1. Which hormone stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile?

A. Gastrin
B. Insulin
C. Cholecystokinin (CCK)
D. Glucagon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cholecystokinin (CCK). Cholecystokinin is a hormone produced by the small intestine in response to the presence of food, especially fats and proteins. It stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder to aid in digestion. Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the release of gastric acid in the stomach. Insulin and glucagon are hormones involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile. Therefore, CCK is the hormone responsible for stimulating the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile in the digestive process.

2. The student studies diligently for her upcoming exam. Which word is the plural form of "study"?

A. studies
B. studying
C. studied
D. studier

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The plural form of a noun refers to more than one of that thing.

3. She tries to design an organizational structure that allows communication to flow in all

A. Centralized
B. Decentralized
C. Matrix
D. Informal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Centralized.' In a centralized organizational structure, decision-making authority and communication flow through a single point of control or a specific group of individuals. This setup ensures that communication channels are streamlined and information is disseminated efficiently. By designing an organizational structure that allows communication to flow in all directions, it suggests a decentralized structure where decision-making authority is distributed across various levels and departments. Therefore, 'Centralized' is the best fit for the scenario described in the question.

4. Which vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption and synthesized in the skin upon sun exposure?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption as it helps the body absorb calcium from the diet. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D. This is why sunlight is often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin.' Vitamin A (choice A) is important for vision and immune function, but not specifically for calcium absorption. Vitamin C (choice B) is essential for collagen production and immune function, but not directly related to calcium absorption. Vitamin E (choice D) is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, but it is not primarily involved in calcium absorption like vitamin D.

5. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

A. Mass number
B. Atomic number
C. Atomic number
D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number (Z) equals the number of protons and defines an element's core identity.

6. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

A. Pepsin
B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is an enzyme produced by the gastric chief cells in the stomach lining and works in a highly acidic environment to break down proteins into smaller peptide fragments. Lipase, on the other hand, is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for breaking down carbohydrates, and maltase for breaking down maltose (a type of sugar). Therefore, pepsin is the correct enzyme involved in the digestion of proteins.