What is the main function of vacuoles in plant cells?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Vacuoles in plant cells primarily function as storage organelles. They store water, enzymes, pigments, and waste products, helping to maintain turgor pressure within the cell. This turgor pressure provides structural support for the plant cell. While vacuoles can also participate in transporting substances within the cell, their main role is storage. The synthesis of proteins and lipids is mainly handled by other organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Choice A is incorrect because while vacuoles indirectly contribute to structural support by maintaining turgor pressure, their primary function is storage. Choice B is incorrect as vacuoles are not primarily responsible for transporting substances in and out of the cell. Choice C is incorrect as vacuoles do not synthesize proteins and lipids; this function is carried out by other organelles.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: - Water (option A) is a polar solvent due to its uneven distribution of charge, with the oxygen atom being partially negative and the hydrogen atoms being partially positive. - Ethanol (option B) is a nonpolar solvent because it has a symmetrical molecular structure that does not result in significant charge separation. - Acetone (option C) is a polar solvent as it contains a carbonyl group that results in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. - Hydrochloric acid (option D) is a polar solvent due to the presence of the highly electronegative chlorine atom, which results in a partial negative charge.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cell division is the correct answer. It is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, enabling growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms. This process ensures that genetic material is accurately passed on to the new cells. Cell differentiation refers to the specialization of cells to perform specific functions, while cell growth is the increase in size or mass of a cell. Cell regeneration involves replacing damaged or lost cells with new ones, where cell division plays a role but is not the primary process of generating new cells. Therefore, in the context of cells producing new cells, cell division is the accurate term.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between reactants. In option B, Zn loses electrons to form Zn2+ while H+ gains electrons to form H2. This exchange of electrons demonstrates a redox reaction, making choice B the correct answer. In options A, C, and D, there is no clear transfer of electrons between the reactants, indicating that they are not redox reactions. Option A represents a synthesis reaction, option C represents a decomposition reaction, and option D represents a combustion reaction. These types of reactions do not involve the transfer of electrons between reactants, unlike a redox reaction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane is: CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O. This equation shows that 1 mole of methane produces 2 moles of water. Therefore, when 0.5 moles of methane react, they will produce 1 mole of water. The ratio of water to methane is 2:1, meaning that for every mole of methane that reacts, it produces 2 moles of water. Since only 0.5 moles of methane are reacting, the amount of water produced will be half of what would be produced if 1 mole of methane reacted, resulting in 1 mole of water being produced. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the stoichiometry of the reaction. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not align with the balanced chemical equation and the stoichiometric ratios involved in the reaction.