1. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that plays a crucial role in breathing. When it contracts, what happens?

A. Air is expelled from the lungs.
B. The lungs expand to allow air intake.
C. The vocal cords vibrate to produce sound.
D. The trachea narrows to control airflow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs. When it contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity. This downward movement of the diaphragm allows the lungs to expand, which lowers the air pressure inside the lungs. As a result, air from the outside rushes in to equalize the pressure, leading to inhalation. Therefore, when the diaphragm contracts, it facilitates the intake of air into the lungs, making option B, 'The lungs expand to allow air intake,' the correct answer.

2. Which of the following functional groups is present in carboxylic acids?

A. Carbonyl
B. Hydroxyl
C. Carboxyl
D. Aldehyde

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Carboxylic acids contain the carboxyl functional group (-COOH). The other choices are associated with different functional groups.

3. What is a potential limitation of using case studies in scientific research?

A. They offer unique insights and perspectives not found in large-scale studies.
B. They can be easily replicated and validated by other researchers.
C. They often present limited data points and may not be generalizable to larger populations.
D. They require sophisticated statistical analysis, making them difficult to interpret.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: While case studies provide valuable individual details, their small sample size and specific context limit their ability to represent broader trends or populations.

4. Which organelle is responsible for the final stages of protein modification and packaging for secretion in animal cells?

A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
C. Ribosomes
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Golgi apparatus is responsible for the final stages of protein modification and packaging for secretion in animal cells. After proteins are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and modified in the Golgi apparatus, they are packaged into vesicles for secretion. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, while ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis on the RER. Therefore, the Golgi apparatus is the correct organelle for the final processing and packaging of proteins for secretion in animal cells.

5. Which structure contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell?

A. Cytoplasm
B. Nucleus
C. Cell wall (only present in plant cells)
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nucleus. The nucleus is the organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It acts as the control center of the cell, regulating gene expression and coordinating cellular activities. The cytoplasm, option A, is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles, but it does not contain the genetic material. The cell wall, option C, is a rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection, but it does not house the DNA. The Golgi apparatus, option D, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, but it does not store the genetic material of the cell. Therefore, the nucleus is the structure that contains the genetic material in a cell.

6. The main function of the nephrons is to:

A. Store urine
B. Filter blood and remove waste products
C. Produce hormones
D. Control blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Filter blood and remove waste products.' Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water, while reabsorbing essential substances like glucose and amino acids. This process forms urine, which is stored in the bladder before being excreted. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because nephrons do not store urine, produce hormones, or directly control blood pressure; although the kidneys do play a role in long-term blood pressure regulation through mechanisms like the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.