1. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of healthy semen?

A. Sperm
B. Fructose (sugar)
C. Prostaglandins
D. Urine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urine. Semen is a mixture of fluids from various glands in the male reproductive system. It typically contains sperm, fructose (sugar) to provide energy for the sperm, and prostaglandins to aid in sperm motility. Urine is not a normal component of healthy semen. It is important to note that urine and semen travel through different pathways in the male body, and they should not mix. Therefore, the presence of urine in semen would indicate a potential issue or infection in the urinary system. Understanding the components of healthy semen is crucial for assessing male reproductive health and fertility.

2. Which of the following types of muscle tissue is found attached to bones and allows for voluntary movement?

A. Smooth muscle
B. Cardiac muscle
C. Skeletal muscle
D. Connective tissue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle tissue that is attached to bones and allows for voluntary movement. This type of muscle is under conscious control, meaning we can choose to contract or relax these muscles to produce movement. Smooth muscle (option A) is found in the walls of internal organs and is not under voluntary control. Cardiac muscle (option B) is found in the heart and also functions involuntarily. Connective tissue (option D) primarily provides support and structure to the body but does not directly enable movement like skeletal muscle does.

3. 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.

4. The outermost layer of the skin, providing protection against pathogens and the environment, is the:

A. Dermis
B. Epidermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum (part of the epidermis)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Stratum corneum (part of the epidermis).' The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead skin cells that provide a protective barrier against pathogens and environmental factors. The dermis is located beneath the epidermis and contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. The hypodermis is the deepest layer of the skin, consisting of fat and connective tissue. Understanding the layers of the skin and their functions is essential for comprehending the skin's role in protecting the body.

5. What is the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

A. Homologous chromosomes have the same genes but may have different alleles, while sister chromatids are identical copies of the same chromosome.
B. Homologous chromosomes are only found in diploid cells, while sister chromatids are found in both haploid and diploid cells.
C. Both homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids are genetically identical, but only sister chromatids separate during mitosis.
D. Both homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids can separate during mitosis, but only homologous chromosomes have different alleles.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: - Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same genes in the same order, one from each parent. While they carry the same genes, they may have different alleles (variants of a gene). - Sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, formed during DNA replication. They are held together by a centromere and are produced during the S phase of the cell cycle. - During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through crossing over, leading to genetic variation. Sister chromatids separate during mitosis to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material.