Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

Correct Answer: B

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Signal transduction is the correct answer. It is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli like chemicals, temperature, or touch. When a cell receives a signal from its environment, it triggers a series of molecular events leading to a specific cellular response. This process involves transmitting signals from the cell surface to the interior, triggering various cellular activities. Homeostasis, on the other hand, refers to an organism's ability to maintain internal stability in response to external changes. Adaptation involves an organism adjusting to its environment over time through genetic changes or behavioral modifications, which is distinct from the process of cells responding to immediate external stimuli. Metabolism, although essential for cellular functions, is not specifically about cells responding to external stimuli but rather the biochemical processes involved in energy production, storage, and utilization within cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Molarity is the correct term for the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. It is expressed as moles of solute divided by liters of solution. Molality (B) is similar but is moles of solute per kilogram of solvent. Normality (C) is the number of equivalents of solute per liter of solution, and Concentration (D) is a general term for the amount of solute present in a given quantity of solution. Therefore, the correct answer is A, molarity, as it specifically refers to moles of solute per liter of solution.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Linnaean system of classification, developed by Carl Linnaeus, is based on a hierarchical ranking system where organisms are grouped into categories based on shared characteristics. This system organizes organisms into a hierarchy of increasingly specific categories, from broad to narrow, such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. The emphasis on a hierarchical ranking system allows for systematic organization and classification of a wide variety of organisms based on their similarities and differences, making it easier to study and understand the diversity of life forms. Choice A is incorrect because the Linnaean system is not primarily focused on evolutionary relationships but rather on shared characteristics for classification. Choice B is incorrect because dichotomous keys are tools used for identifying organisms, not the fundamental basis of the Linnaean system. Choice C is incorrect as the Linnaean system categorizes organisms based on shared characteristics, not shared functions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes are crucial components of the innate immune system's first line of defense. These barriers act as physical obstacles that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Antibodies (option A) are produced by the adaptive immune system in response to specific pathogens and do not serve as physical barriers. Phagocytes (option B) are cells that engulf and digest pathogens, playing a role in the innate immune response but not as physical barriers. Memory B cells (option D) are part of the adaptive immune system and aid in mounting a faster and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to a specific pathogen, but they are not physical barriers against initial pathogen entry.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A) Introns do not code for protein sequences. Exons are the segments of DNA that code for proteins. B) While introns can indirectly influence gene regulation, their primary function is not directly involved in gene regulation. C) Introns are non-coding regions of DNA that are transcribed into pre-mRNA but are removed during mRNA processing through a process called splicing. This allows only the exons to be included in the mature mRNA that will be translated into proteins. D) While introns were once thought to be non-functional remnants of ancient DNA, research has shown that they can have regulatory functions and play a role in gene expression.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when a blockage forms in a coronary artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to blockages but is not the name for this specific condition. Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, which is a precursor to a heart attack but not the name for this condition. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often due to turbulent blood flow, and is not related to a blockage in a coronary artery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cherenkov radiation is produced when charged particles travel through a medium at speeds greater than the speed of light in that medium. It is not specific to a particular type of particle emission but rather to the speed of the charged particles. This phenomenon results in the emission of a characteristic blue light, which is a visual indicator of charged particles exceeding the speed of light in that medium. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Cherenkov radiation is not limited to a specific type of particle emission but is based on the speed of the charged particles relative to the speed of light in the medium.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. While isotopes share the same number of protons, which determines the element, they differ in the number of neutrons. This variance in neutron count results in isotopes having different atomic masses. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of protons (same element) but differ in the number of neutrons. Choice C is incorrect as it describes atoms of different elements, not isotopes of the same element. Choice D is also incorrect because isotopes can have different numbers of electrons, but what defines isotopes is the variation in neutron numbers.