Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. Oxygen from the air diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. The trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles are essential parts of the airway system responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs but do not directly participate in the gas exchange process. Therefore, option C, the alveoli, is the correct answer for the structure responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A mutation is defined as a change in the DNA sequence, which can occur due to various factors such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens (e.g., chemicals, radiation), or spontaneous changes. These alterations can lead to modifications in the genetic information carried by an organism, resulting in effects that can range from harmless variations to causing genetic disorders or diseases. Mutations play a crucial role in genetic diversity and evolution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately define what a mutation is. Option B is incorrect because mutations are not a type of protein but rather changes in DNA. Option C is incorrect because while mutations can occur during DNA replication, they are not considered a 'normal' part of the process as they can lead to genetic variations. Option D is incorrect because mutations can have a wide range of effects and are not always harmless variations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: At the peak of the object's motion, its velocity is zero because it momentarily stops before changing direction and starts to fall back down. The acceleration at the peak is maximum upwards as gravity is acting against the object's motion, slowing it down until it stops momentarily. Choice A is correct because at the peak, the object's velocity is zero, and the acceleration is maximum upwards. Choice B is incorrect because the velocity is not maximum but zero at the peak. Choice C is incorrect as both velocity and acceleration are not maximum at the peak. Choice D is incorrect as the acceleration at the peak is upwards, opposing the object's motion, not downwards.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This relationship is mathematically expressed as F = ma, where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration. Therefore, an increase in force will result in a proportional increase in acceleration, supporting the statement that force is directly proportional to acceleration. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests an inverse relationship, which is not consistent with Newton's second law. Choice C is incorrect because force and acceleration are indeed related as per Newton's second law. Choice D is incorrect as force can cause acceleration or deceleration depending on the direction of the force relative to the motion of the object, but it does not exclusively cause deceleration.