The pancreas releases a number of digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Which of the following enzymes is NOT produced by the pancreas?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, and it is produced by the small intestine, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes like trypsin for protein digestion, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and lipase for fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because trypsin, amylase, and lipase are indeed enzymes produced by the pancreas for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: - The majority of the body's immune cells are located in the blood. Immune cells, such as white blood cells (leukocytes), circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream to detect and fight off infections and foreign invaders. - While immune cells are also present in other parts of the body like the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, the blood serves as a primary conduit for immune cells to travel to different tissues and organs to carry out their functions. - The brain (option B) is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which limits the entry of immune cells into the brain to prevent inflammation and damage. - The skin (option C) contains immune cells like Langerhans cells that help protect against pathogens, but the largest concentration of immune cells is found in the blood. - The large intestine (option D) also houses a significant amount of immune cells due to its role in interacting with the external environment through the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, but the primary location for most of the body's immune cells is the blood.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Sinoatrial (SA) node is responsible for generating the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat. It is often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker because it initiates the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's contractions. The other options listed (Aorta, Pulmonary veins, Coronary arteries) do not play a direct role in generating the electrical impulses for the heartbeat. The Aorta is a large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, the Pulmonary veins carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart, and the Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself, but none of them are involved in generating the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity. This expansion of the chest cavity causes the lungs to expand as well, allowing air to be drawn into the lungs during inhalation. Therefore, the correct answer is that the lungs expand to allow air intake when the diaphragm contracts. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because when the diaphragm contracts, it does not expel air from the lungs, cause the vocal cords to vibrate, or narrow the trachea to control airflow.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The hydroxyl functional group (OH) is commonly found in alcohols, giving them their characteristic properties. Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom. The other choices, carbonyl, amine, and ester, are associated with different functional groups commonly found in other types of organic compounds. Carbonyl groups consist of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Amines contain a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms. Esters consist of a carbonyl group bonded to an alkoxyl group. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Hydroxyl (B),' as it specifically relates to the functional group present in alcohols, distinguishing it from the other options.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The pH of a solution can be calculated using the formula: pH = -log[H+]. Given that the hydrogen ion concentration is \(1 \times 10^{-9}\) M, the pH can be calculated as pH = -log(1 x 10^-9) = 9. Therefore, the correct answer is C) 9.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Acetic acid (CH3COOH) because it is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H+ ions compared to strong acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3) which completely dissociate in water. Weak acids do not fully ionize in water, leading to a lower concentration of H+ ions in solution. Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid are strong acids that completely dissociate in water, producing a higher concentration of H+ ions. Therefore, they are not examples of weak acids.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased heart rate and body temperature. A malfunctioning thyroid gland that produces abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones leads to hypothyroidism, resulting in decreased metabolic activity. This reduction in metabolic rate can cause a decreased heart rate and lower body temperature. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hypothyroidism typically manifests as symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and decreased body temperature, rather than increased energy levels, enhanced muscle growth, faster metabolism, or heightened alertness.