1. Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes symptoms like:

A. Fever and fatigue
B. Runny nose and itchiness
C. Muscle aches and joint pain
D. Cough and shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Runny nose and itchiness.' Histamine is a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It causes various symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms are commonly associated with allergic reactions like hay fever or hives. Fever and fatigue (option A) are not directly caused by histamine release. Muscle aches and joint pain (option C) are not typical symptoms of histamine release during an allergic reaction. Cough and shortness of breath (option D) are more commonly associated with asthma or respiratory allergies rather than histamine release.

2. She knows that performance appraisal consists of all the following activities EXCEPT:

A. Setting specific standards and activities for individual performance.
B. Using agency standards as a guide.
C. Determine areas of strength and weaknesses
D. Focusing activity on the correction of identified behavior.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Focusing activity on the correction of identified behavior.' Performance appraisal is a process that involves setting specific standards and activities for individual performance, using agency standards as a guide, and determining areas of strengths and weaknesses. While performance appraisal may identify areas for improvement, its primary focus is not solely on correcting behavior. Instead, it is a holistic evaluation of an individual's performance in various aspects. Therefore, option D is the exception among the activities associated with performance appraisal.

3. Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

A. I brought snacks: chips, salsa, and guacamole.
B. The winner is: Sarah!
C. He loves all things chocolate: cake, ice cream, and candy bars.
D. Please bring the following items: pen, paper, and stapler.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Colons are used to introduce a list or explanation that follows an independent clause. Options (a) and (c) use the colon correctly.

4. Which of the following is the basic unit of the nervous system?

A. Neuron
B. Nerve
C. Ganglion
D. Neuroglia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Neurons are the basic structural and functional units of the nervous system. They are specialized cells that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. Nerves are bundles of neurons, ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system, and neuroglia are support cells for neurons. However, neurons are specifically responsible for transmitting and processing information in the nervous system, making them the basic unit of this system.

5. The element responsible for the red color of blood is:

A. Magnesium
B. Iron
C. Copper
D. Zinc

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, contains iron in its heme group, contributing to the blood's characteristic red color.

6. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

A. Both are double-stranded.
B. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA contains ribose sugar.
C. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, while DNA contains thymine.
D. Both are identical molecules.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Incorrect. DNA is double-stranded, but RNA is typically single-stranded. B) Correct. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which lacks an oxygen atom on the 2' carbon of the sugar ring, while RNA contains ribose sugar, which has an additional hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon. C) Incorrect. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, while DNA contains thymine. D) Incorrect. DNA and RNA have distinct structures and functions, so they are not identical molecules.