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 verb tense best fits the blank: "By next month, she _____ the project for a year."

A. will have been working on
B. will work on
C. has been working on
D. had worked on

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence emphasizes the completed duration of the project by next month, requiring the present perfect continuous tense.

3. Which statement BEST summarizes the author's perspective on bioremediation for plastic pollution?

A. It is the only viable solution to the problem and should be prioritized.
B. It is a promising approach but requires further research and development.
C. It is less effective than traditional methods and poses environmental risks.
D. It is irrelevant to the problem and will not make a significant impact.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The passage acknowledges the potential of bioremediation while highlighting the need for further research, indicating a balanced perspective.

4. What is the relationship between work, force, and displacement?

A. Work is directly proportional to force but inversely proportional to displacement
B. Work is directly proportional to both force and displacement
C. Work is inversely proportional to force but directly proportional to displacement
D. Work is inversely proportional to both force and displacement

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Work done is the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.

5. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is produced by

A. Keratinocytes (These cells produce keratin)
B. Melanocytes
C. Sebocytes (These cells produce sebum)
D. Langerhans cells (These cells are part of the immune system)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melanocytes. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is produced by melanocytes, which are specialized cells located in the skin's epidermis. Melanocytes transfer melanin to keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the epidermis, where it provides protection against UV radiation. Sebocytes produce sebum, an oily substance that helps moisturize the skin and hair. Langerhans cells are a type of immune cell that play a role in the skin's immune response. Therefore, the correct answer is B as melanocytes are specifically responsible for producing melanin.

6. The body's first line of defense against pathogens is the innate immune system. Which of the following is NOT a component of the innate immune system?

A. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes
B. Phagocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens
C. Inflammatory response to isolate and contain infection
D. Production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, phagocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens, and the inflammatory response to isolate and contain infection. However, the production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen is a function of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. The innate immune system provides immediate, nonspecific defenses, while the adaptive immune system generates specific responses to target pathogens. Therefore, option D is NOT a component of the innate immune system, making it the correct answer in this question.