Water is capable of dissolving many substances that organisms need to carry out life functions. Which of the properties of water listed below is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The property of water that is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds is its high polarity. Water is a polar molecule with a positive and negative end, which allows it to attract and surround individual ions from salt compounds, causing them to dissociate and dissolve in water. This property makes water an excellent solvent for various substances necessary for life functions. Adhesion refers to the ability of water molecules to stick to other substances, cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves, and high specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of water. While these properties are important characteristics of water, they are not directly responsible for its ability to dissolve ionic salt compounds.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The liver does not produce insulin; instead, insulin is produced by the pancreas. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose but does not directly produce insulin. Choices A, B, and C are functions of the liver. Nutrient processing, blood filtration, detoxification, cholesterol, and lipoprotein production are essential roles performed by the liver to maintain overall metabolic balance and health.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The given chemical equation represents a combustion reaction. Combustion reactions involve the burning of a hydrocarbon (C₆H₁₄) in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H₂O). Combustion reactions typically release heat and light energy. In this case, the reactants are a hydrocarbon and oxygen, resulting in the formation of carbon monoxide and water. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the reaction does not involve substitution, acid-base reactions, or enzyme catalysis. Combustion reactions are characterized by the rapid combination of a substance with oxygen, leading to the production of heat and light energy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugars. It is produced in the pancreas and salivary glands. The salivary glands release amylase into the mouth during chewing, where it initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates. The pancreas also secretes amylase into the small intestine to further assist in carbohydrate digestion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the gall bladder does not produce amylase, and the liver's primary function is not the production of amylase for carbohydrate breakdown.