Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The autonomic nervous system is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and other automatic processes in the body. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, making choice A incorrect. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which is not directly responsible for these involuntary functions, making choice C incorrect. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating involuntary functions, making choice D incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The ball-and-socket joint is located between the upper arm (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). This joint provides a wide range of motion, enabling movements like flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. It plays a crucial role in various activities involving the shoulder joint, such as throwing, reaching overhead, and performing rotational movements. Choice B, the collarbone (clavicle) and breastbone (sternum), form the sternoclavicular joint, which is a synovial saddle joint. Choice C, two vertebrae in the spine, typically form gliding or facet joints. Choice D, ribs and sternum, are connected by cartilage, forming cartilaginous joints.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen is a function of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific defense mechanisms against pathogens, including physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammatory responses. Choices A, B, and C are all correct components of the innate immune system. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes act as the first line of defense, preventing pathogens from entering the body. Phagocytes are specialized cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, while the inflammatory response helps isolate and contain infections to prevent their spread.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Replication. Replication is the process of making an identical copy of DNA. During replication, the DNA double helix unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand, resulting in two identical DNA molecules. Transcription (choice A) involves the synthesis of mRNA from a DNA template, not the direct copying of DNA. Translation (choice B) is the process of converting mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein, not copying DNA. Mutation (choice D) refers to changes in the DNA sequence, which can occur during replication but is not the process of copying DNA itself.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Polyethylene. Polyethylene is a polymer composed of a large number of repeating ethylene units linked together, forming a long-chain molecule, characteristic of polymers. Methane, ethanol, and acetic acid are small organic molecules that do not demonstrate the repeating unit structure typical of polymers. Therefore, they are not examples of polymers.