What is the molecular geometry of a molecule of sulphur dioxide (SO2)?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is also known as trisomy 21, because affected individuals have three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the normal two.

The extra chromosome 21 in Down syndrome occurs due to a random error in cell division, which leads to the production of an abnormal gamete (egg or sperm) with an extra copy of the chromosome. When this gamete fuses with a normal gamete during fertilization, the resulting zygote has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46, and develops into a fetus with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is characterized by a range of physical and intellectual symptoms, including developmental delays, intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, heart defects, and increased risk of certain medical conditions such as leukemia and Alzheimer's disease. However, the severity and expression of these symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for carrying amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule has a specific anticodon that matches a codon on the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. The tRNA molecule binds to the mRNA codon and brings the corresponding amino acid to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing polypeptide chain.

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.

The chemical formula for water is H2O. It consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test that measures pulmonary ventilation, specifically assessing the volume and flow of air that can be inhaled and exhaled from the lungs. It provides important information about lung function and can help diagnose various respiratory conditions.

The other options do not relate to spirometry:

• A. Urinary capacity of the bladder: This is measured by urodynamics or bladder capacity tests, not spirometry.
• B. Volume of blood in the body: This can be estimated using different methods, such as dilution techniques or imaging, but not spirometry.
• D. Number of turns in the small intestine: This relates to the anatomy and function of the digestive system and is not measured by spirometry.

Thus, spirometry specifically evaluates how well the lungs are functioning in terms of air movement.

Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants. It is a green pigment that is essential for capturing light energy from the sun and converting it into chemical energy that can be used by the plant. Chlorophyll a absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red parts of the spectrum, and reflects green light, giving plants their characteristic green color

Chlorophyll b is another type of chlorophyll that is also involved in photosynthesis, but it is not as abundant as chlorophyll a. Chlorophyll b absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and orange parts of the spectrum and reflects yellow-green light.

Carotenoids are pigments that are present in many plants and are involved in photosynthesis as well as protecting the plant from damage caused by excess light. Carotenoids are responsible for the orange, yellow, and red colors of many fruits and vegetables.

Anthocyanins are pigments that give plants their red, purple, and blue colors. While they are not directly involved in photosynthesis, they play a role in atracting pollinators and protecting the plant from damage caused by UV radiation.

A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added. Buffers work by neutralizing added hydrogen ions (H⁺) or hydroxide ions (OH⁻), thereby maintaining a relatively stable pH. Buffers are made up of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid.

• A. It decreases the pH of the solution: This is incorrect because a buffer does not always decrease pH; it resists changes in both directions.
• C. It causes the pH of a solution to become neutral: Incorrect because buffers do not necessarily make a solution neutral; they stabilize pH around a certain value.
• D. It permanently binds hydrogen ions: Incorrect as the binding is reversible, which is essential for maintaining pH balance.

Renin is an enzyme that is produced by the kidneys and it acts to elevate blood pressure. When blood pressure falls, the kidneys secrete renin into the bloodstream ³.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule has a specific sequence of three nucleotides called an anticodon, which pairs with a complementary codon in the messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence. Each tRNA also carries a specific amino acid that corresponds to the codon it recognizes, allowing the ribosome to link the amino acids together in the correct order to form a protein.

In contrast, messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of the ribosome itself, where it helps to catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is involved in splicing of pre-mRNA molecules during post-transcriptional processing.

Ribosomes are small, spherical structures found in all living cells, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Their primary function is to synthesize proteins using the genetic information stored in the cell's DNA. Ribosomes are composed of two subunits, one large and one small, that come together during protein synthesis.

Ribosomes read the genetic information stored in mRNA (messenger RNA) and use this information to assemble amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. The ribosome moves along the mRNA, adding one amino acid at a time to the growing protein chain until it reaches the end of the mRNA and the protein is complete.

Proteins are essential for a wide variety of cellular functions, including catalyzing chemical reactions, providing structural support, and transporting molecules across cell membranes. Therefore, ribosomes play a critical role in the overall function and survival of a cell.