Scientific Lexicon - "C" Trivia Quiz

Answer: cilia

Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures that extend from the surface of certain cells. They are found in various parts of the body and serve important functions, such as moving substances along cell surfaces or helping cells move. In the respiratory system, for example, cilia line the airways and work to trap and move mucus, dust, and other particles out of the lungs, keeping the respiratory system clean. Cilia can also be found in single-celled organisms, like paramecia, where they help with movement and feeding.

Answer: centrifuge

A centrifuge is a machine that spins substances at high speeds to separate components based on their density. It works by applying a force that pushes heavier particles outward, away from the center of rotation, while lighter particles stay closer to the center.

This process is used in laboratories and medical settings to separate things like blood components, where red blood cells, plasma, and platelets can be separated efficiently. Centrifuges are also used in various fields like chemistry and biology to purify or isolate different materials.

Answer: carcinogen

A carcinogen is any substance or agent that can cause cancer by damaging the DNA in cells or disrupting normal cell processes. Exposure to carcinogens can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which forms tumors and potentially spreads to other parts of the body. Carcinogens can be found in certain chemicals, like those in tobacco smoke or asbestos, as well as in radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

Not all exposures to carcinogens will cause cancer, as the risk depends on the level and duration of exposure.

Answer: cerebellum

The cerebellum is a part of the brain located at the back of the skull, just below the larger cerebrum. It is responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture. The cerebellum helps fine-tune motor activities, ensuring that movements are smooth and precise.

For example, when you ride a bike or play a musical instrument, the cerebellum processes information from your muscles and joints to maintain balance and control. Although the cerebellum does not initiate movement, it plays a crucial role in making sure movements are accurate and well-coordinated.

Answer: corona

The corona is the outermost layer of a star's atmosphere, including our Sun. It extends millions of kilometers into space and, fascinatingly, is much hotter than the surface of the star, with temperatures reaching millions of degrees Celsius. The corona is made up of highly charged particles and emits a type of light called X-rays, which are usually not visible to the naked eye.

However, during a total solar eclipse, when the Moon blocks the Sun's bright surface, the corona becomes visible as a glowing halo around the Sun. Scientists are still studying why the corona is so much hotter than the Sun's surface.

Answer: cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside a cell that surrounds the nucleus and other organelles. It is made up mostly of water, along with proteins, salts, and other molecules. The cytoplasm helps give the cell its shape and provides a medium for chemical reactions to occur. It also allows for the movement of materials within the cell, helping organelles function properly.

In addition to holding the organelles in place, the cytoplasm plays a role in breaking down waste and aiding in cellular processes like cell division.

Answer: coelacanth

A coelacanth is a rare and ancient type of fish that was once thought to be extinct for millions of years until it was rediscovered in 1938. These fish are often called "living fossils" because they have changed very little over hundreds of millions of years. Coelacanths are known for their unique features, such as lobed fins, which are thought to be similar to the limbs of early land animals.

These fins suggest that coelacanths could be closely related to the ancestors of all land vertebrates.

Answer: colloid

A colloid is a type of mixture where tiny particles are evenly dispersed throughout another substance, but they don't settle out or separate like in a suspension. These particles are small enough to stay suspended but large enough to scatter light, which can make the mixture appear cloudy or opaque.

Colloids include milk, which is a mixture of fat droplets in water, and fog, which is made of water droplets suspended in the air. Other common examples are whipped cream (air bubbles in a liquid), gelatin (solid particles in water), and mayonnaise (oil droplets in water stabilized by an emulsifier).

Answer: covalent

A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond that occurs when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This sharing allows both atoms to fill their outer electron shells and become more stable. Covalent bonds typically form between nonmetal atoms, and the strength of the bond depends on how many electron pairs are shared. For instance, a single covalent bond involves one pair of shared electrons, while a double bond involves two pairs.

An example of a molecule with covalent bonds is water (H2O), where the oxygen atom shares electrons with two hydrogen atoms (for a total of two covalent bonds).

Answer: cellulose

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that is a major component of the cell walls in plants, giving them structure and support. It is made up of long chains of glucose molecules linked together in a way that makes it strong and difficult for most organisms to break down. Because of its rigid structure, cellulose provides strength to plant tissues, helping trees stand tall and leaves maintain their shape.

Unlike some animals, such as cows or termites, humans cannot digest cellulose, but it is an important source of dietary fiber and aids in our digestion.