Nursing Elites

1. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

• A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
• B. Exposure to environmental toxins
• C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of autoimmune diseases. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to various health issues but does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger immune responses, but autoimmune diseases specifically stem from the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms within immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms.

2. How are sister chromatids distinguished from homologous chromosomes in meiosis I?

• A. Sister chromatids share the same centromere, while homologous chromosomes have different centromeres.
• B. Sister chromatids have identical DNA sequences, while homologous chromosomes have slightly different sequences due to crossing over.
• C. Sister chromatids repel each other, while homologous chromosomes attract each other during synapsis.
• D. Sister chromatids separate during anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase II.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In meiosis I, sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, containing identical DNA sequences. On the other hand, homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes, with one inherited from each parent, and they can have different versions of genes due to genetic recombination during crossing over in prophase I. Choice A is incorrect because homologous chromosomes naturally have different centromeres. Choice C is incorrect as sister chromatids and homologous chromosomes do not exhibit repulsion or attraction during synapsis. Choice D is incorrect as sister chromatids separate during anaphase II, not anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase I.

3. A substance is only considered acidic if it has a pH less than what?

• A. 12
• B. 9
• C. 7
• D. 4

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A substance is considered acidic if its pH is less than 7. pH values below 7 indicate acidity, while pH values above 7 indicate alkalinity or basicity. Substances with a pH less than 7 are categorized as acidic, not above it. Therefore, a substance is classified as acidic if its pH is less than 7, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a pH of 12, 9, and 4, respectively, are all above 7, and therefore not indicative of acidity.

4. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebellum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Cerebrum
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This region of the brain is located in the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The Cerebellum (Choice A) is primarily involved in coordination and balance. The Cerebrum (Choice C) is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary muscle movement. The Thalamus (Choice D) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not primarily responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate.

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