What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A neuron is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that provide support and nourishment to neurons but do not participate in signal transmission. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that facilitate signal transmission between neurons, and synapses are the specific junctions where these signals are transmitted. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Neuron' as it is the primary cell involved in transmitting information in the nervous system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Regular physical activity is not a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis; in fact, it is associated with a reduced risk. High blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol, and smoking are all known risk factors for atherosclerosis. Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, and maintaining overall well-being. Therefore, the correct answer is regular physical activity (choice C).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A molecular clock is a method used to estimate the time of divergence between species by measuring the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. This method relies on the assumption that mutations occur at a relatively constant rate over time. If the rate of mutation were not constant, it would be challenging to accurately estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the fundamental principle underlying the molecular clock hypothesis. Option B is incorrect because the assumption that species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently does not directly relate to the concept of molecular clocks and the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. Option C is incorrect because mutations are not always beneficial and do not always contribute to increased fitness. Mutations can be neutral or deleterious as well, and their accumulation is what is used to estimate evolutionary di

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an example of a salt. Salts are ionic compounds formed by the reaction of an acid with a base. In this case, sodium chloride is formed by the reaction of sodium hydroxide (a base) with hydrochloric acid (an acid). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and sulfuric acid (Hâ‚‚SOâ‚„) are not salts because they are not formed by the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base, which is a characteristic of salts.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. Oxygen from the air diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles are essential parts of the airway system responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs but do not directly participate in the gas exchange process. Therefore, option C, the alveoli, is the correct answer for the structure responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2n+1OH, which can be simplified to CnH2nO. In this formula, 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms, '2n' represents the number of hydrogen atoms, and 'O' represents the oxygen atom present in the hydroxyl group of the alcohol. Therefore, the correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO. Choice A, CₙH₂ₙ, does not account for the oxygen atom, which is essential in alcohols. Choice B, CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, does not include the oxygen atom or the necessary hydrogen atoms for the hydroxyl group. Choice C, CₙH₂ₙ₋₁, lacks the oxygen atom and also does not fulfill the requirements of the hydroxyl group. Thus, the most accurate representation of the general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The Doppler effect is the perceived change in frequency of a wave due to relative motion between the source of the wave and the observer. This phenomenon is commonly observed with sound waves, where the pitch of a sound appears higher as the source moves towards the observer and lower as the source moves away. Option A is incorrect as the Doppler effect primarily applies to sound waves, not light waves. Option B is incorrect because the Doppler effect is not about the change in wave speed due to medium density but rather a change in perceived frequency. Option D is incorrect as it describes wave bending due to different mediums, which is not the primary concept behind the Doppler effect. Therefore, option C accurately describes the Doppler effect and its application to the shift in frequency of sound waves perceived by an observer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that plays a crucial role in the digestive system. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder into the small intestine to help with the digestion and absorption of fats. The gallbladder acts as a reservoir for bile, allowing it to be released in a controlled manner when needed to aid in the digestion of fatty foods. Option A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the main function of the gallbladder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the gallbladder does not produce digestive enzymes, absorb nutrients, or neutralize stomach acid. These functions are carried out by other organs in the digestive system, such as the pancreas, small intestine, and stomach, respectively.