1. What is the main function of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

A. Stimulate metabolism and heat production
B. Increase calcium absorption from the intestines
C. Enhance bone growth and development
D. Lower blood calcium levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Lower blood calcium levels.' Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of bone, which in turn lowers the amount of calcium released into the bloodstream. This process helps to decrease blood calcium levels when they are too high. Options A, B, and C are not functions of calcitonin; instead, they are more closely associated with other hormones such as thyroid hormones, vitamin D, and growth hormone, respectively.

2. A water fountain has a spherical base (diameter 50cm) and a cylindrical body (diameter 30cm, height 80cm) on top. What is the total surface area of the fountain (excluding the water surface)?

A. 3142 sq cm
B. 4712 sq cm
C. 5486 sq cm
D. 7957 sq cm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Calculate the surface area of the sphere and the cylinder separately, then add them up.

3. What is the functional group present in esters?

A. Hydroxyl
B. Carbonyl
C. Ester
D. Amine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Esters have the functional group -COO-, representing a carbonyl group bonded to an oxygen atom. The other choices are associated with different functional groups.

4. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

5. Which of the following is an example of a secondary alcohol?

A. Methanol
B. Ethanol
C. Isopropanol
D. Butanol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isopropanol is an example of a secondary alcohol, as the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms. The other choices are primary alcohols.

6. Kidney stones are formed when:

A. Excess water is not reabsorbed
B. Minerals crystallize in the urine
C. Electrolytes become too concentrated
D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Minerals crystallize in the urine." Kidney stones are formed when minerals in the urine combine and crystallize, forming solid masses. This process can occur due to various factors, such as high levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine. Options A and C are not directly related to the formation of kidney stones. Option D is incorrect because not all the statements are true; only minerals crystallizing in the urine lead to kidney stone formation.