Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: This mechanism is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback systems work to counteract changes in the body and maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis). In this case, the release of insulin in response to high glucose levels is followed by a reduction in insulin release when glucose levels drop. This response helps regulate glucose levels and return them to a normal range, demonstrating the characteristic of negative feedback where the body's response opposes the initial stimulus to maintain equilibrium. Positive feedback would amplify the initial change rather than counteract it, so it is not the correct choice. Stress response and parasympathetic regulation are not directly involved in this glucose regulation process, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During a vasectomy, the vas deferens is surgically altered or cut to prevent the transport of sperm from the testicles to the urethra. This procedure is a form of permanent male sterilization. The glans penis, prostate, and urethra are not surgically altered during a vasectomy. Therefore, the correct answer is the vas deferens (Choice A), as it is the structure specifically targeted and modified in this procedure. The glans penis (Choice B) is the sensitive tip of the penis, the prostate (Choice C) is a gland vital for semen production but not involved in a vasectomy, and the urethra (Choice D) is the tube that carries urine and semen but is not surgically altered in a vasectomy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane is: 3C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O. This equation shows that for every 3 molecules of propane (C3H8) consumed, 3 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced. Therefore, when properly balanced, 3CO2 are produced for each molecule of propane used. Thus, the correct answer is B: Two. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct stoichiometry as determined by the balanced equation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternate pathway for the reaction to occur, lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. As a result, more reactant molecules can overcome this energy barrier and participate in the reaction, leading to a faster overall reaction rate. This explanation contradicts choices B, C, and D as a catalyst does not slow down, reverse, or prevent a reaction; instead, it accelerates the reaction by facilitating a more efficient route for the reaction to take place. Therefore, the correct answer is that a catalyst speeds up the reaction.