1. What is the outermost protective layer of the kidney?

A. Renal cortex
B. Renal medulla
C. Renal capsule
D. Renal pelvis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, renal capsule. The renal capsule is a tough fibrous layer that surrounds the kidney and provides protection. It helps maintain the shape of the kidney and serves as a barrier against infections and injuries. The renal cortex (A) is the outer region of the kidney where filtration occurs. The renal medulla (B) is the inner region of the kidney where urine is formed and collected. The renal pelvis (D) is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the kidney and funnels it into the ureter. Therefore, the renal capsule is specifically the outermost protective layer of the kidney.

2. Which of the following numbers is a perfect square?

A. 10
B. 12
C. 15
D. 16

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A perfect square is a number obtained by squaring an integer. 16 is the result of squaring 4 (4 x 4 = 16). The other answer choices are not the product of squaring any whole number.

3. What is the meaning of the phrase "to be on the same page"?

A. To be physically close
B. To agree or understand each other
C. To be sharing the same goal
D. To be facing the same direction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase means to be in agreement or share the same understanding.

4. A car is moving in a circle at constant speed. Which of the following is NOT true about its motion?

A. It has a constant centripetal acceleration
B. It has a constant tangential velocity
C. It experiences a force directed towards the center of the circle
D. It covers the same distance in equal time intervals along its circular path

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In circular motion at a constant speed, the car has a constant centripetal acceleration (choice A), experiences a force directed towards the center of the circle (choice C), and covers the same distance in equal time intervals along its circular path (choice D). However, the tangential velocity of an object in circular motion at a constant speed changes continuously as it moves around the circle, so it is not constant (choice B).

5. How many amino acids can make up a protein?

A. 10-20
B. 50-100
C. 100-500
D. 1000+

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids. There are 20 standard amino acids that are commonly found in proteins. The sequence and arrangement of these amino acids determine the structure and function of a protein. While proteins can vary in size and complexity, the number of amino acids typically ranges from around 10 to 20 in smaller proteins to hundreds or even thousands in larger proteins. Therefore, the range of 10-20 amino acids is the most accurate representation of the number of amino acids that can make up a protein.

6. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
B. Exposure to environmental toxins
C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Autoimmune diseases are triggered by a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, where the immune system fails to recognize 'self' from 'non-self' cells, leading to attacks on healthy tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact immune function, the root cause of autoimmune diseases is primarily attributed to the breakdown in self-tolerance mechanisms. This breakdown can be influenced by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and other triggers, leading to the development of autoimmune conditions.