1. What disease is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting?

A. Muscular dystrophy
B. Myositis
C. Fibromyalgia
D. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting over time. It primarily affects skeletal muscles, leading to difficulties in movement and muscle function. Myositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, but it may not always result in progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, not necessarily progressive muscle weakness. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression neuropathy affecting the median nerve in the wrist, leading to symptoms like numbness and tingling in the hand, but it does not cause progressive muscle weakness and wasting like muscular dystrophy does.

2. Which process involves the body's natural defense against inhaled dust and allergens?

A. Cellular respiration
B. Gas exchange
C. Ciliary action
D. Bronchoconstriction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ciliary action. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures lining the respiratory tract that help trap and remove inhaled dust and allergens. When these particles are trapped in the mucus produced by the cilia, the cilia beat in a coordinated fashion to move the mucus and its trapped particles out of the respiratory system, preventing them from reaching the lungs. Cellular respiration (A) is the process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, not a defense mechanism. Gas exchange (B) refers to the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, not a defense mechanism. Bronchoconstriction (D) is the narrowing of the airways, often in response to triggers like allergens, but it is not the body's natural defense mechanism against inhaled dust and allergens.

3. What is the process by which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment?

A. Transformation
B. Transduction
C. Conjugation
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome. This can lead to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction is a process where genetic material is transferred from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria). During transduction, the bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, allowing for the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells that are in direct contact. This transfer is mediated by a conjugative plasmid that carries the genetic information to be transferred. Therefore, all of the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

4. Adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, primarily functions in:

A. Support
B. Insulation
C. Energy storage
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Adipose tissue, or fat, serves multiple functions in the body. It provides support by cushioning and protecting organs, acts as an insulation layer to maintain body temperature, and serves as a crucial energy storage site where excess energy is stored in the form of triglycerides. Therefore, all of the options listed (support, insulation, and energy storage) are accurate functions of adipose tissue.

5. A syringe holds 3ml of liquid. How many syringes are needed to measure 15ml of liquid?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 9

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Divide the total liquid volume (15ml) by the syringe capacity (3ml/syringe) to get 5 syringes.

6. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Water vapor
C. Nitrogen
D. Methane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A) Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is naturally present in the Earth's atmosphere and is also released through human activities such as burning fossil fuels. B) Water vapor: Water vapor is a greenhouse gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere and plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system. C) Nitrogen: Nitrogen is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not have the ability to absorb and emit infrared radiation in the same way that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane do. D) Methane: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released through natural processes such as wetland decomposition and human activities such as livestock farming and fossil fuel extraction. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Nitrogen, as it is not a greenhouse gas.