1. The term "goiter" refers to a condition characterized by:

A. Overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands
B. Excessive growth of the thyroid gland
C. Underproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
D. Deficiency of growth hormone from the pituitary gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'goiter' specifically refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. This can be due to various reasons such as iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Graves' disease. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they describe conditions related to other glands and hormones in the endocrine system. It is important to differentiate between different endocrine disorders to accurately diagnose and treat patients. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as a goiter is characterized by the excessive growth of the thyroid gland.

2. During antibiotic use, bacteria can evolve resistance. This is an example of:

A. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
B. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
C. Macroevolution (large-scale evolutionary change)
D. Artificial selection acting on a natural process

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: - Coevolution (option A) refers to the influence of two species on each other's evolution, which is not the case in the scenario described in the question. - Convergent evolution (option B) involves unrelated organisms evolving similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, which is not directly applicable to the situation of bacteria evolving resistance to antibiotics. - Macroevolution (option C) refers to large-scale evolutionary changes over long periods, which is not specifically demonstrated in the context of bacteria evolving resistance during antibiotic use. - The process of bacteria evolving resistance to antibiotics due to the selective pressure exerted by the antibiotics is an example of artificial selection (human intervention selecting for certain traits) acting on a natural process (bacterial evolution). Antibiotic use creates a selective pressure that favors the survival and reproduction of bacteria with resistance traits, leading to the evolution of an

3. Connective tissue provides support and connects other tissues. What is the main component that gives connective tissue its strength?

A. Collagen fibers
B. Epithelial cells
C. Nerve cells
D. Blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main component that gives connective tissue its strength is collagen fibers. Collagen is a fibrous protein that is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing tensile strength and support to tissues. Collagen fibers are arranged in a parallel fashion, giving connective tissue its resilience and ability to withstand stretching forces. Epithelial cells are not the main component of strength in connective tissue; they are specialized cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures. Nerve cells are responsible for transmitting signals and do not contribute to the strength of connective tissue. Blood cells are not structural components of connective tissue but rather play a role in transportation and immune function.

4. Which sentence uses parentheses correctly?

A. The suspect was seen driving a red car (a witness reported).
B. The movie (released in 2022) received critical acclaim.
C. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes (including vegetarian options).
D. All participants (must register by Friday) will receive a free gift.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Parentheses are used for non-essential information that clarifies or adds detail. Option (a) is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence.

5. What is the main function of vacuoles in plant cells?

A. To provide structural support for the cell
B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
D. To store water, enzymes, and waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: Vacuoles in plant cells primarily function as storage organelles. They store water, enzymes, pigments, and waste products. Vacuoles help maintain turgor pressure within the cell, which provides structural support for the plant cell. While vacuoles can also be involved in transporting substances within the cell, their main function is storage. Synthesizing proteins and lipids is primarily carried out by other organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.

6. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a crucial role in endocrine regulation. It secretes GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH. What is the MAIN function of FSH and LH?

A. Regulate blood sugar levels
B. Control growth and development
C. Stimulate the fight-or-flight response
D. Maintain calcium homeostasis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Control growth and development.' FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) are essential hormones produced by the pituitary gland in response to GnRH from the hypothalamus. FSH plays a key role in stimulating the growth and development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. LH triggers ovulation in females and stimulates the production of testosterone in males. These hormones are crucial for the reproductive system and play a major role in controlling growth and development during puberty and throughout adulthood. Therefore, the main function of FSH and LH is not to regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate the fight-or-flight response, or maintain calcium homeostasis, making options A, C, and D incorrect.