1. The Merkel cells, located in the epidermis, are specialized for:

A. Melanin production
B. Temperature sensation
C. Touch perception
D. Immune defense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Touch perception.' Merkel cells, also known as Merkel discs, are found in the skin's epidermal layer and are responsible for sensing touch. These cells are located near nerve endings and help detect light touch and pressure on the skin. They play a crucial role in the perception of tactile sensations and are not involved in melanin production, temperature sensation, or immune defense. Therefore, the specialized function of Merkel cells is primarily related to touch perception, making option C the correct choice.

2. What is the unit of measurement for momentum?

A. Newton-second (N·s)
B. Kilogram-meter (kg·m)
C. Joule (J)
D. Meter per second (m/s)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. The unit of mass is kilograms (kg) and the unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s). Therefore, the unit of momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). By Newton's second law of motion (F = ma), force is measured in Newtons (N), which is equivalent to kg·m/s². Therefore, multiplying the unit of force (N) by the unit of time (s) gives the unit of momentum as Newton-second (N·s).

3. Describe the mechanism by which genes are transmitted from parents to offspring.

A. Blending of parental genes, resulting in an average of their traits.
B. Random assortment of alleles during meiosis, leading to unique combinations in each offspring.
C. Inheritance of solely dominant alleles, masking the influence of recessive ones.
D. Direct transfer of both parental genomes, creating identical copies of the parents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Blending of parental genes, resulting in an average of their traits, is not an accurate description of how genes are transmitted. In reality, genes are not blended but rather passed down in discrete units. B) Random assortment of alleles during meiosis is the correct mechanism by which genes are transmitted from parents to offspring. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate, and alleles are randomly distributed to the gametes, leading to unique combinations of genes in each offspring. C) Inheritance of solely dominant alleles, masking the influence of recessive ones, is not an accurate representation of gene transmission. Offspring inherit alleles from both parents, and the expression of dominant or recessive traits depends on the specific combination of alleles. D) Direct transfer of both parental genomes, creating identical copies of the parents, is not how genes are transmitted. Offspring inherit a unique combination

4. A patient needs to take 2 tablets for every 30 pounds of body weight. If they weigh 150 pounds, how many tablets should they take?

A. 5
B. 10
C. 15
D. 20

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Divide the patient's weight (150 pounds) by the ratio denominator (30 pounds/tablet) to get 5 tablets.

5. Which of the following is NOT a property of a catalyst?

A. Increases the rate of a reaction
B. Remains unchanged after the reaction
C. Lowers the activation energy
D. Creates new products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It remains unchanged after the reaction, which eliminates option B. A catalyst works by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, which eliminates option C. A catalyst does not create new products in a reaction; it only facilitates the conversion of reactants into products more efficiently. Therefore, option D is NOT a property of a catalyst.

6. The innate immune system provides:

A. Nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens
B. Specific, long-term immune response through memory cells
C. Both (a) and (b)
D. Neither (a) nor (b)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens.' The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and provides a rapid, nonspecific response. It includes physical barriers like the skin, chemical barriers like stomach acid, and cellular responses like inflammation. This system does not involve memory cells or provide long-term immunity, which are characteristics of the adaptive immune system. Therefore, option A accurately describes the function of the innate immune system as a quick and nonspecific defense mechanism.