Which of the following statements best describe the function of a buffer?

Water molecules primarily enter cells through the process of facilitated diffusion, specifically via aquaporins, which are specialized channel proteins that facilitate the rapid transport of water across the cell membrane. This process does not require energy (ATP) as it relies on the concentration gradient of water, allowing water to move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Here’s why the other options are not correct in the context of water transport:

• A. Gated channels: While aquaporins can be gated, this term generally refers to channels that open and close in response to specific signals, which is not the primary mechanism for water transport in most cells.
• B. Electrochemical gradients: This term relates to the combined effect of electrical and chemical gradients across a membrane, typically for ions rather than water molecules directly. Water movement can be influenced by osmotic gradients but is not solely dependent on electrochemical gradients.
• D. Proton pumps: These are involved in transporting protons (H⁺ ions) across membranes, primarily for establishing an electrochemical gradient, not for the transport of water.

Thus, water molecules enter cells mainly by facilitated diffusion through aquaporins.

In the given exothermic reaction:

CaO + H2O ⇌ Ca(OH)2 + heat

To increase the total yield of lime water (Ca(OH)₂), you can apply Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed, the system will shift in a direction that counteracts the disturbance.

• A. Continuously remove Ca(OH)₂: By removing the product (Ca(OH)₂) as it forms, the equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the formation of more Ca(OH)₂. This is the most effective way to increase the yield.

The other options are less effective or counterproductive:

• B. Increase the temperature: Since the reaction is exothermic, increasing the temperature would shift the equilibrium to the left (toward the reactants), reducing the yield of Ca(OH)₂.
• C. Increase the pressure: This reaction does not involve gases, so changing the pressure would not significantly affect the equilibrium.
• D. Add an enzyme that can catalyze this reaction: While a catalyst speeds up the rate of reaction, it does not affect the equilibrium position or the total yield of products. It simply allows the system to reach equilibrium faster.

Thus, continuously removing Ca(OH)₂ is the best way to increase the total yield of lime water.

Carbohydrates are one of the main types of biomolecules and are composed of monomers called monosaccharides. Monosaccharides are simple sugars that cannot be further broken down into simpler sugars. They are usually composed of 3 to 7 carbon atoms and have a general formula of (CH2O)n, where n is a number between 3 and 7. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

When two monosaccharides are joined together by a glycosidic bond, they form a disaccharide. Disaccharides are composed of two simple sugars and can be broken down into their constituent monosaccharides by hydrolysis. Examples of disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Option a) is incorrect because it describes the composition of a disaccharide, not a monosaccharide. Option

c) is incorrect because both monosaccharides and disaccharides can be found in both plants and animals.

Option d) is incorrect because both monosaccharides and disaccharides can be used for energy storage and

structural purposes, depending on their specific structure and function in the organism.

The unit used to indicate length is the meter (m). It is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI).

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against pathogens and is present at birth. It provides immediate, non-specific protection against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Innate immunity involves physical barriers, such as skin and mucous membranes, as well as cellular and molecular components, such as phagocytes and cytokines.

Adaptive immunity, on the other hand, is developed over time and provides specific protection against particular pathogens. It involves the recognition of antigens, which are specific components of pathogens, by immune cells called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes then produce antibodies that are specific to the antigens, allowing for a targeted response to the pathogen. This process takes time to develop, as the immune system needs to encounter the pathogen and mount a response.

Overall, innate immunity provides immediate, non-specific protection while adaptive immunity provides specific protection that is tailored to the particular pathogen. Both forms of immunity work together to protect the body against pathogens.

Electrons are subatomic particles that possess a very small mass compared to protons and neutrons. The mass of an electron is approximately 11836of the mass of a proton or neutron, making it negligible when calculating the atomic mass of an atom.

In atomic mass calculations, protons and neutrons are considered because they make up the bulk of the atom's mass:

• Proton: Positively charged, and each proton has a mass of about 1 atomic mass unit (amu).
• Neutron: Neutral charge, with a mass also close to 1 amu.
• Electron: Negligible mass, contributing very little to the atomic mass, which is why the atomic mass number is typically determined by the number of protons and neutrons.

Quarks are the fundamental constituents of protons and neutrons but are not typically referred to in terms of atomic mass.

The scientific purpose of retracing the steps of a fatal expedition, such as the 1924 climb of Mount Everest, would primarily be to assess the factors that contributed to the earlier expedition's failure. By analyzing the conditions, decisions made, and circumstances surrounding the previous climb, the mountaineer can gain insights into potential dangers, challenges, and mistakes that were encountered, which can inform current climbing practices and safety measures.

Here's why the other options are less appropriate as primary scientific purposes:

• B. To measure the oxygen levels at high elevation: While measuring oxygen levels can be a scientific goal, it is not the main focus if the intent is to understand the failure of the previous expedition specifically.
• C. To identify routes that can be explored in future climbs: This could be a minor aspect of the climb, but the emphasis is on understanding the past tragedy rather than route exploration.
• D. To show that modern technology makes climbing safer: Although modern technology may improve safety, the primary purpose of the climb, given the context, would be to learn from historical events rather than to prove a point about technology.

Thus, the scientific purpose of such a climb would be to assess why the earlier expedition failed.

The renal vein is responsible for draining oxygen-depleted blood from the kidneys and carrying it back to the heart through the inferior vena cava.

The other options refer to different structures:

• B. Renal Artery: Brings oxygenated blood to the kidneys, not draining it.
• C. Urethra: Transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, not involved in blood flow.
• D. Ureter: Carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder, also not related to blood drainage.

Chemical properties are characteristics of a substance that describe its ability to undergo a chemical change or reaction with another substance.

Reactivity with acid is a chemical property because it describes how a substance will react with an acid to produce a new substance. Density, melting point, and boiling point are physical properties that describe how a substance behaves under certain conditions but do not involve a chemical change or reaction.

The epididymis is a coiled tube located at the back of each testicle where the sperm mature and are stored until ejaculation. Sperm are produced in the testes and then transported to the epididymis where they undergo maturation and become motile. The epididymis provides a protective environment for the sperm, allowing them to mature and become more resilient to external stressors. During ejaculation, the sperm are transported from the epididymis to the vas deferens and then to the urethra for ejaculation.