Nursing Elites

1. What is the process of making copies of RNA from DNA called?

• A. Replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. DNA repair

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Transcription is the process of making copies of RNA from DNA. During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand based on the DNA template. This process is essential for gene expression and protein synthesis in cells. Replication (option A) refers to the process of making copies of DNA, not RNA. Translation (option C) is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, not making copies of RNA from DNA. DNA repair (option D) involves mechanisms that cells use to repair damaged DNA, not the process of making RNA copies from DNA.

2. Which term refers to the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where communication occurs to initiate muscle contraction?

• A. Sarcomere
• B. Synapse
• C. Tendon
• D. Myofibril

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Synapse. A synapse is the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. At the synapse, communication occurs in the form of neurotransmitters being released from the neuron and binding to receptors on the muscle fiber, initiating muscle contraction. A sarcomere refers to the basic contractile unit of a muscle fiber, not the point of contact between a motor neuron and muscle fiber. A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone, not the communication point. Myofibril is a structure within muscle fibers that contains sarcomeres, but it is not the specific term for the point of contact between a motor neuron and muscle fiber.

3. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

• A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
• B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
• C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
• D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin.

4. During normal breathing, which muscle is the primary driver of inhalation by contracting and flattening to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Abdominal muscles
• D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation during normal breathing. When the diaphragm contracts and flattens, it increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, creating a negative pressure that allows air to rush into the lungs. The intercostal muscles also play a role in expanding the ribcage to assist with inhalation. However, the diaphragm is the main driver of the breathing process by creating the necessary space for the lungs to expand and fill with air.

5. The main function of the nephrons is to:

• A. Store urine
• B. Filter blood and remove waste products
• C. Produce hormones
• D. Control blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Filter blood and remove waste products.' Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water, while reabsorbing essential substances like glucose and amino acids. This process forms urine, which is stored in the bladder before being excreted. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because nephrons do not store urine, produce hormones, or directly control blood pressure; although the kidneys do play a role in long-term blood pressure regulation through mechanisms like the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

6. What literary device is used in the phrase "the lion's roar thundered across the savanna"?

• A. Simile
• B. Metaphor
• C. Hyperbole
• D. Personification

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A compares the roar to thunder using "like" or "as," making it a simile.

Similar Questions