Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To release carbon dioxide.' Decomposition in the carbon cycle involves breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances. During this process, carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide is essential for recycling carbon and making it available for use by living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition does not produce light energy, convert carbon to fuel, or store food for consumers; its primary role is to recycle carbon through the release of carbon dioxide.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the male offspring will inherit the Y chromosome from the father and the X chromosome from the carrier mother. As a result, they will not have the hemophilia gene. The female offspring will inherit one X chromosome from the mother, which does not carry the hemophilia gene, and one X chromosome from the father, which does not exist due to the Y chromosome. Therefore, all female offspring will not carry or manifest hemophilia, resulting in a ratio of 2 females to 1 male. Choice A is incorrect because it does not account for the female offspring. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct ratio based on the inheritance pattern of hemophilia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To release carbon dioxide.' Decomposition in the carbon cycle involves breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances. During this process, carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide is essential for recycling carbon and making it available for use by living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition does not produce light energy, convert carbon to fuel, or store food for consumers; its primary role is to recycle carbon through the release of carbon dioxide.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Enzymes do not change the overall outcome of the reaction, but they significantly increase the rate at which it takes place. Therefore, choice B, 'An enzyme speeds up the chemical reaction,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down, have no effect, or stop chemical reactions; instead, they accelerate the process by lowering the activation energy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In this case, when bacteria are placed in a strong solution of salt water, the high concentration of solutes outside the bacteria causes water to move out of the bacteria, leading to shrinkage. This process is known as osmosis. Dehydration synthesis (Choice A) is a process where molecules combine by removing water. Hydrolysis (Choice B) is the breakdown of molecules by the addition of water. Isotonic transport (Choice D) does not accurately describe the specific movement of water in or out of bacterial cells in a hypertonic solution.