Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Diffraction is the phenomenon that explains the bending of light as it passes around an obstacle or through an aperture. When light encounters an obstacle or passes through an aperture, it diffracts, causing it to bend around the edges. Refraction, on the other hand, occurs when light passes from one medium to another, causing it to change direction. Reflection involves the bouncing back of light rays from a surface, and dispersion is the separation of light into its different colors. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as diffraction specifically addresses the bending of light as it interacts with obstacles or apertures, unlike the other choices that describe different optical phenomena.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and damage. This is different from immunodeficiency, where the immune system is weakened and unable to effectively protect the body against infections. Allergies involve an exaggerated immune response to harmless substances, while cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Therefore, the correct answer is autoimmune disease (Choice B) as it specifically describes the scenario of an overactive immune system attacking healthy tissues, distinguishing it from the other conditions listed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A) Crypts of Lieberk¼hn are small pits in the lining of the small intestine that contain cells involved in the production of intestinal juices, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. B) Goblet cells are specialized cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive tract, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. C) Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that help absorb nutrients from digested food. D) Paneth cells are specialized cells found in the small intestine that secrete antimicrobial substances, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In most ecosystems, the primary source of energy is sunlight. This energy is captured by plants and other photosynthetic organisms through the process of photosynthesis. These organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of organic molecules, such as glucose. This stored chemical energy is then passed on to other organisms in the ecosystem through the food chain, making sunlight the fundamental source of energy for most ecosystems. Thermal energy from the Earth's core (option B) is not a primary source of energy for ecosystems, as it is not readily accessible to most organisms. Kinetic energy from wind and water (option D) can play a role in some ecosystems, but it is not the primary source of energy. Chemical energy stored in bonds (option A) is a form of energy that is ultimately derived from the sun through photosynthesis, making it a product of the primary energy source rather than the primary source itself.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It plays a vital role in immune function by regulating the immune system and enhancing the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages. Deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases, highlighting its importance in maintaining a healthy immune response. Vitamin A (Choice A) is essential for vision and skin health but is not primarily known for its role in immune function. Vitamin B12 (Choice B) is important for red blood cell formation and neurological function, not specifically immune function. Vitamin E (Choice D) acts as an antioxidant and is beneficial for skin health and cell function, but it is not primarily associated with immune system support.