1. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of asthma, a chronic respiratory condition?

A. Wheezing
B. Difficulty breathing
C. Chest tightness
D. Fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Fever." Fever is not a symptom commonly associated with asthma. Asthma symptoms typically include wheezing (A), difficulty breathing (B), and chest tightness (C). Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing, while difficulty breathing refers to the feeling of not getting enough air. Chest tightness is a common sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest. Fever is not a typical symptom of asthma but may occur in other respiratory conditions or infections. Therefore, fever is the correct answer as it does not align with the typical symptom profile of asthma.

2. What is the difference between a germline mutation and a somatic mutation?

A. Germline mutations are passed to offspring, while somatic mutations are not.
B. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells, while somatic mutations occur in body cells.
C. Germline mutations only affect genes, while somatic mutations can affect any DNA.
D. Germline mutations are always beneficial, while somatic mutations are always harmful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Germline mutations are changes in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) and can be passed on to offspring, affecting all cells in the resulting organism. - Somatic mutations are changes in the DNA of non-reproductive cells (body cells) and are not passed on to offspring. These mutations only affect the cells that arise from the mutated cell. - Option A is incorrect because somatic mutations are not passed to offspring. - Option C is incorrect because both germline and somatic mutations can affect any DNA. - Option D is incorrect because the effects of mutations, whether germline or somatic, can be beneficial, harmful, or have no significant impact.

3. In a horizontal chart, the lowest level worker is located at the

A. Leftmost box
B. Middle
C. Rightmost box
D. Bottom

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a horizontal chart, the lowest level worker is typically positioned at the leftmost side, with higher-level workers placed to the right. This arrangement signifies hierarchy, with the top level usually being on the rightmost side. Therefore, the correct answer is B: 'Middle,' as the lowest level worker is situated towards the left of the chart, not the extreme left or right. This positioning helps visually represent the organization's structure and indicates the progression from lower to higher levels as one moves from left to right on the chart.

4. What is the meaning of the idiom "to bite off more than one can chew"?

A. To be overly confident
B. To take on more than one can handle
C. To be easily discouraged
D. To be meticulous in planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The idiom warns against undertaking a task exceeding one's capabilities.

5. What property of matter remains constant regardless of changes in its state?

A. Mass
B. Volume
C. Density
D. Weight

Correct answer: a

Rationale: Mass remains constant for a given amount of matter, regardless of its state (solid, liquid, or gas) or its location in the universe. Explanation of other options:

6. How can the periodic table be used to predict the charge of an ion formed by an element?

A. Look for elements with similar atomic weights.
B. Identify the group number, which corresponds to the typical ionic charge.
C. Calculate the difference between protons and electrons.
D. Analyze the element's position within the period.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Identify the group number, which corresponds to the typical ionic charge. Elements tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gas group. Their group number often indicates the number of electrons gained/lost and the resulting ionic charge.