1. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis?

A. High blood pressure
B. High levels of LDL cholesterol
C. Regular physical activity
D. Smoking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Regular physical activity is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. In fact, engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis by improving cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure, and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. High blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol, and smoking are all known risk factors for atherosclerosis. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, narrowing the passageways and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Smoking is harmful to blood vessels, promoting inflammation and the formation of plaque. Therefore, regular physical activity is actually a protective factor against atherosclerosis rather than a risk factor.

2. 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: 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.

3. Which statement accurately describes the relationship between electron configuration and the periodic table?

A. Elements within the same period have similar electron configurations.
B. Elements within the same group have similar electron configurations in their outermost shell.
C. Electron configuration has no influence on an element's position on the periodic table.
D. The number of electron shells an element has determines its group on the periodic table.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elements within the same group have similar electron configurations in their outermost shell. This explains why elements in the same group often share similar chemical properties.

4. What is the building block of RNA?

A. Amino acid
B. Nucleotide
C. Protein
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Amino acid: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not RNA. B) Nucleotide: Nucleotides are the building blocks of RNA. A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil in RNA), a sugar (ribose in RNA), and a phosphate group. C) Protein: Proteins are made up of amino acids, not nucleotides. D) Fatty acid: Fatty acids are components of lipids, not RNA.

5. What is the role of DNA in heredity?

A. Provides energy for the cell
B. Determines the structure and function of proteins
C. Stores and transmits genetic information
D. Controls cell division

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. It stores genetic information in the form of a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). This genetic information is passed down from parents to offspring and is responsible for determining an organism's traits and characteristics. DNA does not provide energy for the cell (option A), determine the structure and function of proteins (option B), or control cell division (option D).

6. What protein complex controls the progression of mitosis through its activation and degradation?

A. Ribosome
B. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)
C. Centriole
D. Microtubule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Ribosome: Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and are not directly involved in controlling the progression of mitosis. B) Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK): CDKs are a family of protein kinases that regulate the cell cycle, including the progression of mitosis. CDK activity is controlled by cyclins, which bind to CDKs to activate them at specific points in the cell cycle. The activation and degradation of cyclins regulate the activity of CDKs, which in turn control the progression of mitosis. C) Centriole: Centrioles are involved in organizing the microtubules of the mitotic spindle but do not directly control the progression of mitosis. D) Microtubule: Microtubules are structural components of the cytoskeleton and are involved in various cellular processes, including mitosis, but they do not control