Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbon dioxide is the correct answer. It is used in fire extinguishers because it displaces oxygen, which is necessary for combustion. When carbon dioxide is released onto a fire, it reduces the oxygen concentration around the flames, effectively smothering the fire. This disruption of oxygen availability interrupts the chemical reaction that sustains the fire. Nitrogen (Choice A), helium (Choice C), and argon (Choice D) are not typically used in fire extinguishers for smothering flames by displacing oxygen. Nitrogen is an inert gas that can displace oxygen but is not as effective as carbon dioxide in fire suppression.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Autosomal dominant inheritance results in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation. This inheritance pattern occurs when a single copy of the dominant allele is enough to express the dominant phenotype. A) Incomplete dominance: In incomplete dominance, the heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the two homozygous phenotypes, and it does not lead to a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation. B) Codominance: In codominance, both alleles are fully expressed in the heterozygous phenotype, but this pattern also does not result in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation. C) Sex-linked inheritance: Sex-linked inheritance involves genes located on the sex chromosomes and does not typically lead to a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes in the F2 generation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach, for proper absorption in the small intestine. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption in the ileum. Deficiency in intrinsic factor can lead to pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 absorption. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Vitamin A is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of bile salts; Vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine via active transport; Vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine through a process involving bile salts and micelles. It is essential for students to understand this relationship as it highlights the importance of intrinsic factor in the absorption of specific vitamins and the consequences of its deficiency.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Focal length. Focal length is the distance between the center of a lens or curved mirror and its focal point. It determines how strongly the lens converges or diverges light, affecting the image formation. Aperture, choice A, refers to the opening through which light enters the lens, controlling the amount of light passing through. Refractive index, choice C, measures how much light bends when passing through a medium, affecting the speed of light. Lens thickness, choice D, is the physical dimension of the lens, influencing optical properties and compatibility with frames.