1. Which of the following can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections?

A. Regular exercise
B. Balanced diet
C. Chronic stress
D. Adequate sleep

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system by increasing the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can suppress immune function over time. Prolonged stress can also lead to inflammation, making the body more vulnerable to infections. It is important to manage stress levels through relaxation techniques, exercise, and seeking support to maintain a healthy immune system.

2. Which of these is NOT a function of the large intestine?

A. Absorbing water and electrolytes
B. Producing vitamins
C. Breaking down fiber
D. Eliminating waste products

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Absorbing water and electrolytes: The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water and electrolytes from the indigestible food matter that passes through it. This helps in maintaining the body's fluid balance and preventing dehydration. B) Producing vitamins: While the large intestine contains bacteria that can produce some vitamins like vitamin K and certain B vitamins, the primary site for vitamin production is the small intestine and other organs like the liver. C) Breaking down fiber: The large intestine is responsible for breaking down fiber that was not digested in the small intestine. The bacteria in the large intestine ferment fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by the body. D) Eliminating waste products: One of the main functions of the large intestine is to eliminate waste products, including indigestible food matter, dead cells, and bacteria, from the body in the form of feces.

3. What are enzymes?

A. Building blocks of muscle
B. Biological catalysts
C. Energy source
D. Antibodies

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in our cells. They act like tiny factories, fitting specific molecules (substrates) into their active site to facilitate reactions.

4. Which type of fiber is insoluble and promotes gut motility?

A. Pectin
B. Cellulose
C. Beta-gluca
D. Guar gum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Pectin is a soluble fiber found in fruits and vegetables. It forms a gel-like substance in the gut and can help lower cholesterol levels. B) Cellulose is an insoluble fiber found in plants, particularly in the cell walls of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It adds bulk to the stool and promotes gut motility by aiding in the movement of food through the digestive system. C) Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found in oats and barley. It can help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control. D) Guar gum is a soluble fiber derived from guar beans. It can help with digestion and may have a role in managing blood sugar levels. In this case, the question specifically asks for the type of fiber that is insoluble and promotes gut motility, which is characteristic of cellulose.

5. Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain?

A. Dorsal root
B. Ventral root
C. Gray matter
D. White matter

Correct answer: a

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dorsal root. The dorsal root of the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain. This root contains sensory nerve fibers that carry information such as touch, temperature, and pain signals from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. Ventral roots, on the other hand, are responsible for transmitting motor information from the brain to the muscles. Gray matter is primarily composed of nerve cell bodies and is involved in processing information, while white matter consists of myelinated nerve fibers that facilitate communication between different parts of the nervous system. Therefore, in this context, the dorsal root is the specific structure that handles sensory information transmission.

6. 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