a woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor which finding indicates that preterm labor i

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1. A woman at 26 weeks of gestation is being assessed to determine whether she is experiencing preterm labor. Which finding indicates that preterm labor is occurring?

A. Estriol is not found in maternal saliva.
B. Irregular, mild uterine contractions occur every 12 to 15 minutes.
C. Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretions.
D. The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Cervical changes such as effacement and dilation to 2 cm are strong indicators of imminent preterm labor. These changes, combined with regular contractions, can signify labor at any gestation. Estriol can be detected in maternal plasma as early as 9 weeks of gestation. Levels of salivary estriol have been linked to preterm birth. Irregular, mild contractions occurring every 12 to 15 minutes without cervical change are generally not concerning. While the presence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation may predict preterm labor, its predictive value is limited (20%-40%). Therefore, cervical changes provide more reliable information regarding the risk of preterm labor.

2. Daisy was always unusually short for her age. She was unable to conceive a child after marriage, and upon visiting a doctor, she was prescribed estrogen replacement therapy. Daisy is most likely suffering from:

A. Phenylketonuria (PKU).
B. Cystic fibrosis.
C. Turner syndrome.
D. Huntington’s disease (HD).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Daisy's symptoms of short stature and infertility, along with the prescription of estrogen replacement therapy, are indicative of Turner syndrome. Turner syndrome is a genetic condition in which a female is partially or completely missing one X chromosome. This results in short stature, infertility, and other physical characteristics. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting the respiratory and digestive systems. Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline.

3. Which field of biology studies heredity?

A. Etiology.
B. Ecology.
C. Genetics.
D. Eugenics.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Genetics is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of heredity and variation in organisms. Etiology (choice A) deals with the causes of diseases, not heredity. Ecology (choice B) is concerned with the relationships between organisms and their environment, not specifically heredity. Eugenics (choice D) is a controversial field that involves improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding, which is different from the study of heredity itself.

4. Which of the following most accurately describes the function of genes?

A. They regulate the development of traits.
B. They prevent foreign particles from entering the body.
C. They work together with lutein to influence development.
D. They transfer oxygen from the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They regulate the development of traits.' Genes play a crucial role in regulating the development of traits by encoding proteins that control various bodily functions and characteristics. This process involves gene expression and the production of proteins that ultimately determine an individual's traits. Choice B is incorrect because genes do not have a direct role in preventing foreign particles from entering the body; this function is primarily carried out by the immune system. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not specifically work with lutein to influence development; genes operate independently to regulate trait expression. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not responsible for transferring oxygen in the bloodstream; this function is carried out by red blood cells and hemoglobin.

5. What is the typical sex chromosome pattern for females?

A. XX
B. XYY
C. XY
D. XXY

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The typical sex chromosome pattern for females is XX. Females have two X chromosomes, which is represented as XX. Choice B (XYY) is incorrect as it represents the sex chromosome pattern for males with an extra Y chromosome. Choice C (XY) is the sex chromosome pattern for males. Choice D (XXY) represents a genetic disorder known as Klinefelter syndrome, where males have an extra X chromosome.