Which of the following is NOT a major function of the respiratory system in humans?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Option C, 'It helps cushion the heart against jarring motions,' is NOT a major function of the respiratory system in humans. The primary functions of the respiratory system include gas exchange, regulation of blood pH, and vocalization. The respiratory system does not play a role in cushioning the heart; that function is primarily carried out by the pericardium and other protective structures around the heart. Choices A, B, and D are major functions of the respiratory system in humans. Choice A refers to the respiratory system's role in gas exchange, Choice B highlights its involvement in regulating blood pH, and Choice D points out its responsibility for vocalization.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: To balance the combustion equation CxHy + O2 → xCO2 + y/2 H2O, we need to balance the carbon and hydrogen atoms. The balanced equation for the given combustion is: 2C H4 + 9O2 → 2CO2 + 4H2O. This means that the correct coefficients are 2:9:10:4, which corresponds to choice C. Choice A (1:5:5:2) does not balance the equation correctly, choice B (4:10:20:8) has excessive oxygen and does not balance the equation, and choice D (2:5:10:4) does not provide the correct ratio of oxygen to balance the equation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are special proteins that act as catalysts in biological systems. They accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes play a critical role in the regulation of metabolic pathways and are essential for various biological processes. While some enzymes may require cofactors for activity, the enzymes themselves are the catalysts in biological systems. Therefore, choice B, special proteins called enzymes, is the most suitable answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes, not lipids, are the primary catalysts in biological systems.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Salts like sodium iodide (NaI) and potassium chloride (KCl) use ionic bonds. Ionic bonds are formed between atoms with significantly different electronegativities, leading to the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. In the case of NaI and KCl, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are metals that easily lose electrons to become positively charged ions, while iodide (I) and chloride (Cl) are nonmetals that readily accept electrons to become negatively charged ions. The attraction between the oppositely charged ions forms the ionic bond, which holds the compound together in a lattice structure. Disulfide bridges (option B) are covalent bonds formed between sulfur atoms in proteins, not in salts. Covalent bonds (option C) involve the sharing of electrons between atoms and are typically seen in molecules, not ionic compounds like salts. London dispersion forces (option D) are weak intermolecular forces that occur between all types of molecules but are not the primary type of bond in salts like NaI and KCl.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Indefinite shape and definite volume.' A gas does not have a definite shape as it takes the shape of its container, conforming to its surroundings. However, a gas does have a definite volume because it fills the entire volume of the container it occupies. This characteristic allows gases to expand to fill the available space provided by the container, while their volume remains constant within that container. Choice A is incorrect because gases do not have an indefinite volume but rather a definite volume. Choice C is incorrect as gases do not have a definite shape but take the shape of their container. Choice D is incorrect as gases do not have a definite shape and their volume is definite, not indefinite.