1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A. Synthesis of lipids (fats)
B. Transport of materials within the cell
C. Detoxification of harmful substances
D. Breakdown of cellular waste products

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Detoxification of harmful substances.' The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for synthesizing lipids (fats), transporting materials within the cell, and breaking down cellular waste products. However, detoxification of harmful substances is primarily carried out by the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) where enzymes detoxify drugs and other harmful compounds. Therefore, C is the correct answer as it is not a primary function of the ER.

2. Which sentence uses parentheses correctly?

A. The suspect was seen driving a red car (a witness reported).
B. The movie (released in 2022) received critical acclaim.
C. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes (including vegetarian options).
D. All participants (must register by Friday) will receive a free gift.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Parentheses are used for non-essential information that clarifies or adds detail. Option (a) is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence.

3. A stop sign has five equal sides, each measuring 25cm. What is its perimeter?

A. 100cm
B. 125cm
C. 150cm
D. 175cm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Multiply the side length by the number of sides: perimeter = number of sides * side length = 5 * 25cm = 125cm.

4. Frequent, painful urination is a common symptom of:

A. Diabetes
B. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
C. Kidney stones
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Frequent, painful urination can be a symptom of various conditions affecting the urinary system. In diabetes, high blood sugar levels can lead to increased urine production. UTIs often cause painful urination due to the infection in the urinary tract. Kidney stones can also result in frequent and painful urination as they obstruct the flow of urine. Therefore, all three options can present with the common symptom of frequent, painful urination, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.

5. What type of figurative language is used in the statement "Her laughter was music to my ears"?

A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Hyperbole
D. Personification

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement directly compares laughter to music, forming a metaphor.

6. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to develop memory without causing full-blown illness. What type of molecule in a vaccine typically triggers the immune response?

A. Toxins produced by the pathogen
B. Live, attenuated (weakened) forms of the pathogen
C. Inactivated (dead) forms of the pathogen
D. Antigens (specific molecules) from the pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Antigens (specific molecules) from the pathogen. Vaccines contain antigens, which are specific molecules from the pathogen that trigger the immune response without causing the full-blown illness. By presenting these antigens to the immune system, vaccines stimulate the production of memory cells that can recognize and combat the pathogen in the future. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because vaccines typically do not contain toxins, live attenuated forms, or inactivated forms of the pathogen. Instead, they contain specific antigens to induce an immune response without causing the actual disease.