1. Which sexually transmitted infection (STI) can potentially cause infertility in both men and women if left untreated?

A. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
B. Chlamydia
C. Gonorrhea
D. Syphilis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can potentially cause infertility in both men and women if left untreated. In men, untreated syphilis can lead to damage to the testicles and epididymis, affecting sperm production. In women, syphilis can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, causing infertility. While other STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also lead to infertility if left untreated, syphilis is particularly known for its severe impact on reproductive health in both genders.

2. What is the main component that gives bones their rigidity and hardness?

A. Collagen
B. Calcium phosphate
C. Cartilage
D. Ligaments

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main component that gives bones their rigidity and hardness is calcium phosphate, which is a mineral compound found in bone tissue. While collagen is a protein that provides flexibility and strength to bones, it is the calcium phosphate that primarily contributes to the hardness and rigidity of bones. Cartilage is a connective tissue that cushions joints and helps with movement, while ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones. Therefore, calcium phosphate is the correct answer as it directly relates to the rigid and hard nature of bones.

3. The fluid-filled, jelly-like substance within the cell that suspends the organelles is called the:

A. Nucleus
B. Cytoplasm
C. Plasma membrane
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is the fluid-filled, jelly-like substance within the cell that suspends the organelles. It is where many cellular processes take place, such as metabolism and protein synthesis. The nucleus (option A) is the organelle that contains the cell's genetic material, the plasma membrane (option C) is the outer boundary of the cell that regulates what enters and exits the cell, and the Golgi apparatus (option D) is involved in processing and packaging proteins. Understanding the functions of each organelle is crucial in recognizing that the cytoplasm is the correct answer in this context.

4. What is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

A. To trap dust particles
B. To increase lung compliance
C. To produce mucus
D. To generate oxygen during respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To increase lung compliance.' Surfactant is a substance produced by the alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension within the alveoli. This helps to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, making it easier for the lungs to expand and contract during breathing. This action increases lung compliance, which is the ease with which the lungs can be inflated. Trapping dust particles (A) is the role of mucus and cilia in the respiratory system. Surfactant does not produce mucus (C) but rather acts to reduce surface tension. Generating oxygen (D) is the function of the respiratory system as a whole through the process of respiration, and surfactant does not play a direct role in this process.

5. A population refers to a group of organisms of the same:

A. Species living in the same area
B. Genus competing for resources
C. Kingdom inhabiting a specific biome
D. Phylum found throughout the world

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In ecology, a population is a specific group of organisms of the same species living in a particular geographic area at a given time. They share a common gene pool and interact with each other and their environment.

6. What is the valve that prevents blood from flowing back from the left ventricle into the left atrium?

A. Tricuspid valve
B. Mitral valve
C. Aortic valve
D. Pulmonic valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitral valve. The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, and the pulmonic valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Therefore, the mitral valve is specifically responsible for preventing backflow in the left side of the heart, making it the correct answer.