Nursing Elites

1. What is the difference between polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy?

• A. Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes influencing one trait, while pleiotropy involves one gene affecting multiple traits.
• B. Polygenic inheritance is found in simple Mendelian traits, while pleiotropy is found in complex traits.
• C. Polygenic inheritance is always quantitative, while pleiotropy can be qualitative or quantitative.
• D. Both involve multiple genes and multiple traits, but the specific mechanisms differ

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: - Polygenic inheritance refers to the situation where a trait is influenced by multiple genes, each contributing a small effect to the phenotype. These traits often show continuous variation and are not easily categorized into discrete categories. - Pleiotropy, on the other hand, occurs when a single gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated traits. This means that a mutation in one gene can lead to multiple phenotypic effects across different traits or characteristics. - Therefore, the key difference between polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy lies in the number of genes involved in influencing a trait (multiple genes in polygenic inheritance vs. one gene in pleiotropy) and the direction of influence (one trait affected by multiple genes in polygenic inheritance vs. multiple traits affected by one gene in pleiotropy).

2. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body to respond to stressful situations?

• A. Somatic nervous system
• B. Autonomic nervous system
• C. Peripheral nervous system
• D. Central nervous system

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions, including the 'fight or flight' response. This response is crucial for survival, triggering the body to prepare for action in stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and releasing adrenaline. The somatic nervous system (A) controls voluntary movements, the peripheral nervous system (C) connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body, and the central nervous system (D) consists of the brain and spinal cord, overseeing all bodily functions but not directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

3. Myelin sheath is a fatty substance that insulates and protects the long extensions of some nerve cells. It is produced by:

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Neurons
• D. Oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Schwann cells. Schwann cells are a type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system that produce the myelin sheath around axons. Myelin sheath is essential for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses and provides insulation and protection to nerve fibers. Astrocytes are glial cells that provide support and maintain homeostasis in the central nervous system, but they do not produce myelin. Neurons are the main functional units of the nervous system responsible for transmitting nerve impulses. Oligodendrocytes are another type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produce myelin sheath around axons in that region, not in the peripheral nervous system where Schwann cells are responsible for myelination.

4. A rocket blasts off from Earth. What is the main force propelling the rocket upwards?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Air resistance
• C. Thrust from the rocket engine
• D. Normal force from the launchpad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thrust from the rocket engine. This force is produced by the action-reaction principle and pushes the rocket upwards against the exhaust gases.

5. What is the term for the process of exchanging gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the blood and the tissues?

• A. Inhalation
• B. Exhalation
• C. External respiration
• D. Internal respiration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Internal respiration.' Internal respiration refers to the process where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide between the blood and the body tissues at the cellular level. Inhalation (A) and exhalation (B) pertain to the movement of air into and out of the lungs. External respiration (C) involves the exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream. Understanding internal respiration is crucial as it directly impacts the body's ability to supply oxygen to tissues and remove carbon dioxide, which is essential for cellular function and overall health.

6. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, including the regulation of salt and water balance?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by regulating salt and water balance. It acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, helping to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance during times of stress. Epinephrine and cortisol are also stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands, but they have different functions. Epinephrine is involved in the fight-or-flight response, while cortisol helps regulate metabolism and immune function. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in glucose metabolism and not directly related to the body's stress response. Therefore, aldosterone is the most appropriate hormone in this context.

Similar Questions