Nursing Elites

1. Which structure in the respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream?

• A. Trachea
• B. Bronchi
• C. Alveoli
• D. Bronchioles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Oxygen from the air we breathe diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli walls, while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. The trachea and bronchi are responsible for carrying air to and from the lungs, while bronchioles are small air passages within the lungs that branch off from the bronchi. However, the actual gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, making them crucial for the respiratory system's function.

2. Explain how a single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism.

• A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
• B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
• C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
• D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can affect different biochemical pathways or developmental processes, leading to a cascade of downstream effects and diverse phenotypic consequences.

3. What type of force opposes the motion of an object moving through a fluid (liquid or gas)?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Tension force
• C. Viscous force
• D. Magnetic force

Correct answer: c

Rationale: Viscous force is the resistance experienced by an object moving through a fluid due to internal friction.

4. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. What enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Trypsin. Trypsin is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine where it plays a key role in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Pepsin is produced in the stomach and specifically acts on protein, not in the small intestine. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats, not proteins. Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates, not proteins. Therefore, Trypsin is the enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins into amino acids in the small intestine.

5. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for the regulation of electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?

• 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 regulating electrolyte balance, especially sodium and potassium levels in the body. It acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium, which helps to maintain proper fluid balance and blood pressure. Epinephrine (B) is involved in the 'fight or flight' response, cortisol (C) is a stress hormone, and insulin (D) regulates blood sugar levels, but neither of these hormones primarily regulates electrolyte balance like aldosterone does.

6. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

• A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
• B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
• C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
• D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

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