AAMC Bundle Practice Exam 1 - Questions I missed/to review

CARS P6 - Professors are "ignorant of the values of connectedness to place", which gives "preference to the voice of the abstract at the voice of the particular." Academia should take measure to acquire professors who seek to teach not just abstract ideas, but the duality and tension between both the concrete and the particular. Based on information in the passage, which of the following would be the most likely reason behind the author's suggested academic reforms? (A) To pay more careful attention to the relationship between humans and the world outside the classroom (B) To encourage students to attend colleges and universities in their home states (C) To replace a cosmopolitan university education with one that emphasizes the local (D) To give a voice to the particular at the expense of the voice of the abstract

(A) This is a Comprehension question, because it asks you to recognize the author's purpose in the passage. The answer is A, because the author says that to do anything less (than the suggested academic reforms) is to do a disservice to the future of human culture "in an age when humanity's relationship to nature is so in need of careful, farsighted attention" (paragraph 6). Other parts of this paragraph, as well as the preceding one, emphasize the need for attention to the world outside the classroom. The author mentions, for example, "watersheds, growing seasons" and the importance of "transforming the world immediately outside the classroom into a laboratory." WIMI: I picked (C) because I thought it had the most relevance to the passage, but I should have read more carefully to realize that both (C) and (D) call for getting rid of cosmopolitan education / abstract completely, which is too much of an absolute of what the author argues, which is for dual citizenship, not replacement. I should pay more attention to the entire answer choice and also refer back to the passage as much as I can when answering the questions.

CARS P3 - The French Revolution was feared by the lowest and highest classes (peasants, the royal family, respectively) in Portugal who wished to conserve the older social, religious, and political order, although a minority were in support of the new liberal ideals. Amidst the clash of political ideals, Portugal sided with Britain, which prompted Napoleon, who wished to blockade Britain, to pay "unfavorable" attention to Portugal. The authors imply that the Portuguese ambassador applauded the French National Assembly because of genuine sympathy for their ideals. Alternatively, the ambassador's action could be explained as indicating that: (A) living in France, he was in fear of the new revolutionary French government. (B) his life outside of Portugal had broadened his political sympathies. (C) he was at odds with the medieval policies of Queen Maria. (D) he had no strong political commitments one way or the other.

(A) This is a Reasoning Beyond the Text question as it asks you to identify the novel situation most consistent with passage information. This is the most plausible: pretending support for those with power over you can offer protection from them. Option A is correct. Incorrect: (B) Since this is noted in paragraph 4, it cannot be an alternative explanation, which is what the question requires. (C) Although being at odds with the medieval policies of Queen Maria might imply having genuine sympathy for the ideals of the French National Assembly (an opposition between the two is implied in the passage), "imply" doesn't mean "explain"—and the question asks what can explain the ambassador's action. (D) If he had no strong political commitments one way or the other, one would think he would be neutral, abstaining from applause one way or the other (unless he feared a power). WIMI: Lost a lot of time and chose to just guess and move on (randomly picked (C)). If I paid more attention to passage during the first read-through, I would have known exactly what this question was referring to and would have been able to answer the question. (Practice reading without getting distracted and getting all the main points the first time around).

Based on the information in the passage, a mature AT1 mRNA is most likely to contain a sequence coding for which genetic factor(s)? (A) Signal sequence (B) Introns (C) Promoter (D) Nuclear localization signal

(A) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cellular and multicellular organisms." The answer to this question is A. The passage indicates that AT1 is a transmembrane protein. Transmembrane proteins enter the endomembrane system by docking at the rough ER. This is facilitated by using a signal sequence. Mature mRNAs are not likely to contain introns (B) or promoter sequences (C). A nuclear localization signal permits proteins to enter the nucleus. This is not likely for a transmembrane protein (D). This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to predict which genetic factor is coded for by a sequence within AT1 mRNA based on the information provided in the passage.

Based on the passage, which of the following is LEAST likely to be a symptom of diabetes mellitus? (A) Loss of appetite (B) Sweet-tasting urine (C) Unexplained weight loss (D) Feelings of fatigue

(A) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Principles of bioenergetics and fuel molecule metabolism." The answer to this question is A, because based on the passage, the symptoms of diabetes mellitus are frequent urination and catabolism of fatty acid as well as proteins as alternative energy sources. In diabetic patients, high blood glucose results in excretion of excess sugar into the urine, hence sweet-tasting urine. Similarly, the catabolism of fatty acids and proteins results in weight loss and feelings of fatigue respectively. This leaves loss of appetite as the only correct answer. This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to evaluate the information from the passage and identify possible symptoms of diabetes mellitus. WIMI: Missed the bit about how "the catabolism of fatty acids and proteins results in weight loss and feelings of fatigue respectively" (C).

Epilepsy may result in motor seizures due to massive synchronous firing of neurons in a small area of the cerebral cortex (the epileptic focus). Excitation spreads from the focus, involving an increasingly larger area of the cortex. A drug for the treatment of epilepsy would be most effective if it caused which of the following changes in the epileptic focus? (A) An increase in the neuron-firing threshold (B) An increase in extracellular Na+ concentration (C) A decrease in axon-membrane permeability to negative ions (D) A decrease in the length of the depolarization stage

(A) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systems." A drug that would best treat epilepsy, as described, should reduce the activity of the neurons in the epileptic focus, which are excitatory neurons based on their effect throughout the cortex. The answer to this question is A because increasing the threshold required to generate an action potential would decrease the chance that individual neurons would fire, thus reducing the overall amount of excitation that spreads from the epileptic focus throughout the cortex. This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to reason between different options for the treatment of a biological condition.

The initial filtration step in the glomerulus of the mammalian kidney occurs primarily by: (A) passive flow due to a pressure difference. (B) passive flow resulting from a countercurrent exchange system. (C) active transport of water, followed by movement of electrolytes along a resulting concentration gradient. (D) active transport of electrolytes, followed by passive flow of water along the resulting osmolarity gradient.

(A) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and integrative functions of the main organ system." The answer to this question is A because the initial filtration in the glomerulus occurs as blood pressure forces the fluid from the glomerulus into the lumen of Bowman's capsule. This is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles because it requires knowing the structure and function of the mammalian excretory system.

A man with a CRC mutation that results in the synthesis of HSP110ΔE9 and a woman that does not carry this mutation in any of her tissues have a child. What is the percent chance that the child will inherit the CRC mutation? (A) 0% (B) 25% (C) 50% (D) 100%

(A) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and the processes that increase genetic diversity." The answer to this question is A. According to the passage, HSP110ΔE9 transcripts are not present in noncancerous tissue of people with MSI CRC. This means that the deletion mutation in the HSP110 T17 microsatellite is a somatic, not germ line, mutation. Therefore, the mutation will not be inherited, and the percent chance that the child of a person with this mutation will inherit it is 0%. This is Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because it asks you to predict the heritability of the mutation described in the passage. WICHMI: Was under the wrong impression that the mutation was recessive, and therefore (A) would be correct due to Mendelian genetics. However, this was not the correct reasoning because the mutation occurs in somatic, not germline cells, and therefore, is not to be inherited, so the reasoning behind the correct answer being (A) has nothing to do with the recessive/dominant; the mutation cannot be inherited to begin with.

Which mechanism best describes how P-gp facilitates drug resistance? (A) P-gp binds to antitumor drugs in the presence of ATP and degrades the drugs. (B) P-gp serves as a pump and uses active transport to move antitumor drugs outside the cell. (C) P-gp prevents the entry of anti-tumor drugs into the cell. (D) P-gp causes increased membrane permeability, which causes antitumor drugs to exit the cell.

(B) This is a Biochemistry question that falls under the content category "Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cellular and multicellular organisms." The answer is B because P-gp is an ABC transporter protein, which uses ATP to actively transport antitumor drugs out of the cell. This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you must apply knowledge of a transport protein to a situation of drug resistance. ABC transporter: ATP-powered translocation of many substrates across membranes

Compared to micellular Compound 1, Compound 2 is structurally more rigid as a result of what type of interaction? (A) Intermolecular hydrogen bonding (B) Intermolecular covalent bonding (C) Intramolecular hydrogen bonding (D) Intramolecular covalent bonding

(B) This is a Biochemistry question that falls under the content category "Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically-relevant molecules." The answer to this question is B. It can be reasoned that the interaction described is intermolecular in nature, since multiple molecules of micellular Compound 1 come together to form Compound 2, which is a solid. Multiple pieces of information point to the fact that the interaction is disulfide bond formation, including the fact that an oxidant causes the formation of Compound 2, which can be reversed by the addition of a reducing agent. It is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to bring together theory and observations to draw a conclusion. WIMI: Was incorrectly thinking that covalent bonds are intramolecular, and that only hydrogen bonds are intermolecular (picked A). I missed the references that Compound 2 can be oxidized to form disulfide bonds, which clearly indicates that intermolecular covalent bonds are formed, not hydrogen bonds. (Read carefully the details associated with the question and refer back to the passage).

Normally, a hypothalamic factor stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. In a patient with Addison's disease, the secretion of the hypothalamic factor will: (A) be lower than normal. (B) be higher than normal. (C) be unchanged. (D) increase before disease onset and decrease thereafter.

(B) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systems." The answer to this question is B because ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids. According to the passage, Addison's disease occurs when cells of the adrenal cortex are destroyed, rendering them unable to secrete glucocorticoids. As part of a hormone cascade pathway, ACTH secretion is expected to be higher than normal in a patient with Addison's disease to attempt to stimulate the adrenal cortex. This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to determine how a disease affects a hormone cascade pathway. WIMI: forgot the feedback pathway from the hypothalamus to the adrenal cortex.

Despite the effects of diabetes, the brains of diabetic patients still receive adequate nourishment. This is most likely because the brain uses: (A) less glucose than do other body tissues. (B) insulin-independent transporters for the uptake of glucose. (C) fatty acids for energy instead of glucose. (D) insulin-dependent transporters for the uptake of glucose.

(B) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the organ systems." The answer to this question is B because glucose is the main fuel for brain cells, and since the brains of diabetic patients receive an adequate amount of glucose, the brain must use an insulin-independent mechanism for glucose uptake This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to evaluate proposed options to correctly answer this question. WIMI: If brains still receive adequate nourishment, they probably still are using glucose through insulin-independent transporters. Just because a person has diabetes, that does not mean they can not metabolize any glucose. They will not resort entirely to using ketone bodies (C), if they have an abundant supply of glucose that can still be taken up by the brain independently of insulin.

The half-life of urea is the time it takes for its concentration to fall by one-half. The graph illustrates the clearance of urea from an initial plasma concentration of 200 ng/mL. If it takes five half-lives for urea to be considered eliminated from the body, and 1 half-life is 30 min, how long did it take to eliminate the urea? (A) 1.5 h (B) 2.5 h (C) 3.5 h (D) 4.0 h

(B) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and integrative functions of the main organ system." From the graph, it takes 0.5 h for the plasma concentration of urea to fall by one-half (100 ng/mL to 50 ng/mL). If it took five half-lives for urea to be considered eliminated from the body, 0.5 h should be multiplied by five. Therefore, the answer to this question is B; it took 2.5 h to eliminate urea from the body. This is a Data-based and Statistical Reasoning question as it requires the interpretation of data presented in the graph.

Based on Figure 1 and the passage, which of the following cells are most important in the exchange of O2 between the blood and the surrounding tissues? (A) Pericytes (B) Endothelial cells (C) Smooth-muscle cells (D) Fibroblasts

(B) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and integrative functions of the main organ system." The question asks the examinee to use the information in the passage and in Figure 1 to determine what cells are most important in the exchange of oxygen between the blood and the surrounding tissues. An examination of Figure 1 shows that endothelial cells separate the blood from the surrounding tissue. Thus, B is the best answer. This is a Data-based and Statistical Reasoning question because it requires you to examine the structure shown in Figure 1.

Upon activation, p65 and cRel control the level of IL-6 mRNA by: (A) binding RNA. (B) binding DNA. (C) replicating RNA. (D) replicating DNA.

(B) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein." The answer is B because both p65 and cRel function as transcription factors, which bind DNA and subsequently recruit RNA polymerase. This is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles question because you must understand the role of transcription factors in genetics. Transcription factors: bind to specific DNA sequences to be transcribed into RNA.

According to the passage, what is most likely correct about the genes that are expressed as a result of the constant activation of the NF-κB pathway? (A) They cause disruption of the mitochondria. (B) They contain a p65/cRel binding site in their promoter region. (C) They have accumulated mutations that alter function. (D) They bind to STN in the cytoplasm.

(B) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein." The answer is B because the constantly active signaling pathway will result in the overexpression of genes that are under control of the p65/cRel transcription factors. Mitochondrial disruption would occur if the apoptotic machinery was stimulated, but these genes are antiapoptotic. Mutations occur to the NF-kB pathway, which cause the constant activation. The gene products of this signaling pathway do not necessarily have mutations, as their overexpression is sufficient for pathogenesis. Binding to STN is not discussed. This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you must understand the causes of a biological event and reason about the other factors involved.

The information in the passage best supports the conclusion that Intron 8 of HSP110 most likely contains which of the following? (A) Stop codon (B) Splice acceptor site (C) HSP110 gene promoter (D) Partial coding sequence of HSP110

(B) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein." The answer to this question is B. Deletions in the T17 microsatellite located in Intron 8 of HSP110 cause Exon 9 to be omitted from the final mRNA sequence during pre-mRNA processing. This would occur during alternative splicing, which strongly suggests that the microsatellite contains sequences that influence splicing. This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you need to evaluate which genetic feature correctly relates to the information presented on Intron 8 in the passage.

The graph below shows the relationship between the predominant form of iron as a function of solution pH and applied potential. Based on the graph, which of the following statements is true? (A) At a potential of -0.4 V, as pH increases, Fe2+ is reduced and precipitates as Fe(OH)3. (B) At a potential of -0.44 V, the equilibrium between Fe and Fe2+ is independent of solution pH below pH 6. (C) At pH = 1, as the potential is changed from -0.2 to +0.8, Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+. (D) At pH = 8 and V = -0.1 V, Fe(OH)2 is the predominant form of iron.

(B) This is a General Chemistry question that falls under the content category "Atoms, nuclear decay, electronic structure, and atomic chemical behavior." The answer to this question is B. The Pourbaix diagram for iron is given, but only one statement correctly conveys information presented by the diagram. At an applied potential of −0.44V and pH below 6, there is an equilibrium between Fe(s) and Fe2+(aq), as shown by the line of demarcation. The fact that this line moves horizontally with increasing pH up until pH = 6 means that this equilibrium is unaffected by changing the pH. It is a Data-based and Statistical Reasoning question because you are asked to analyze and interpret data presented in a figure to draw a conclusion. WIMI: Did not review the answer choices thoroughly --> picked (D) because I didn't realize the subscript was 2 and not 3. (Practice reading questions thoroughly and choosing the most accurate answer choice; don't overlook any part of the answer choice; all of it must be correct to be the right answer).

When a strip of Zn is placed in a beaker containing 0.1 M HCl, H2(g) evolves. If a strip of Al is placed in a beaker containing 0.1 M HCl, does H2(g) evolve? (A) Yes; Al is reduced and H+(aq) is oxidized. (B) Yes; Al is oxidized and H+(aq) is reduced. (C) No; Al is reduced and Cl-(aq) is oxidized (D) No; Al is oxidized and H2O(l) is produced.

(B) This is a General Chemistry question that falls under the content category "Electrochemistry and electrical circuits and their elements." The answer to this question is B. Since a new solid forms when Al(s) is mixed with Zn2+(aq), it is reasonable to assume that Al(s) is more susceptible to oxidation than Zn(s). It is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to bring together theory and observations to draw a conclusion. WICHMI: Kinda just guessed on this question... actually had to do with the table, and the fact that Al strip reacting with Zn2+ produces a solid, indicating that Al reduced Zn to form the new solid, which means Al is more susceptible to oxidation than Zn. Hence, the reduction of H+ and oxidation of Al in a beaker is very likely. While I did guess correctly here, I should make sure to refer to the passage when I know the answer isn't clear, just to make sure.

CARS P8 - Although the idea of commissioning architectural paint research might seem daunting, architectural paint research has immense potential of providing a robust amount of information. What does the passage suggest about the use of blue paint for a house in the sixteenth century? (A) It would have been impossible. (B) It may have been a statement of wealth. (C) The paint would have faded quickly. (D) The original paint may have been titanium-white.

(B) This is a Humanities passage that falls under the content category of Art History. This is a Reasoning Beyond the Text question, as it asks you to use passage information to answer a question about a scenario that is not discussed in the passage. The answer is B, because the passage refers to a development in the seventeenth century, when a particular kind of blue pigment was developed "as a cheaper and more workable alternative to the expensive pigments azurite and smalt" (paragraph 2). Thus, you can infer that, in the sixteenth century, it was still expensive to produce blue paint; in these circumstances, using blue paint might well have been a sign of wealth. WIMI: Ended up treating this passage as a Killer; it was the last one I did and I was very short on time; did not understand the passage although it was fairly simple. If I paid more attention to passage during my first read-through, I would have known exactly what this question was referring to and would have been able to answer the question. (Practice reading without getting distracted and getting all the main points the first time around; practice better allocating time to each question so I have time read each passage thoroughly and not miss out on easy points like this one due to lack of time).

During the production of insulin, the translated polypeptide is cleaved into the mature form and secreted from the cell. The cleavage most likely takes place in which of the following locations? (A) Nucleus (B) Ribosomes (C) Endomembrane system (D) Cytoplasm

(C) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cellular and multicellular organisms." The answer to this question is C because secreted proteins such as insulin are cleaved into mature form within endomembrane system. This is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles question because it relates to assumed knowledge regarding the role of endomembrane system in processing of secreted proteins.

The production of a variety of opsins functions to: (A) increase sensitivity to low light. (B) enable the detection of different colors. (C) ensure fast recovery of 11-cis-retinal after exposure. (D) increase refractive index of the eye lens.

(B) This is an Organic Chemistry question that falls under the content category "How light and sound interact with matter." The answer to this question is B. The wavelength of light absorbed by a molecule depends on its structure, and so the production of a variety of structurally related opsins functions to enable the detection of different colors. It is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to reason using scientific principles. WIMI: Thought that "variety of opsins" was somehow just limited to rhodopsin, and picked (A), thinking that rods cannot detect different colors. Now I realize that just having a variety of opsins does not mean increasing sensitivity to light; the various opsins have structural differences that allow them to absorb different wavelengths of light, in order to detect and differentiate between different colors.

If a solution containing the compounds shown in Figure 4, is injected into a gas-liquid chromatograph, the first peak observed in the gc trace is attributable to which compound? (A) 2-Methyl-2-butanol (B) 2-Methyl-2-butene (C) 2-Chloro-2-methylbutane (D) 2-Bromo-2-methylbutane

(B) This is an Organic Chemistry question that falls under the content category "Separation and purification methods." The answer to this question is B because 2-methyl-2-butene will exhibit the lowest molecular weight and also the weakest intermolecular forces of attraction. This substance will therefore migrate the fastest and be the first peak in the gas chromatograph (gc) trace. It is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to bring together theory and observations to draw a conclusion. WIMI: Picked (D) because I thought it would experience the fewest Van der Waals attractions because bromine is less electronegative than O or Cl, and the carbon is sp3, not flat, making it have less surface area for intermolecular attractions. Incorrect because I overlooked the dipole-dipole attractions of 2-bromo-2-methylbutane, which cause it to have a higher boiling point than 2-methyl-2-butene, which, despite having more surface area, only has London dispersion forces, which are the weakest IMFs.

CARS P6 - Professors are "ignorant of the values of connectedness to place", which gives "preference to the voice of the abstract at the voice of the particular." Academia should take measure to acquire professors who seek to teach not just abstract ideas, but the duality and tension between both the concrete and the particular. The passage discussion of local content (paragraph 5) assumes which of the following? (A) Students lack the ability to criticize "concrete realizations about observable communities." (B) Materials that deal with social sciences should not be a part of a rooted education. (C) There is an "artificial boundary between the roles of student and citizen." (D) Professors have traveled to distant communities more often than have the students they teach.

(C) The answer is C. In paragraph 5, the author advocates a locally-based curriculum that is meant to allow students to do more than study "abstract theories [and] . . . airy generalizations. The author writes that this "rooted education . . . will tend to erase the artificial boundary between the roles of student and citizen." Because the author seeks to erase this boundary, the author must believe that such a boundary has been erected and enforced to begin with. This is a Comprehension question, because it asks you to understand a passage claim and how it functions as part of the author's argument. WIMI: I missed the (paragraph 5) bracket in the question, and did not refer back to paragraph 5 to see the very obvious assumption made about "artificial boundary." I should read the question and answer choices carefully and actively refer back to the text before choosing an answer.

Considering the structure of STN, what is the most likely mechanism for its entry into the cell? (A) Active transport (B) Receptor mediated endocytosis (C) Diffusion directly through the membrane (D) Passage through an ion channel

(C) This is a Biochemistry question that falls under the content category "Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cellular and multicellular organisms." The answer is C because the structure of STN shows sufficient planarity and hydrophobicity to pass through the membrane by simple diffusion. It is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you must predict an outcome based on scientific knowledge and observational reasoning. WIMI: Thought that the polar groups present in the molecule would make the overall molecule polar and unable to pass through the membrane. But since most of the structure is made up of hydrophobic aromatic rings, the molecule as a whole is fairly nonpolar and can diffuse directly into the membrane.

The source of the phosphate groups that are added to rhodopsin is: (A) arrestin. (B) rhodopsin kinase. (C) ATP. (D) all-trans-retinol.

(C) This is a Biochemistry question that falls under the content category "Principles of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics." The answer is C because the requirement of ATP for kinase activity implies the phosphate groups come from ATP. All the other responses do not have phosphate to transfer. It is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles question because you are asked to recall and apply the concept of phosphate group transfer to a particular enzyme substrate relationship. WIMI: Misinterpreted the question to mean what phosphorylates rhodopsin (and thus picked (B)). The key point of the question is "the source"; rhodopsin kinase is not the source of phosphates itself; it uses a source of ATP to transfer the phosphoryl group to rhodopsin; therefore ATP is the source of the phosphate groups, not the kinase. Remember to read the question CAREFULLY.

The statement that the ornithine decarboxylase assay is highly specific means that it: (A) requires radioactive ornithine of high specific activity. (B) generates diaminobutane of high specific activity. (C) can distinguish ornithine decarboxylase activity from the many other enzymatic reactions in a cell. (D) can measure the small amount of ornithine present in a cell.

(C) This is a Biochemistry question that falls under the content category "Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acids." The answer to this question is C because enzymes such as ornithine decarboxylase are highly specific both in the reactions that they catalyze and in their choice of substrates and therefore catalyze only a single chemical reaction or occasionally a set of closely related reactions. This is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles question as it relates to assumed knowledge regarding enzyme specificity. WIMI: Was too focused on the assay part; did not really recognize the overarching idea of enzyme specificity.

Which nucleotide pairing(s) would be recognized by the MMR system during DNA replication? I. dTMP and dCMP II. dGMP and dAMP III. dAMP and dTMP (A) I only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) I, II, and III

(C) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein." The answer to this question is C. The MMR system recognizes and repairs nucleotide mismatches during DNA replication. The nucleotide pairs dTMP and dCMP (I) and dGMP and dAMP (II) are mismatches. dAMP and dTMP (III) is a correct pairing. This is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles because it requires assumed knowledge of nucleotide pairing during DNA replication. WICHMI: Need to pay close attention to the system - it would not recognize correct pairings because those do not need repair; the system only recognizes incorrect pairings. Easy to get wrong if I did not pay attention to what was being asked and just picked correct pairings.

CARS P9 - Voodoo involves possession, is considered a "central and inalienable "marker" of any voodoo event... common to all types of voodoo". Yet, "structural aspects and staging of local performances serve to clarify important differences between the more ritual-based versus theatrical forms." The author argues that the theatrical form is also a form of cultural preservation. "It is voodoo and not voodoo." The author uses the term "culture as commodity" to characterize which aspect of Haitian voodoo? I. The charging of admission at voodoo sessions II. The molding of voodoo to fit audience expectations III. The sale of voodoo trinkets and other artifacts (A) I only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) II and III only

(C) This is a Comprehension question, as it tests your understanding of (the meaning of) a passage phrase, as that phrase is used in the context of the passage. The answer is C, because both options I and II are correct, while option III is not. The author explains that the "outsider" to Haiti expects voodoo to be "almost synonymous" with the country itself. According to the author, this powerful "identification" of Haiti with voodoo leads to "culture as commodity"—or the outsiders essentially being able to get what they want from voodoo. In paragraph 3, the author describes a form of voodoo that is staged for outsiders and which the audience pays admission to watch; this supports option I. Also, in paragraph 3, the author contends that the form of voodoo witnessed at Mariani "confirms the popular expectation of 'scary voodoo'"; this supports option II. WIMI: Short on time, did not fully understand the passage. Looking back, however, this was actually a pretty easy question and if I had spent a little more time cross-checking the answer choices with what was actually stated in the passage (and recognized that nothing about trinkets was mentioned, but admission charging and audience satisfaction were mentioned), I would have easily answered this question correctly. (Always make sure to refer back to the passage when answering the questions).

CARS P7 - Actors' labor is both the producer of the commodity as well as the embodiment of it. Hence the 1919 actors' labor strike was unique from the strikes of other industrial workers because actors were able to exploit their unique status as the commodity itself, not just the labor. In the passage, the author explains that his focus is different from that of most historians because he: (A) concentrates on the early twentieth-century theater. (B) accepts that actors are "weavers of dreams." (C) deals with the economic realities of the theater. (D) emphasizes the unequal relationship between businesspeople and their employees.

(C) This is a Comprehension question, because it tests your understanding of a central passage theme. The answer is C because the author writes in the first paragraph that "Most often, historians have allowed the dreams that actors weave to take precedence over the process of weaving." He then goes on to distinguish his own perspective from that of "most" historians, writing, "However, actors' dealings with their employers, like those of many other laborers, were fraught with tension." The rest of the paragraph talks about the economic circumstances confronted by actors and puts that in the context of the economic conditions in the culture industry more broadly. The author's concern with the "economic realities" of actors' lives is part of what makes his work different from that of other historians, according to the passage. WIMI: I chose C because that was mentioned in the first paragraph after the author talks about what historians "most often" focus on. Looking back, however, that statement does not differentiate the author's focus from that of the historians. (C) is a better answer, based on the passage focus as a whole.

Assume that a circuit similar to that in Figure 2 is set up in which X = Al, Xn+ = Al3+, Y = Cu, andYm+ = Cu2+. Which of the following reactions will occur? (A) 2Al3+(aq) + 3Cu(s) → 2Al(s) + 3Cu2+(aq) (B) 3Al3+(aq) + 2Cu(s) → 3Al(s) + 2Cu2+(aq) (C) 2Al(s) + 3Cu2+(aq) → 2Al3+(aq) + 3Cu(s) (D) 3Al(s) + 2Cu2+(aq) → 3Al3+(aq) + 2Cu(s)

(C) This is a General Chemistry question that falls under the content category "Atoms, nuclear decay, electronic structure, and atomic chemical behavior." The answer to this question is C because this response depicts the balanced chemical reaction that occurs when the four substances [Al(s), Al3+(aq), Cu(s), and Cu2+(aq)] are mixed. It is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to bring together theory and observations to draw a conclusion. WICHMI: Kinda just guessed on this question... actually had to do with the table, and the fact that Al strip reacting with Cu2+ produces a solid, indicating that Al is more susceptible to oxidation than Cu. Hence, the reaction between Al and Cu should involve oxidation of Al and reduction of Cu, not the other way around. While I did guess correctly here, I should make sure to refer to the passage when I know the answer isn't clear, just to make sure.

A person, whose eye has a lens-to-retina distance of 2.0 cm, can only clearly see objects that are closer than 1.0 m away. What is the strength S of the person's eye lens? (Note: Use the thin lens formula ​​1/O + 1/I = S.) (A) -50 D (B) -10 D (C) 51 D (D) 55 D

(C) This is a Physics question that falls under the content category "How light and sound interact with matter." The answer to this question is C because the strength of the eye lens is equal to the inverse of the focal length of the eye lens. Its numerical value is given by ​​-1+(0.02 m)-1=1 D+50 D=51 D. It is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles question because you are asked to use mathematical equations to solve problems. WIMI: Was thrown off by the "D" unit; forgot what it meant (unit of lens power known as diopter, when f is expressed in meters). The object distance is 1 m, and the image distance is 0.02 m. Therefore, the strength is 1/1 + 1/0.02 = 1 + 50 = 51 D.

Which of the following types of orbitals of the central atom are involved in bonding in octahedral compounds? (A) sp (B) sp3 (C) p (D) d2 sp3

(D) This is a General Chemistry question that falls under the content category "Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactions." The answer to this question is D because octahedral compounds have six σ bonds and no lone pairs. According to valence bond theory, the central atom requires the hybridization of six atomic orbitals, d2sp3. It is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles question since you are asked to recognize the relationship between the closely related concepts of chemical bonding and hybridization.

CARS P8 - Although the idea of commissioning architectural paint research might seem daunting, architectural paint research has immense potential of providing a robust amount of information. Why does the author quote the letter which states "'Today my chambers painted a fine blue'" (paragraph 5)? (A) To return to a point made earlier in the passage about blue paint (B) To show that interior decoration has been as important to occupants as exterior decoration (C) To illustrate the value of consulting documentary evidence as part of architectural paint research (D) To suggest the danger of using one type of evidence without corroboration by another type of evidence

(C) This is a Reasoning Within the Text question, as it asks you to determine the function in the passage of a particular piece of evidence. The answer is C, because the author quotes the letter as part of the argument that good research is holistic, drawing on all available sources. The author uses the example of the letter as an example of a situation in which a document may be more useful that "sophisticated pigment analysis" (when one wishes to date "a significant paint layer"). WIMI: Ended up treating this passage as a Killer; it was the last one I did and I was very short on time; did not understand the passage although it was fairly simple. If I paid more attention to passage during my first read-through, I would have known exactly what this question was referring to and would have been able to answer the question. (Practice reading without getting distracted and getting all the main points the first time around; practice better allocating time to each question so I have time read each passage thoroughly and not miss out on easy points like this one due to lack of time); also opted for an extreme answer (D) that was obviously not matching the tone of the passage - ned to pay more attention to avoiding extreme answer choices..

CARS P4 - The author explores the aesthetic and instrumental approaches to photography to argue that the capitalist society we live in requires the "constant production and consumption of images," and as a result, "can overwhelm and threaten to obliterate reality." The remedy involves conservation of the real world in the midst of the recreated one. The author's main purpose in exploring the aesthetic and the instrumental approaches to photography is to suggest that a new form of conservation must: (A) allow ordinary people to make judgments about beauty. (B) increase constantly the production of entertaining images. (C) solve the problem of the continual proliferation of images. (D) develop a coherent ideology to facilitate the task of governing.

(C) This is a Social Science passage, belonging to the content category "Sociology." It is a Comprehension question, as it asks you to identify an aspect of the author's argument. The answer is C. The author postulates that the increasing supply of photographic images is a problem because it "can overwhelm and threaten to obliterate reality" (final paragraph). It threatens reality because these images do not actually depict "reality"; they are framed and positioned versions made by the picture-taker and reproduced by some form of media. According to the passage author, these second-hand, mediated images confront individuals in modern technological society, outnumbering and drowning out direct perceptions. "The remedy lies in a new form of conservation" (paragraph 6) that would reduce the number of artificial images and restore balance between what is actually seen with the naked eye and what is staged or manufactured by means of technology. Option C is the best answer. WIMI: Short on time, did not understand the passage although it was fairly simple (the previous passage took too long and cut into my time for the next one). If I paid more attention to passage during the first read-through, I would have known exactly what this question was referring to and would have been able to answer the question. (Practice reading without getting distracted and getting all the main points the first time around).

CARS P7 - Actors' labor is both the producer of the commodity as well as the embodiment of it. Hence the 1919 actors' labor strike was unique from the strikes of other industrial workers because actors were able to exploit their unique status as the commodity itself, not just the labor. Which of the following statements best explains Ewen's use of the phrase "obliteration of the factory," as it is used in the passage? (A) Industrial jobs were declining in number. (B) Industrial jobs produced consumer goods. (C) Industrial jobs were hidden from public view. (D) Industrial jobs were being replaced by new models of production.

(C) This is another Comprehension question, as it asks you to understand what a particular phrase means in the context of the passage. The answer is C, because the author explains that Ewen talks about the "obliteration of the factory" to describe the division of the economic world into "an unpleasant sphere where goods were produced and a gratifying sphere where they were consumed" (paragraph 2). This suggests that the "obliteration" is meant to make the production side of the consumer economy invisible, so that it the gratification of consumption seems to come without the messy realities of industrial labor. The author also explains that theatrical performance is unusual because the labor side of the equation cannot actually be hidden, as it is "embodied by the performer." As the author opposes theatrical labor to other kinds of labor, it is clear that he suggests that industrial jobs can be hidden. WIMI: Short on time, did not fully understand the passage. Looking back, however, this was actually a pretty easy question and if I followed the reading the first time (that stated factories became invisible to maximize the image of commodity for the consumer), I would have easily answered this question correctly. (Practice reading and identifying the main takeaways of the passage).

What is the most likely location of P-gp within the plasma membrane? (A) Associated with lipids on the cytoplasmic side only (B) Associated with lipids on the extracellular side only (C) Peripheral to the plasma membrane (D) Within a lipid raft

(D) This is a Biochemistry question that falls under the content category "Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cellular and multicellular organisms." The answer D because the passage states the P-gp is found in cholesterol rich domains, which would indicate lipid rafts. This is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles question because you must apply knowledge about membrane structures to solve the problem.

No drowsiness was initially felt by the alcoholic because the previous abuse of alcohol had: (A) denatured the cP-450. (B) inhibited the cP-450. (C) reduced the cP-450. (D) induced the cP-450.

(D) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acids." The answer to this question is D, because the passage states that cP-450 is inducible and thus previous abuse of alcohol, a cellular toxin, results in an increased concentration of cP-450. This leads to rapid barbiturate metabolism by cP-450 and the absence of initial drowsiness. This is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because it requires you to propose an explanation for the absence of the initial drowsiness. WIMI: Overlooked the paragraph: "cP-450 is inducible. That is, when an organism is challenged by a new toxin or by increased concentrations of a toxin, the organism can increase its concentration of cP-450 and thus metabolize and excrete the toxin more effectively."

When concentrated urine is being produced, in which of the following regions of the kidney will the glomerular filtrate reach its highest concentration? (A) Proximal convoluted tubule (B) Distal convoluted tubule (C) Cortical portion of the collecting duct (D) Medullary portion of the collecting duct

(D) This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Structure and integrative functions of the main organ system." The answer is D because glomerular filtrate is most concentrated in the medullary portion of the collecting duct, compared to the other kidney structures listed. This is a Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles because it requires knowing the process of urine production in the kidney.

The environment of the retinal binding site is most likely: (A) hydrophilic. (B) positively charged. (C) negatively charged. (D) hydrophobic.

(D) This is a General Chemistry question that falls under the content category "Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactions." The answer to this question is D because retinal is composed of mainly carbon and hydrogen, making it largely hydrophobic. It is a Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving question because you are asked to reason using scientific principles. WIMI: Was focusing too much on just the aldehyde portion, even though retinal is composed mostly of just carbon and hydrogen, and hence would be more hydrophobic than hydrophilic. Make sure to refer back to the molecule structure and pay attention to the molecule as a whole, not just one part of it.

CARS P7 - Actors' labor is both the producer of the commodity as well as the embodiment of it. Hence the 1919 actors' labor strike was unique from the strikes of other industrial workers because actors were able to exploit their unique status as the commodity itself, not just the labor. Based on the description of performance in the second paragraph of the passage, which of the following occupations is most analogous to professional acting? (A) Weaver (B) Doctor (C) Sculptor (D) Massage therapist

(D) This is a Reasoning Beyond the Text question, because it asks you to apply an idea from the passage to a novel scenario not discussed in the passage. The answer is D, because the passage describes performance as "unusual in that it is a labor process both exhibited before and consumed by an audience. The . . . actor both produces the commodity and embodies it." This is most analogous to a massage therapist, who physically and visibly produces the commodity (the massage) for the consumer. WIMI: Short on time, did not fully understand the passage. Looking back, however, this was actually a pretty easy question and if I remembered the main idea the first time (actors are both the laborer AND the commodity), I would have easily answered this question correctly. (Practice reading and identifying the main takeaway of the passage).

CARS P4 - The author explores the aesthetic and instrumental approaches to photography to argue that the capitalist society we live in requires the "constant production and consumption of images," and as a result, "can overwhelm and threaten to obliterate reality." The remedy involves conservation of the real world in the midst of the recreated one. Recent technological developments like high-resolution satellite imagery and diagnostic positron emission tomography (PET scans) have refined and extended the camera's capacity to provide information. Which passage assertion does this information support most strongly? (A) Cameras can illuminate the private, personal lives of individuals. (B) Capitalist consumption requires the unlimited production of images. (C) Cameras are a means of appropriating reality and making it obsolete. (D) Photography can be used to both control and benefit society.

(D) This is a Reasoning Beyond the Text question, because it asks you to identify information from outside the passage that works to support passage claims. Satellite images of offenders such as speeding drivers could, for example, be used to both control (by penalizing offenders) and benefit society (by protecting them from offenders); PET scans could be used to benefit society by revealing information about the human anatomy. Option D is the correct answer. WIMI: Chose (C) because I incorrectly reasoned that PET scans represent reality, but overlooked the last part saying that it is "obsolete". (D) is a better choice because the PET scan images can be used to benefit and control the health of people of society.

CARS P4 - The author explores the aesthetic and instrumental approaches to photography to argue that the capitalist society we live in requires the "constant production and consumption of images," and as a result, "can overwhelm and threaten to obliterate reality." The remedy involves conservation of the real world in the midst of the recreated one. Which of the following best exemplifies the author's assertion that, according to the instrumental approach, cameras can be used to present information that facilitates timely, accurate responses? (A) Photographs taken to record family history in an album (B) Photojournalism that produces pictures that tell an amusing story (C) Photographs used in advertising campaigns to discourage teen-age smoking (D) Photographs taken by cameras at stop lights to catch traffic offenders

(D) This is a Reasoning Beyond the Text question, because it requires you to apply passage ideas to a novel set of circumstances. The answer is D. The information presented by the traffic camera is a photo of someone in the act of committing an offense, and the response facilitated by such information is a penalty of some sort. Furthermore, this option is close to the claim in the passage that cameras "implement the instrumental view of reality," an instance of which is "video equipment...used to identify criminal offenders" (paragraph 2). WIMI: Short on time, did not understand the passage although it was fairly simple (the previous passage took too long and cut into my time for the next one). If I paid more attention to passage during the first read-through, I would have known exactly what this question was referring to and would have been able to answer the question. (Practice reading without getting distracted and getting all the main points the first time around).

CARS P1 - Direct democracy is not easy to achieve due to impracticalities of holding meetings with a gigantic number of people to discuss issues effectively. Which of the following assertions in the passage does the author support with a practical example? (A) "[D]irect government by the people . . . greatly facilitates sudden insurrection of all kinds by individuals who are exceptionally bold, energetic, and adroit." (B) "[A]nd therewith disappears also personality and sense of responsibility." (C) "The adhesion of the crowd is tumultuous, summary, and unconditional." (D) "[I]t is impossible for the collectivity to undertake the direct settlement of all the controversies that may arise."

(D) This is a Reasoning Within the Text question because it asks you to assess the nature of the support that the author provides for various claims. In this case, the question asks which passage assertion is supported with a "practical example." The answer is D because the claim about the impossibility of a "collectivity" settling all of the "controversies that may arise" in a society, is supported by the example (in the final paragraph) of what happens when "Peter wrongs Paul." That example demonstrates why it is absurd to imagine that the entire "collectivity" would be able to examine the circumstances of the controversy and adjudicate it. WIMI: Chose (C) because it was in the middle of a paragraph, while the others were last sentences of paragraphs. Looking back, (C) does not actually follow with a practical, real-life example. Next time, I should read more carefully the text around the sentence in question and choose the answer choice that is best supported by evidence (example can be before OR after the sentence - look both places).

CARS P7 - Actors' labor is both the producer of the commodity as well as the embodiment of it. Hence the 1919 actors' labor strike was unique from the strikes of other industrial workers because actors were able to exploit their unique status as the commodity itself, not just the labor. The author claims that actors were locked into an unequal relationship with the businessmen who controlled the U.S. theater in the early twentieth century. Which of the following statements by the author provides the strongest support for this claim? (A) "[T]he economic world was divided into an unpleasant sphere where goods were produced and a gratifying sphere where they were consumed." (B) Performance is an unusual commodity "in that it is a labor process exhibited before and consumed by an audience." (C) "In the reconfigured theatrical economy of the early twentieth century, actors' labor was highly segmented." (D) Combination companies allowed theater managers to "book several weeks of a touring company's business in a single transaction."

(D) This is a Reasoning Within the Text question, as it asks you to determine which of the choices provides the strongest support for a passage claim. The answer is D, because this option describes a situation in which theater managers controlled a large number of the opportunities for employment, giving the actors much less leverage to negotiate (for higher salaries, better working conditions, etc). As the author writes, once the theater managers were able to book engagements in a whole group of theaters at once, "this strengthened their bargaining position immeasurably." Because they were able to control a concentrated number of employment opportunities at once, the actors had less opportunity to look elsewhere for a better deal. Thus, this quotation supports the passage claim that the actors were "locked into an "unequal relationship with . . . businessmen." WIMI: Short on time, ended up just guessing without fully reading all the answer choices (picked (C)). If I paid more attention to passage during the first read-through, I would have known exactly what this question was referring to and would have been able to answer the question. (Practice reading without getting distracted and getting all the main points the first time around).

Based on the data presented in the passage, which statement best describes the HSP110ΔE9 allele? (A) Cancer-promoting and dominant to HSP110WT (B) Cancer-promoting and recessive to HSP110WT (C) Cancer-suppressing and dominant to HSP110WT (D) Cancer-suppressing and recessive to HSP110WT

This is a Biology question that falls under the content category "Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein." The answer to this question is C. According to Figure 1, as compared to HSP110WT, HSP110ΔE9 slows tumor growth, and thus, it is cancer-suppressing. According to the data in Table 2, HSP110ΔE9 counteracts the ability of HSP110WT to prevent protein aggregation and prevent apoptosis; thus, the HSP110ΔE9 allele is dominant to the HSP110WT allele. This is a Data-based and Statistical Reasoning question as it required interpretation of data in Figure 1 and Table 2. WIMI: I did not give enough attention to the tables provided in the passage. I picked (B)... I also did not pay enough attention to details about whether or not the allele is cancer-promoting or suppressing.