1. Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor from the stomach for proper absorption?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin B12

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells in the stomach, for proper absorption in the small intestine. Intrinsic factor binds to B12 and facilitates its absorption in the ileum. Without intrinsic factor, the body cannot effectively absorb Vitamin B12, leading to deficiencies and various health issues. Vitamins A, C, and D do not require intrinsic factor for absorption and have different mechanisms for uptake and utilization within the body.

2. Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume but can flow?

A. Solid
B. Liquid
C. Gas
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Liquids have a definite volume but can take the shape of their container, unlike solids with fixed shapes and volumes.

3. Which type of glial cell provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system?

A. Schwann cells
B. Astrocytes
C. Oligodendrocytes
D. Microglia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system that provide structural support and insulation for neurons by forming myelin sheaths around axons. Schwann cells, on the other hand, are found in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes play a role in nutrient transfer and maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are responsible for immune defense and clearing debris in the CNS. Therefore, oligodendrocytes are specifically responsible for providing structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system.

4. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

A. Packaging DNA
B. Replicating DNA
C. Transcribing DNA
D. Translating mRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the template provided by the existing DNA strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Packaging DNA (option A) refers to the coiling and organization of DNA into chromatin, a process involving histones and other proteins. Transcribing DNA (option C) involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, a process carried out by RNA polymerase. Translating mRNA (option D) refers to the process of protein synthesis where the information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

5. What is the difference between a germline mutation and a somatic mutation?

A. Germline mutations are passed to offspring, while somatic mutations are not.
B. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells, while somatic mutations occur in body cells.
C. Germline mutations only affect genes, while somatic mutations can affect any DNA.
D. Germline mutations are always beneficial, while somatic mutations are always harmful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Germline mutations are changes in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) and can be passed on to offspring, affecting all cells in the resulting organism. - Somatic mutations are changes in the DNA of non-reproductive cells (body cells) and are not passed on to offspring. These mutations only affect the cells that arise from the mutated cell. - Option A is incorrect because somatic mutations are not passed to offspring. - Option C is incorrect because both germline and somatic mutations can affect any DNA. - Option D is incorrect because the effects of mutations, whether germline or somatic, can be beneficial, harmful, or have no significant impact.

6. Centrioles are structures involved in cell division. What is their specific role?

A. Forming the nuclear envelope
B. Replicating DNA
C. Organizing microtubules during cell division
D. Protein synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Centrioles are cylindrical structures found in animal cells that play a crucial role in organizing microtubules during cell division. They form the spindle fibers that help separate chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. This organization is essential for the proper alignment and separation of chromosomes, ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. Centrioles do not participate in forming the nuclear envelope, replicating DNA, or protein synthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as centrioles are primarily involved in microtubule organization to facilitate cell division.