Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Influenza. Influenza is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus. Asthma and cystic fibrosis are not caused by viruses. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition related to inflammation and airway constriction, while cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and other organs. Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by bacteria, particularly Haemophilus influenzae type B, rather than a virus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Myosin is the protein complex responsible for the thick filament in the sarcomere. It interacts with actin, another protein in the sarcomere, to generate the sliding movement that results in muscle contraction. Actin is a thin filament protein that interacts with myosin to create the sliding filament mechanism. Tropomyosin and troponin are regulatory proteins that regulate muscle contraction by controlling the interaction between actin and myosin, rather than directly being responsible for the thick filament.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cerebrospinal fluid is the protective fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a cushion to protect these vital organs from injury and provides nutrients and removes waste products. Blood, myelin sheath, and insulin do not serve as the protective fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Blood carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, myelin sheath is a protective covering of nerve fibers, and insulin is a hormone involved in regulating blood sugar levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Penicillins are a group of antibiotics that target the bacterial cell wall by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a vital component of the cell wall. This inhibition weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. Penicillins are particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria due to their mechanism of action. Tetracyclines (B) inhibit protein synthesis, Macrolides (C) interfere with bacterial ribosomes, and Fluoroquinolones (D) target bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Unlike Penicillins, these antibiotics do not directly target the cell wall of bacteria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcribes DNA into mRNA: This is the function of RNA polymerase, not transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not transcription. B) Decodes the genetic code on mRNA: This is the function of tRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids and recognize the codons on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. C) Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes: This is the primary role of tRNA in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule is specific for a particular amino acid and carries it to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing protein chain. D) Modifies the structure of proteins: This is not a function of tRNA. Protein modification can occur after translation is complete and involves other cellular processes and molecules.