Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that surrounds and insulates some nerve fibers, facilitating the rapid transmission of signals along the nerve fibers. Choices B, C, and D (Dura mater, Pia mater, and Arachnoid mater) are layers of the meninges, protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The primary function of the meninges is to protect and support the central nervous system, not to insulate nerve fibers for signal transmission.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Mutations in genes: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new alleles into a population, leading to genetic variation. B) Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies): Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to genetic variation through chance events. C) Gene flow (movement of genes between populations): Gene flow occurs when individuals move between populations, bringing new alleles with them and increasing genetic variation within populations. D) Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring): Blending inheritance was a historical theory that suggested offspring inherit a blend of traits from their parents, leading to a reduction in genetic variation over time. However, this concept has been disproven by the understanding of Mendelian genetics, where traits are inherited independently and do not blend together. Therefore, blending inheritance does not contribute

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, a key component of connective tissues. Collagen, a crucial protein, provides structure and strength to various body tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis by aiding in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, which is essential for stabilizing the collagen structure. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to impaired collagen production, resulting in conditions like scurvy, characterized by weakened connective tissues. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function but is not directly involved in collagen production. Vitamin D (Choice C) is essential for calcium absorption and bone health but is not primarily responsible for collagen synthesis. Vitamin E (Choice D) acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, but it is not a key player in collagen production.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ketones contain a carbonyl functional group, which consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. This distinguishes ketones from other functional groups such as hydroxyl, ester, and amine. The presence of the carbonyl group, not hydroxyl (choice A), ester (choice C), or amine (choice D), is characteristic of ketones, making choice B, 'Carbonyl', the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor is to absorb excess neutrons to control criticality. When inserted into the reactor core, control rods absorb neutrons, reducing the number available for sustaining the fission chain reaction. This action allows operators to manage the reactor power levels and prevent overheating or runaway reactions. Reflecting neutrons back into the core and moderating neutron velocity are not the primary functions of control rods in a nuclear reactor. Choice A is incorrect because control rods do not reflect neutrons back into the core but absorb them. Choice C is incorrect as the moderation of neutron velocity is typically achieved by other materials like a moderator (e.g., water, graphite) rather than control rods. Choice D is incorrect as control rods do not reflect neutrons or moderate neutron velocity, making it an incorrect option.