1. The involuntary reflex arc that withdraws your hand from a hot object involves the:

A. Central nervous system only
B. Peripheral nervous system only
C. Both CNS and PNS
D. Sensory neurons only

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Both CNS and PNS'. This is because the reflex arc involves both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The sensory neurons in the PNS detect the stimulus (hot object), then send signals to the spinal cord in the CNS. The spinal cord processes the information and immediately sends a motor response signal back out through the PNS to move the hand away from the hot object. This rapid and involuntary response demonstrates the coordination between the CNS and PNS in executing the reflex arc.

2. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, regulates calcium levels in the blood by enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines and reducing calcium loss in the kidneys?

A. Calcitonin
B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
C. Thyroxine
D. Insulin

Correct answer: a

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcitonin. Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines and reducing calcium loss in the kidneys. This helps to maintain the proper balance of calcium in the body. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) works in the opposite way, increasing calcium levels in the blood when they are low. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and growth, not calcium levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels, not calcium levels. Therefore, the correct hormone in this case is Calcitonin.

3. Aseptic meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges caused by:

A. Bacteria
B. Viruses
C. Fungi
D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.

4. Which macromolecule serves as the repository of genetic information in all living organisms?

A. Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
B. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
C. Protein
D. Carbohydrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - DNA is the macromolecule that serves as the repository of genetic information in all living organisms. It carries the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms. - RNA (option A) is involved in various cellular processes, including protein synthesis, but DNA is the primary molecule responsible for storing genetic information. - Proteins (option C) are essential for various cellular functions but do not serve as the primary repository of genetic information. - Carbohydrates (option D) are important for energy storage and structural support but do not store genetic information.

5. Which of the following properties is NOT characteristic of a covalent bond?

A. Sharing of electrons between atoms
B. High melting and boiling points
C. Low electrical conductivity in solid state
D. Directional bonding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. This sharing results in the formation of molecules with directional bonding, where the atoms are held together in a specific orientation. Covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds, as the intermolecular forces in covalent compounds are weaker. Additionally, covalent compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state because the electrons are localized between the atoms and not free to move and carry charge.

6. Which of the following is the main function of the lungs?

A. To transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
B. To coordinate movement and sensory information
C. To filter waste products from the blood
D. To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) To transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body - While the lungs do play a role in transporting oxygen, their primary function is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment. The transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body is primarily carried out by the circulatory system, specifically the blood vessels. B) To coordinate movement and sensory information - This function is primarily carried out by the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. C) To filter waste products from the blood - The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, not the lungs. The lungs primarily function in gas exchange.