1. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition affecting blood sugar control. What is the main type of hormone deficiency associated with type 1 diabetes?

A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Estrogen
D. Testosterone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Insulin." In type 1 diabetes, the main type of hormone deficiency is insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels by helping cells absorb glucose. In individuals with type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to a deficiency of insulin. This results in uncontrolled high blood sugar levels, which can have serious consequences if not managed properly. Glucagon, estrogen, and testosterone do not play a primary role in the hormone deficiency associated with type 1 diabetes.

2. A ball is thrown upwards. At the peak of its trajectory, which of the following forces is acting on the ball?

A. Gravity only
B. Gravity and air resistance only
C. Neither gravity nor air resistance
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At the peak of its trajectory, the ball has momentarily stopped moving upwards and has not yet started to fall back down. Therefore, there is no longer a net force acting on the ball at that instant. Gravity is acting downwards, but since the ball is not moving, the force of gravity is balanced by an equal and opposite force, resulting in a net force of zero. Similarly, air resistance only affects the ball when it is in motion, so at the peak where the ball momentarily stops, there is no air resistance force. Therefore, at the peak of its trajectory, neither gravity nor air resistance is acting on the ball, making option C the correct answer.

3. Which type of muscle tissue is found in the walls of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. Striated muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of blood vessels and plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow by contracting and relaxing to adjust the diameter of the blood vessels. Skeletal muscle (option A) is responsible for movement of the body, cardiac muscle (option C) is found in the heart and responsible for pumping blood, and striated muscle (option D) refers to both skeletal and cardiac muscle due to their striated appearance. Therefore, the specific type of muscle tissue in blood vessel walls is smooth muscle.

4. Which sentence uses comma splices incorrectly?

A. The baker kneaded the dough, flour dusted her apron, and the oven warmed up.
B. The mountains, shrouded in mist, seemed to disappear into the clouds.
C. He arrived late, having forgotten his keys, and the meeting had already started.
D. The movie, despite its flaws, was surprisingly enjoyable.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option (c) incorrectly combines two independent clauses with only a comma. A semicolon or conjunction is needed

5. The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is an example of a:

A. Sesamoid bone
B. Long bone
C. Short bone
D. Irregular bone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patella, or kneecap, is a sesamoid bone. Sesamoid bones are small bones that develop within tendons, typically where they pass over joints. The patella functions to protect the knee joint and enhance the leverage of the quadriceps muscle. Its location and function align with those of a sesamoid bone, making option A the correct choice. Long bones, such as the femur, are characterized by their elongated shape and serve as levers for movement. Short bones, like those in the wrist and ankle, provide support and stability. Irregular bones, such as the vertebrae, have complex shapes and functions. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate answer in this context.

6. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic mass of an element is the average mass of all the isotopes of that element. Since isotopes have different numbers of neutrons, they also have slightly different masses. This variation in mass is what causes the atomic mass of an element to be a decimal number, rather than a whole number.