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 role of RNA interference in silencing genes?

A. Increases protein production
B. Promotes gene mutation
C. Inhibits the expression of specific genes
D. Repairs damaged DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, "Inhibits the expression of specific genes," is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes.

3. What is the relationship between work and kinetic energy?

A. Work is the cause of kinetic energy
B. Kinetic energy is the cause of work
C. Work and kinetic energy are the same
D. Work and kinetic energy are unrelated

Correct answer: a

Rationale: Work done on an object can change its kinetic energy, either increasing or decreasing it.

4. What is the name of the radioactive isotope commonly used in medical imaging techniques like PET scans?

A. Uranium-235
B. Plutonium-239
C. Potassium-40
D. Fluorine-18

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluorine-18 is the radioactive isotope commonly used in medical imaging techniques like PET scans. It is often used in the form of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to detect areas of increased metabolic activity in the body, such as in cancer cells. Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are not typically used in medical imaging, and Potassium-40 is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope found in the human body but is not commonly used in medical imaging techniques.

5. Which type of muscle is characterized by involuntary contractions, is striated, and is primarily found in the heart?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. Elastic muscle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is characterized by involuntary contractions, meaning it contracts without conscious control. It is striated, which refers to the striped appearance of muscle fibers under a microscope. Cardiac muscle is primarily found in the heart, where it plays a crucial role in pumping blood throughout the body. Skeletal muscle (option A) is also striated but is under voluntary control. Smooth muscle (option B) is non-striated and found in organs like the intestines. Elastic muscle (option D) is not a recognized type of muscle tissue.

6. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

A. Calcitonin
B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
C. Thyroxine
D. Insulin

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is produced by the parathyroid glands, not the thyroid gland. PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. This hormone acts in opposition to calcitonin, which is produced by the thyroid gland and works to lower blood calcium levels by promoting calcium deposition into bones. Thyroxine (C) is a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism, not calcium levels. Insulin (D) is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels, not calcium levels.