Why are elements in Group 18 (Noble gases) generally unreactive?
- A. They have high atomic masses
- B. They lack valence electrons
- C. Their outermost electron shells are completely filled
- D. They exist as single atoms, not molecules
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elements in Group 18 (Noble gases) are generally unreactive because their outermost electron shells are completely filled. This results in high stability and low reactivity since they have achieved a full valence shell configuration, making them less likely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other atoms. The full valence shell configuration leads to a minimal tendency for these elements to form chemical bonds, hence exhibiting low reactivity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because high atomic masses, lack of valence electrons, and existing as single atoms do not directly contribute to the unreactivity of noble gases. It is the full valence shell configuration that is the primary reason for their inert nature.
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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.
Which type of mutation involves a change in the number of chromosomes?
- A. Point mutation
- B. Frameshift mutation
- C. Missense mutation
- D. Aneuploidy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A) Point mutation involves a change in a single nucleotide base pair within the DNA sequence.
B) Frameshift mutation involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code.
C) Missense mutation involves a single nucleotide change that results in a codon that codes for a different amino acid.
D) Aneuploidy involves a change in the number of chromosomes, where an individual may have an extra chromosome (trisomy) or a missing chromosome (monosomy). Aneuploidy can lead to genetic disorders such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Changing the number of chromosomes is a characteristic feature of aneuploidy, making it the correct answer. Point mutation, frameshift mutation, and missense mutation do not involve a change in the number of chromosomes and are focused on alterations at the nucleotide level within the DNA sequence.
What is the process by which damaged muscle tissue repairs and rebuilds itself?
- A. Degeneration
- B. Regeneration
- C. Hyperplasia
- D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regeneration is the correct answer. It is the process by which damaged muscle tissue repairs and rebuilds itself. New muscle cells are formed during regeneration to replace the damaged ones, allowing the muscle to heal and regain its function. Degeneration refers to tissue breakdown, hyperplasia is the increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, and metaplasia is the transformation of one type of tissue into another.
How are mass and inertia related?
- A. Mass is a measure of inertia
- B. Mass has no relationship with inertia
- C. Inertia is a measure of weight
- D. Inertia increases with decreasing mass
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mass is a measure of inertia. Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion, and mass quantifies this resistance. Objects with more mass have greater inertia, meaning they are more resistant to changes in their motion. Therefore, mass and inertia are directly related, with mass being a fundamental factor that determines the level of inertia an object possesses. Choice B is incorrect because mass and inertia are indeed related. Choice C is incorrect as inertia is not a measure of weight but rather a property related to an object's mass. Choice D is incorrect because inertia actually increases with increasing mass, not decreasing mass.
Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where:
- A. A single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species due to ecological pressures in a heterogeneous environment.
- B. Two unrelated species evolve similar adaptations in response to similar environments, leading to convergent evolution.
- C. A population becomes increasingly well-adapted to its current environment through continued natural selection.
- D. The fossil record exhibits gaps or missing links in the evolutionary history of a lineage.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: - Adaptive radiation is a process where a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species to exploit different ecological niches within a heterogeneous environment.
- This diversification occurs due to the different selective pressures present in various habitats, leading to the evolution of distinct traits and adaptations in different descendant species.
- Option A accurately describes the process of adaptive radiation, where the initial species undergoes rapid speciation to occupy different ecological roles and adapt to diverse environmental conditions.
- Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe adaptive radiation but refer to other evolutionary processes such as convergent evolution, natural selection, and gaps in the fossil record, respectively.