1. Which of the following is NOT typically found in healthy urine?

A. Urea
B. Glucose
C. Creatinine
D. Electrolytes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucose is NOT typically found in healthy urine because the kidneys filter glucose from the blood, and any excess is excreted in the urine. In healthy individuals, the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption is low, so glucose should not be present in significant amounts in urine. On the other hand, urea, creatinine, and electrolytes are all normal components of urine. Urea is a waste product of protein metabolism, creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism, and electrolytes like sodium and potassium are essential for various bodily functions and are excreted in urine. Therefore, option B is the correct answer as glucose is not typically found in healthy urine.

2. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

3. Which type of muscle tissue has a unique branching network and is found in the heart?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Cardiac muscle
C. Smooth muscle
D. Multifidus muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is the type of muscle tissue that has a unique branching network and is specifically found in the heart. Unlike skeletal muscle, which is attached to bones and allows for voluntary movement, cardiac muscle is involuntary and contracts to pump blood throughout the body. Smooth muscle is found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, while the multifidus muscle is a specific muscle in the back. Therefore, cardiac muscle is the appropriate choice in this scenario.

4. 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.

5. Which sentence uses comma splices incorrectly?

A. The baker kneaded the dough, flour dusted her apron, and the oven warmed up.
B. The mountains, shrouded in mist, seemed to disappear into the clouds.
C. He arrived late, having forgotten his keys, and the meeting had already started.
D. The movie, despite its flaws, was surprisingly enjoyable.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option (c) incorrectly combines two independent clauses with only a comma. A semicolon or conjunction is needed

6. Simple columnar epithelium lining the small intestine is crucial for:

A. Movement
B. Support
C. Absorption
D. Insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absorption. The simple columnar epithelium lining the small intestine is crucial for absorption due to its structure and function. It has microvilli that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. This epithelium also contains specialized cells like goblet cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining and aid in the movement of materials. Movement (choice A) is more related to muscle tissue rather than epithelial tissue. Support (choice B) is usually provided by connective tissue rather than epithelial tissue. Insulation (choice D) is not a function of the simple columnar epithelium in the small intestine.