1. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting which neurotransmitter?

A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. Glutamate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dopamine. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals in the brain that control movement and coordination. A decrease in dopamine levels leads to the typical motor symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Acetylcholine (option B) is involved in muscle movement but is not primarily affected in Parkinson's disease. Serotonin (option C) and glutamate (option D) are neurotransmitters that play different roles in the brain and are not primarily associated with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, the correct neurotransmitter affected in Parkinson's disease is dopamine.

2. After exposure to a pathogen, the immune system develops memory. What type of immune cell is responsible for this immunological memory?

A. B cells
B. T cells (specifically memory T cells)
C. Phagocytes
D. Natural killer cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "B cells." B cells are responsible for generating immunological memory after exposure to a pathogen. When B cells encounter a pathogen, they differentiate into memory B cells, which can quickly recognize and respond to the pathogen upon subsequent exposure. These memory B cells are crucial for mounting a faster and more effective immune response, leading to a quicker clearance of the pathogen. T cells, phagocytes, and natural killer cells play important roles in the immune response, but specifically, memory B cells are responsible for immunological memory.

3. Biodiversity is important for healthy ecosystems because it:

A. Increases competition for resources
B. Provides stability and resilience to disturbances
C. Slows down nutrient cycling
D. Reduces the number of decomposers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable.

4. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of an antibiotic refers to:

A. The lowest concentration that kills bacteria
B. The dose required for 50% bacterial inhibition
C. The time it takes for an antibiotic to work
D. The spectrum of bacteria the antibiotic targets

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) The lowest concentration that kills bacteria is known as the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), not the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MIC is the lowest concentration of an antibiotic that inhibits visible growth of bacteria. B) The MIC of an antibiotic is the concentration at which bacterial growth is inhibited by 50%. This concentration is used to determine the effectiveness of an antibiotic against a specific bacterium. C) The time it takes for an antibiotic to work is not described by the MIC. MIC is a measure of concentration, not time. D) The spectrum of bacteria the antibiotic targets is not defined by the MIC. The MIC value is specific to a particular antibiotic and bacterium, regardless of the spectrum of activity of the antibiotic.

5. During vigorous exercise, the respiratory rate increases to:

A. Meet the increased demand for oxygen in working muscles
B. Eliminate excess carbon dioxide more slowly
C. Conserve energy for physical activity
D. Decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During vigorous exercise, the respiratory rate increases to meet the increased demand for oxygen in working muscles. When we exercise vigorously, our muscles require more oxygen to produce energy through aerobic metabolism. Increasing the respiratory rate allows more oxygen to be taken in and transported to the muscles via the bloodstream to support this increased demand. Option A is correct because it accurately reflects the physiological response of the respiratory system to vigorous exercise, ensuring that working muscles receive sufficient oxygen for optimal performance.

6. Which structure helps regulate body temperature by constricting or dilating in response to temperature changes?

A. Sebaceous glands
B. Hair follicles
C. Sweat glands
D. Langerhans cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sweat glands. Sweat glands play a crucial role in regulating body temperature by producing sweat that evaporates from the skin surface, cooling the body when it's hot. Sweat glands can constrict to reduce sweating in cooler temperatures and dilate to increase sweating when the body needs to cool down. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing oil to lubricate the skin and hair follicles help in hair growth. Langerhans cells are immune cells in the skin. Therefore, sweat glands are the structure specifically involved in regulating body temperature through constriction and dilation in response to temperature changes.