1. The tiny contractile units within muscle cells are called:

A. Myocytes
B. Myofibrils
C. Sarcomeres
D. Tendons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are the basic contractile units within muscle cells. They are made up of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which slide past each other during muscle contraction, resulting in muscle movement. Myocytes (A) are muscle cells, myofibrils (B) are cylindrical structures within muscle fibers composed of sarcomeres, and tendons (D) are tough bands of connective tissue that connect muscle to bone. Therefore, sarcomeres are specifically responsible for muscle contraction within muscle cells.

2. Elements tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve stable electron configurations like those of noble gases. Their group number often indicates the number of electrons gained/lost and the resulting ionic charge, providing a good starting point for prediction.

A. Ionic bonds involve electron sharing, while metallic bonds involve electron transfer
B. Ionic bonds are weak and directional, while metallic bonds are strong and non-directional
C. Ionic bonds exist between metals and non-metals, while metallic bonds exist only between metals
D. Ionic bonds form discrete molecules, while metallic bonds form extended structures

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic bonds involve complete electron transfer between atoms, creating strong, non-directional electrostatic attraction. Metallic bonds involve a delocalized "sea" of electrons shared across all metal atoms, resulting in a strong, extended structure.

3. Centrioles are structures involved in cell division. What is their specific role?

A. Forming the nuclear envelope
B. Replicating DNA
C. Organizing microtubules during cell division
D. Protein synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Centrioles are cylindrical structures found in animal cells that play a crucial role in organizing microtubules during cell division. They form the spindle fibers that help separate chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. This organization is essential for the proper alignment and separation of chromosomes, ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. Centrioles do not participate in forming the nuclear envelope, replicating DNA, or protein synthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as centrioles are primarily involved in microtubule organization to facilitate cell division.

4. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons:

A. Must be equal to the number of protons.
B. Must be less than the number of protons.
C. Must be greater than the number of neutrons.
D. Can vary depending on the atom's temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Must be equal to the number of protons - For electrical neutrality, the positive charge of protons must be balanced by the negative charge of an equal number of electrons.

5. What is the feedback mechanism in the endocrine system that helps maintain hormone balance?

A. Positive feedback, where a hormone stimulates its own release
B. Negative feedback, where a hormone suppresses its own release
C. Cascade effect, where one hormone triggers the release of another
D. Dual hormone system, where two hormones work together

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Negative feedback, where a hormone suppresses its own release. In the endocrine system, negative feedback is a crucial mechanism that helps maintain hormone balance. When hormone levels rise, they signal the body to decrease further hormone production, preventing an excess. This ensures that hormone levels stay within a narrow range, promoting stability and homeostasis. Positive feedback (option A) would lead to an amplification of hormone release, which is not ideal for maintaining balance. Cascade effect (option C) involves a sequential activation of hormones but does not directly regulate hormone levels. Dual hormone system (option D) refers to two hormones working together but doesn't specifically address the feedback mechanism for maintaining hormone balance.

6. Which of the following is NOT a major division of the nervous system?

A. Peripheral nervous system
B. Central nervous system
C. Somatic nervous system
D. Autonomic nervous system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The somatic nervous system is actually a component of the peripheral nervous system, responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles and sensory information. The major divisions of the nervous system are the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (which includes all nerves outside the central nervous system). The autonomic nervous system, on the other hand, is a division of the peripheral nervous system responsible for involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is C, the somatic nervous system, as it is not a major division of the nervous system.