Which of the following is NOT a component of the body's innate immune response?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen is a function of the adaptive immune response, not the innate immune response. Innate immunity involves nonspecific defense mechanisms like physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammation, which provide immediate protection against pathogens without prior exposure. Antibody production is a characteristic of adaptive immunity, where the body generates specific antibodies in response to encountering a pathogen for the first time. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with the immediate and nonspecific nature of the innate immune response.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To calculate the molar mass of Ca(NO3)2, we add up the individual atomic masses of its elements: Ca (40.08) + 2N (2 * 14.01) + 6O (6 * 16.00) = 40.08 + 28.02 + 96.00 = 164.1 g/mol. Therefore, the correct answer is 164.1 g/mol (Choice C). Choice A (74.1 g/mol) is incorrect as it does not account for the correct sum of atomic masses. Choice B (132.1 g/mol) is the correct molar mass calculation for Ca(NO3)2. Choice D (78.1 g/mol) is incorrect and does not reflect the accurate molar mass of the compound.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The stratified squamous epithelium found in the skin is adapted for protection. This type of epithelium forms a tough, protective barrier against physical, chemical, and biological damage. Its multiple layers of cells help prevent the entry of pathogens and reduce water loss from the body, making it essential for shielding the underlying tissues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because stratified squamous epithelium is not specialized for absorption, secretion, or gas exchange. Instead, its primary function is to protect the underlying tissues and organs from external damage and dehydration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Microvilli are the finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase its surface area for absorption. Villi are also present in the small intestine and help increase the surface area for absorption. However, microvilli are smaller structures found on the surface of villi, further increasing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Rugae are folds in the stomach that allow for expansion when food is consumed and are not found in the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Microvilli. Villi and microvilli are specific to the small intestine, playing vital roles in nutrient absorption, while rugae are specific to the stomach's structure and function, serving a different purpose than increasing surface area for absorption.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mercury is the correct element used in fluorescent lamps to emit ultraviolet light when excited. When an electric current passes through the mercury vapor inside the lamp, it generates ultraviolet (UV) light. This UV light then excites the phosphors coated on the inner surface of the lamp, causing them to emit visible light. Neon, argon, and krypton are not commonly used in fluorescent lamps for this purpose. Neon is primarily used in neon signs, argon is used in incandescent and fluorescent bulbs for inertia gas, and krypton is mainly used in certain types of specialized light bulbs for its specific properties.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration. It is considered stored energy that can be converted into other forms of energy to do work. When an object is lifted against gravity or compressed, it gains potential energy. Kinetic energy, the incorrect choice A, is the energy of motion possessed by an object. Thermal energy, the incorrect choice B, is related to the temperature of an object due to the motion of its particles. Electrical energy, the incorrect choice D, is related to the flow of electric charge in a circuit or system. Therefore, the correct answer is potential energy as it is associated with an object's position or configuration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The term 'dilution' in a solution refers to adding more solvent to decrease the concentration of the solution. Dilution involves reducing the concentration of the solute in the solution by increasing the amount of solvent. Choice B is incorrect because adding more solute would increase the concentration, not decrease it. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they relate to factors affecting solubility, not dilution specifically. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately defines the process of dilution in a solution.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A) Animalia consists of multicellular organisms that lack cell walls and are heterotrophic. Therefore, it does not primarily consist of photosynthetic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose. B) Fungi are multicellular organisms with cell walls made of chitin and are heterotrophic, so they do not fit the description. C) Plantae primarily consists of multicellular, photosynthetic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose. This accurately describes plants. D) Protista is a diverse kingdom that includes unicellular and multicellular organisms with varying characteristics, but it does not primarily consist of multicellular, photosynthetic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose.