Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair as it provides the necessary building blocks (amino acids) for muscle tissue synthesis and repair. While vitamins and minerals are crucial for overall health, protein has a specific role in muscle development. Carbohydrates supply energy for workouts, and fats are important for general health but are less directly involved in muscle growth and repair compared to protein.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness. Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to respond to insulin. Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive and produces insufficient thyroid hormones. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body has a high level of the hormone cortisol for a long time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ductility is the property of a substance that allows it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking. It is a crucial property for materials used in wire production. Conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to conduct electricity or heat, not to be stretched into wires. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, not its ability to be stretched. Malleability is the property of a substance that allows it to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, not stretched into wires.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Merkel cells are specialized touch receptors located in the epidermis of the skin. Their primary function is to perceive light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sensory perception of touch stimuli. Option A, melanin production, is incorrect because Merkel cells are not involved in producing melanin. Option B, temperature sensation, is incorrect as Merkel cells are not specialized for sensing temperature. Option D, immune defense, is also incorrect as Merkel cells do not have a role in immune defense mechanisms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the strong nuclear force. It is an incredibly powerful force that overcomes the repulsive electrostatic force between protons, binding them together and stabilizing the nucleus. The strong nuclear force is essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of an atom's nucleus. Electromagnetism (Choice A) is responsible for interactions between charged particles but is not the primary force holding the nucleus together. Gravity (Choice B) is a very weak force at the nuclear level and is not responsible for binding protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The weak nuclear force (Choice D) is involved in certain types of radioactive decay processes, but it is not the force responsible for holding the nucleus together.