How are the motor pathways of the ANS arranged?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The motor pathways of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are organized with two neurons: a pre-ganglionic neuron that transmits the signal from the central nervous system (CNS) to a ganglion, and a post-ganglionic neuron that conveys the signal from the ganglion to the target organ. This dual-neuron pathway enables the integration and modulation of signals before reaching the target organ, allowing for a more sophisticated and adaptable control system. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a single neuron pathway, which is not characteristic of ANS motor pathways. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests multiple neurons from the CNS to the target organ, which is not the typical arrangement. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a single neuron pathway from the CNS to peripheral ganglia, which does not account for the ganglionic transmission in ANS motor pathways.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein. Hemoglobin is a protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Proteins are macromolecules made up of amino acids and play a vital role in various biological functions, including the transportation of molecules like oxygen. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids are different types of macromolecules that have distinct structures and functions. Carbohydrates are mainly involved in energy storage and structural support, lipids are essential for energy storage and cell membrane structure, and nucleic acids are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: mRNA (messenger RNA) is directly transcribed from DNA in the nucleus during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation in the cytoplasm. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Thus, mRNA represents the first step in protein synthesis as it carries the code from the DNA to be translated into a protein. Choice A, siRNA (small interfering RNA), is involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing and does not play a role in protein synthesis. Choice B, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of the ribosome and plays a structural and functional role in protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA. Choice D, tRNA (transfer RNA), is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lateral. Lateral refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body. In the example provided, the little toe is indeed lateral to the big toe on the same foot. This is in contrast to 'medial,' which means closer to the midline. 'Proximal' refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body, while 'distal' refers to a position farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelinating neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Schwann cells, found in the peripheral nervous system, are responsible for myelinating neurons there. Astrocytes support and maintain the neuronal environment, while microglia function as immune cells in the CNS, participating in immune responses and cellular debris clearance. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for myelination of CNS neurons.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Eosinophils are best described as a type of granulocyte found under mucous membranes that defends against multicellular parasites. They release toxic substances to combat parasitic infections and play a significant role in allergic reactions and asthma. Histamine secretion to stimulate inflammation is more characteristic of basophils, while high phagocytic activity and aggressiveness are features of neutrophils, not eosinophils. Describing eosinophils as the most abundant type of white blood cell that secretes toxic substances to pathogens is inaccurate since eosinophils specifically target multicellular parasites, not a broad range of pathogens.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diastolic pressure. The bottom number in a blood pressure reading represents the diastolic pressure, which indicates the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. This value is important in understanding the overall health of the cardiovascular system. Choice B, Systolic pressure, is the top number in a blood pressure reading and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting. Choice C, Pulse rate, refers to the number of times the heart beats in a minute. Choice D, Mean arterial pressure, is a calculated value using both systolic and diastolic pressures to provide an average pressure in the arteries during a cardiac cycle, but it is not the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nuclei are structures that are unique to eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus, and their genetic material floats freely in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells have nuclei that house the genetic material in the form of chromosomes, separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane. This distinct organelle is a key feature that sets eukaryotic cells apart from prokaryotic cells. Cell walls (Choice A) are found in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotes but are not unique to eukaryotic cells. Cell membranes (Choice C) are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, serving as a barrier that encloses the cell contents. Vacuoles (Choice D) are membrane-bound organelles found in both plant and animal cells, making them not unique to eukaryotic cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Translation is the correct process where ribosomes decode mRNA to synthesize proteins, following the sequence of codons in the mRNA. During translation, ribosomes use the transcribed RNA (mRNA) as a template to assemble amino acids into a protein according to the genetic code carried by the mRNA. Choice B, Transcription, is incorrect as it is the process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template. Choice C, Replication, is also incorrect as it involves the duplication of DNA to produce an identical copy. Choice D, Duplication, is not a biological term related to protein synthesis, making it an incorrect choice.