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. What is the difference between the atomic number and the mass number of an atom?

A. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
B. The atomic number is the number of electrons in an atom, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
C. The atomic number is the number of neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and electrons in an atom.
D. The atomic number is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of electrons in an atom.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The atomic number and the mass number are two fundamental properties of an atom. They provide important information about the identity and structure of an element.

3. Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream without ducts are called:

A. Exocrine glands
B. Endocrine glands
C. Apocrine glands
D. Merocrine glands

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are specialized glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then travel to target organs or tissues to regulate various physiological processes. Unlike exocrine glands (choice A), which secrete their products through ducts to specific locations, endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood for more widespread and systemic effects. Apocrine glands (choice C) release a portion of their cell contents along with the secretions, while merocrine glands (choice D) release their products through exocytosis without any loss of cell material. Therefore, in this case, endocrine glands best describe the glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

4. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

A. Made up of cells
B. Able to reproduce
C. Require energy
D. Non-motile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Made up of cells: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. This is a fundamental characteristic of life as defined by cell theory. B) Able to reproduce: One of the key characteristics of living organisms is their ability to reproduce and pass on genetic information to offspring. C) Require energy: Living organisms require energy to carry out various life processes such as growth, reproduction, and maintenance of homeostasis. This energy is obtained through processes like metabolism. D) Non-motile: While some living organisms may be non-motile (unable to move on their own), movement is a common characteristic of many living organisms. Motility allows organisms to respond to their environment, find food, escape predators, and carry out other essential activities.

5. 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.

6. What happens to the force of gravity between two objects when the distance between them is doubled?

A. ) The force increases by a factor of 2
B. The force increases by a factor of 4
C. The force decreases by a factor of 2
D. The force decreases by a factor of 4

Correct answer: d

Rationale: According to the inverse square law of gravity, the force of gravity decreases by a factor of 4 when the distance between two objects is doubled.