1. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, helps regulate the body's response to stress, including increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system?

A. Aldosterone
B. Epinephrine
C. Cortisol
D. Insulin

Correct answer: c

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. It helps regulate blood pressure by increasing it to prepare the body for stressors. Additionally, cortisol suppresses the immune system to prioritize the stress response. Aldosterone, while also produced by the adrenal glands, primarily regulates electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Epinephrine, produced by the adrenal medulla, is involved in the fight-or-flight response but does not suppress the immune system like cortisol. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the stress response. Therefore, Cortisol is the hormone that specifically helps regulate the body's response to stress by increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system.

2. What is the term for the process of separating the components of a solution based on their different rates of movement through a medium?

A. Filtration
B. Distillation
C. Chromatography
D. Precipitation

Correct answer: c

Rationale: Chromatography is a technique used to separate the components of a solution based on their different rates of movement through a medium. The other choices are different separation techniques.

3. What is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy called?

A. Respiration
B. Fermentation
C. Photosynthesis
D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: - Respiration (Option A) is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy. - Fermentation (Option B) is an anaerobic process that also involves the breakdown of glucose to release energy. - Hydrolysis (Option D) is a chemical process that involves the breakdown of molecules by adding water. Photosynthesis (Option C) is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of plants and ultimately sustains life on Earth by providing oxygen for other organisms to breathe and serving as a source of energy in the food chain.

4. The protective fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is called:

A. Blood
B. Cerebrospinal fluid
C. Plasma
D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and protection against physical impact. It also helps to maintain a stable environment for the central nervous system by regulating pressure and removing waste products. Blood (option A) is not the fluid that directly surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Plasma (option C) is the liquid component of blood and is not specific to the central nervous system. Myelin (option D) is a fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around nerve fibers but is not the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

5. You design an experiment to test the effectiveness of a new fertilizer. Which of the following factors would be considered a dependent variable?

A. The type of fertilizer used
B. The size and age of the plants
C. The amount of plant growth observed
D. The cost of the fertilizer per unit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The dependent variable is the factor that is being measured or observed in an experiment. In this case, the amount of plant growth observed is the variable that is being influenced by the independent variable, which is the type of fertilizer used. The size and age of the plants (option B) could potentially be controlled variables, while the type of fertilizer used (option A) is the independent variable being tested. The cost of the fertilizer per unit (option D) is not directly related to the plant growth being measured in this experiment.

6. Which of the following is NOT a method of sterilization?

A. Autoclave
B. UV light
C. Chemical disinfectants
D. Boiling water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Autoclave: An autoclave is a method of sterilization that uses high pressure and steam to kill microorganisms, making it an effective way to sterilize equipment and materials. B) UV light: UV light is a method of sterilization that damages the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing infections. C) Chemical disinfectants: Chemical disinfectants are used to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces, but they may not always achieve sterilization, which is the complete destruction of all microorganisms. D) Boiling water: Boiling water is a method of disinfection rather than sterilization. While boiling water can kill many microorganisms, it may not be effective against all types of bacteria, viruses, and spores, making it unsuitable for achieving sterilization. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Boiling water, as it is not a method of sterilization