small openings, not the change in direction of light when moving between mediums. Choice B, Reflection, is the bouncing back of light rays from a surface into the same medium, not the change in direction when transitioning between different mediums. Choice D, Dispersion, involves the separation of light into its constituent colors based on their different wavelengths, not the change in direction of light when passing through different mediums.
What is the SI unit of measurement for momentum?
- A. Newton (N)
- B. Kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s)
- C. Joule (J)
- D. Newton-second (N·s)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct SI unit of measurement for momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). Momentum is a vector quantity that is calculated by multiplying an object's mass (in kilograms) by its velocity (in meters per second), resulting in the unit kg·m/s. This unit represents the quantity of motion an object possesses, taking into account both the mass and velocity of the object. Choice A, Newton (N), is the unit of force, not momentum. Choice C, Joule (J), is the unit of energy, not momentum. Choice D, Newton-second (N·s), is the unit of impulse, not momentum.
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.