1. What is the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands?

A. Insulin
B. Calcitonin
C. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is Parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels and is unrelated to the parathyroid glands. Calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps regulate calcium levels but is not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and is also not released by the parathyroid glands. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Parathyroid hormone (PTH).

2. Why is it important to have control groups in scientific experiments?

A. To please funding agencies and research institutions.
B. To showcase the researcher's ingenuity and creativity.
C. To allow comparison and isolate the effect of the variable being tested.
D. To provide additional data points for statistical analysis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Control groups allow observation of what would happen without the tested variable, giving a baseline for comparison and isolating the specific effect being studied.

3. A lampshade consists of a cylindrical base (diameter 20cm, height 10cm) and a hemispherical top (same diameter as the base). What is its total surface area?

A. 785 sq cm
B. 1130 sq cm
C. 1570 sq cm
D. 2055 sq cm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calculate the surface area of the cylinder (base + lateral surface) and the hemisphere (half of a sphere's surface area). Add both areas to find the total surface area.

4. What information can be obtained directly from the element's atomic number?

A. Its atomic mass
B. Its position on the periodic table
C. Its position on the periodic table
D. Its chemical properties

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the element's unique identity and its position on the periodic table. The atomic mass (option A) is not directly determined by the atomic number but is a weighted average of the isotopes of an element. The position on the periodic table (option C) is directly related to the atomic number, as elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The chemical properties of an element (option D) are influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus, which is determined by the atomic number.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the integumentary system?

A. Regulation of body temperature
B. Protection from pathogens
C. Synthesis of vitamin D
D. Production of digestive enzymes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Production of digestive enzymes." The integumentary system primarily consists of the skin, hair, nails, and glands. Its main functions include regulating body temperature through processes like sweating and shivering, protecting the body from pathogens and external threats, and synthesizing vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. However, the production of digestive enzymes is not a function of the integumentary system. Digestive enzymes are primarily produced by organs such as the pancreas and salivary glands to aid in the breakdown of food in the digestive system, which is separate from the functions of the integumentary system.

6. Which vitamin is essential for collagen production, a key component of connective tissues?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which is a key component of connective tissues. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues in the body, including skin, bones, and tendons. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen by acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen formation. Deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to impaired collagen production, resulting in weakened connective tissues and potential health issues like scurvy. While Vitamin A, D, and E are important for various bodily functions, Vitamin C specifically stands out for its vital role in collagen synthesis.