1. A study finds a specific gene linked to increased risk of heart disease. Does this mean everyone with that gene will develop heart disease?

A. Yes, the gene deterministically causes heart disease.
B. No, other factors also influence heart disease risk.
C. We need more research to clarify the gene's exact role.
D. Only people with a family history of heart disease need to worry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of a specific gene linked to an increased risk of heart disease does not guarantee that everyone with that gene will develop the condition. Other factors such as lifestyle, environment, and overall health also play a significant role in determining an individual's risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to consider these additional factors rather than solely attributing the risk to the gene itself.

2. What is the process by which a cell divides into two or more new cells?

A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Both mitosis and meiosis
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This type of cell division is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Therefore, meiosis is not the process by which a cell divides into two or more new cells. Option C is incorrect because meiosis is not involved in the general process of cell division to produce new cells. Option D is incorrect because mitosis is the correct process for cell division.

3. What is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate called?

A. Glycolysis
B. Gluconeogenesis
C. Krebs cycle
D. Oxidative phosphorylation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate. This occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is the first step in cellular respiration. B) Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids or glycerol, and is the opposite of glycolysis. C) The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria and is involved in the oxidation of acetyl-CoA to produce ATP and other energy carriers. D) Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced through the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain.

4. What is the function of the epiglottis?

A. Produces saliva
B. Senses taste
C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. The other options (A) Produces saliva, (B) Senses taste, and (D) Filters blood are functions of other structures in the body and are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

5. Sebaceous glands, located in the dermis, secrete an oily substance called:

A. Sweat
B. Sebum
C. Cerumen
D. Mucus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sebum. Sebaceous glands are located in the dermis layer of the skin and are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. Sweat glands, on the other hand, are located in the dermis and subcutaneous layers and produce sweat to help regulate body temperature. Cerumen is produced by ceruminous glands in the ear canal to protect the ear, while mucus is produced by mucous glands in the respiratory system to help trap and remove particles. Therefore, sebum is the oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands in the dermis.

6. The involuntary "fight-or-flight" response is controlled by the:

A. Sympathetic nervous system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Enteric nervous system
D. Sensory nervous system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sympathetic nervous system. The "fight-or-flight" response is an automatic physiological reaction triggered by the sympathetic nervous system in response to a perceived threat or stressor. This system prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to muscles. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, controls the body's "rest-and-digest" response, promoting relaxation and digestion. The enteric nervous system primarily regulates the gastrointestinal system, while the sensory nervous system is responsible for transmitting sensory information to the brain. Therefore, the sympathetic nervous system is specifically responsible for initiating the fight-or-flight response.