1. A news article claims a scientist has discovered a single, universal cure for all allergies. This claim seems:

A. Entirely plausible and should be immediately accepted.
B. Unlikely and warrants further investigation and verification.
C. Impossible because allergies have diverse causes.
D. Irrelevant as long as it can help some people alleviate suffering.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Science rarely offers universal solutions for complex biological phenomena. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence and independent verification.

2. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the

A. Muscles
B. Tendons
C. Ligaments
D. Cartilage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Tendons." Tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons, which are the tough bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. This inflammation can result from overuse, injury, or aging. Muscles (Option A) are not typically inflamed in tendonitis, although they work in conjunction with tendons. Ligaments (Option C) connect bones to other bones and are not involved in tendonitis. Cartilage (Option D) is a smooth, flexible connective tissue that cushions joints and is not directly related to tendonitis.

3. Which sentence avoids a comma splice?

A. The wind howled, the branches swayed, and rain lashed against the windows.
B. He packed his bags, he checked the weather forecast, and then hit the road.
C. The movie was entertaining, it was also thought-provoking.
D. Tired and hungry, she stopped for a quick bite at the cafe.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses, avoiding a comma splice.

4. Which verb tense is most appropriate for this sentence: "By next week, _____ finished the project."

A. I will be finishing
B. I will have finished
C. I am finishing
D. I would finish

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B expresses a future event completed before another future point in time (next week).

5. What is the term for a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in a mitochondrial gene?

A. Autosomal dominant disorder
B. Autosomal recessive disorder
C. Sex-linked disorder
D. Mitochondrial disorder

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Autosomal dominant disorder: This type of genetic disorder is caused by a mutation in one copy of an autosomal gene. It is not related to mitochondrial gene mutations. B) Autosomal recessive disorder: This type of genetic disorder is caused by mutations in both copies of an autosomal gene. It is not related to mitochondrial gene mutations. C) Sex-linked disorder: This type of genetic disorder is caused by mutations in genes located on the sex chromosomes (X or Y). It is not related to mitochondrial gene mutations. D) Mitochondrial disorder: Mitochondrial disorders are genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes located in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. These disorders are inherited maternally and can affect various organs and systems in the body due to the role of mitochondria in energy production.

6. Which of the following is NOT a function of the muscular system?

A. Movement
B. Maintaining posture
C. Generating heat
D. Regulating blood sugar levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Regulating blood sugar levels." The muscular system primarily functions in movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat. Muscles contract and relax to allow movement and help us stay upright. They also produce heat through muscle contractions to maintain body temperature. Regulating blood sugar levels is primarily controlled by the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas and hormones like insulin and glucagon. Therefore, this function is not directly related to the muscular system.