1. he adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?

A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
D. Promote growth and development during puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance.' Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, play a major role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance in the body. These hormones, such as aldosterone, act on the kidneys to control the reabsorption of sodium and water, which in turn affects blood pressure and electrolyte levels. While corticosteroids can have effects on other physiological processes, their primary function is to regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance, making option B the most appropriate choice in this context.

2. What is the primary factor that determines whether a solute will dissolve in a solvent?

A. Temperature
B. Pressure
C. Molecular structure
D. Particle size

Correct answer: c

Rationale: The molecular structure of the solute and solvent plays a key role in determining solubility. The other choices may influence solubility but are not the primary determining factor.

3. Which force opposes the relative motion between surfaces in contact?

A. Tension force
B. Frictional force
C. Gravitational force
D. Magnetic force

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Friction is the force that opposes motion between surfaces in contact.

4. In nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create:

A. A heavier isotope of the same element
B. A lighter isotope of the same element
C. An entirely new element
D. A chain reaction of nuclear fission

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create an entirely new element. During this process, the target nucleus absorbs the incoming particle, resulting in changes to its atomic number and sometimes its mass number. These changes can lead to the creation of a different element altogether. This is a fundamental concept in nuclear chemistry and is used in various applications, including the creation of new isotopes for research or medical purposes. Options A and B are incorrect because transmutation involves creating a different element, not just a heavier or lighter isotope of the same element. Option D, a chain reaction of nuclear fission, is also incorrect as it refers to a different process where a nucleus splits into smaller fragments, releasing energy and more neutrons to sustain the chain reaction.

5. What is the electron configuration of an atom?

A. The arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals.
B. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
C. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
D. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron configuration of an atom refers to the arrangement of electrons in the atom's orbitals. This arrangement determines the atom's chemical properties and behavior. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus (option B) is known as the atomic number, while the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus (option C) contributes to the atom's mass number. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell (option D) is important for understanding the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior.

6. The body's first line of defense against pathogens includes:

A. Phagocytes
B. Antibodies
C. Memory B cells
D. T lymphocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the body's innate immune response, which is the first line of defense against pathogens. Phagocytes engulf and digest foreign particles, such as bacteria and viruses, helping to prevent infection and disease. Antibodies (option B) are produced by B cells and are part of the adaptive immune response, not the first line of defense. Memory B cells (option C) are also part of the adaptive immune response and are involved in mounting a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure to a pathogen. T lymphocytes (option D) are another type of white blood cell involved in the adaptive immune response, specifically in cell-mediated immunity.