1. Which structure contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell?

A. Cytoplasm
B. Nucleus
C. Cell wall (only present in plant cells)
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nucleus. The nucleus is the organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It acts as the control center of the cell, regulating gene expression and coordinating cellular activities. The cytoplasm, option A, is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles, but it does not contain the genetic material. The cell wall, option C, is a rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection, but it does not house the DNA. The Golgi apparatus, option D, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, but it does not store the genetic material of the cell. Therefore, the nucleus is the structure that contains the genetic material in a cell.

2. Which statement is TRUE about valence electrons?

A. They are located in the innermost electron shell.
B. They have the highest binding energy to the nucleus.
C. They are most likely to participate in chemical bonding.
D. They have no influence on the element's chemical properties.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: They are most likely to participate in chemical bonding - Valence electrons occupy the outermost shell and are readily involved in forming bonds with other atoms.

3. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is released in response to low blood sugar levels and stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream?

A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Cortisol
D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is released in response to low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop, glucagon acts to stimulate the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, helping to raise blood sugar levels back to a normal range. Insulin, on the other hand, is released in response to high blood sugar levels and helps to lower blood sugar by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, glucagon is the hormone specifically responsible for stimulating the release of glucose into the bloodstream in response to low blood sugar levels.

4. What literary device is used in the phrase "the lion's roar thundered across the savanna"?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A compares the roar to thunder using "like" or "as," making it a simile.

5. Which type of joint allows for the widest range of motion, like the shoulder joint?

A. Hinge joint
B. Ball-and-socket joint
C. Gliding joint
D. Fixed joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ball-and-socket joint. A ball-and-socket joint, like the shoulder joint, allows for the widest range of motion in all directions, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. This type of joint consists of a rounded, ball-like end of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone, providing great mobility and flexibility. Hinge joints, like the elbow, only allow movement in one plane (like a door hinge), gliding joints permit limited sliding movements between bones, and fixed joints, such as those in the skull, have no movement at all.

6. Which of the following is a risk factor for developing kidney stones?

A. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
B. Maintaining adequate hydration with water
C. Having a family history of kidney stones
D. Regularly engaging in moderate exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Having a family history of kidney stones is a risk factor for developing them because genetics play a role in kidney stone formation. Individuals with a family history are more likely to inherit genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones. While consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining adequate hydration with water, and regularly engaging in moderate exercise are generally healthy habits that can help prevent kidney stones, they are not direct risk factors for developing them. Therefore, option C, having a family history of kidney stones, is the correct answer.