Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Plasma membrane. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and acts as an interface between the living interior of the cell and the nonliving exterior. It plays a vital role in maintaining the cell's integrity, regulating the passage of substances in and out of the cell, and facilitating communication with other cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the term 'plasma membrane' specifically refers to the binding membrane of an animal cell, distinguishing it from other types of membranes or coatings found in cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Epithelial tissue is primarily found lining the surfaces of organs, such as the skin and the linings of various internal organs like the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and blood vessels. It serves as a protective barrier and helps with absorption and secretion. Heart muscle is made up of cardiac muscle tissue, tendons are primarily composed of dense connective tissue, and the spinal cord is composed of nervous tissue, none of which are classified as epithelial tissue.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The statement "B. Animal cells use chloroplasts to gain energy" is false. Chloroplasts are only present in plant cells and certain algae, where they are responsible for photosynthesis to generate energy from sunlight. Animal cells rely on other organelles, such as mitochondria, for energy production. Choice A is true because animal cells use lysosomes to break down old cells and cellular waste. Choice C is true as plant cells have a cell wall composed of cellulose that provides structural support and protection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: DNA is stored in the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, including the DNA, which contains the instructions for building and operating the cell. The nucleus controls the activities of the cell and is essential for proper cell function and reproduction. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not DNA storage. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, storage, and transport but does not store DNA. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP, but they do not store DNA.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a hard-boiled egg is placed in a beaker of saltwater, the egg will shrivel because water will leave the egg through osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, in this case, from the egg into the saltwater. The higher concentration of solute in the saltwater causes water to move out of the egg, leading to the egg shrinking or shriveling. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the egg will not expand, remain the same, or have an outcome different from shriveling when placed in a beaker of saltwater.