Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water. This process leads to the formation of urine, aiding in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. The primary function of nephrons is not to store urine but to filter blood and eliminate waste products. Choice C, 'Produce hormones,' is incorrect as nephrons primarily focus on filtration rather than hormone production. Choice D, 'Control blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure, it is not the primary function of nephrons within the kidneys.

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: When a rubber band is stretched, it stores potential energy due to its position or configuration. This potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy when the rubber band is released and returns to its original shape. Therefore, the correct answer is potential energy, as the energy is stored in the stretched rubber band and can be released upon returning to its original state. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because kinetic energy is associated with motion, thermal energy is related to heat, and mechanical energy is a broader category that includes both potential and kinetic energy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pressure does not typically affect the solubility of a solid solute in a liquid solvent. Solubility is primarily influenced by factors such as temperature, particle size, and the nature of the solute and solvent. Increasing pressure generally has a minimal effect on the solubility of solids in liquids. The impact of pressure on solubility is more significant for gases in liquids rather than solids in liquids. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Options A, C, and D directly impact the solubility of a solid solute in a liquid solvent. Temperature affects the solubility as it changes the kinetic energy of particles, particle size can impact the surface area available for interaction between solute and solvent, and the nature of the solute and solvent influences their intermolecular interactions and compatibility.