Nursing Elites

1. Differentiate between gene therapy and genetic engineering in the context of human intervention.

• A. Gene therapy aims to modify existing genes within body cells, while genetic engineering manipulates genes in embryos to be passed on to offspring.
• B. Gene therapy focuses on treating genetic diseases, while genetic engineering enhances desirable traits or eliminates undesirable ones.
• C. Both involve directly altering the DNA sequence, but gene therapy targets somatic cells and genetic engineering modifies germline cells.
• D. There is no fundamental difference; both terms are synonymous.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Incorrect. Gene therapy does aim to modify existing genes within body cells, but genetic engineering does not necessarily manipulate genes in embryos to be passed on to offspring. Genetic engineering can involve modifying genes in any type of cell, not just embryos. B) Correct. Gene therapy is a medical intervention that aims to treat genetic diseases by correcting or replacing faulty genes within an individual's body cells. On the other hand, genetic engineering involves modifying genes to enhance specific traits or eliminate undesirable ones, often in the context of agriculture or biotechnology. C) Incorrect. While both gene therapy and genetic engineering involve altering DNA sequences, the distinction lies in the target cells. Gene therapy targets somatic cells (non-reproductive cells), while genetic engineering typically involves modifying germline cells (reproductive cells that can pass on genetic changes to offspring). D) Incorrect. There is

2. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection?

• A. Mutations in genes
• B. Differential survival and reproduction based on traits
• C. Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out)
• D. Competition for resources in an environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.

3. What happens to the frequency of a wave if its wavelength decreases while the speed remains constant?

• A. Frequency decreases
• B. Frequency increases
• C. Frequency remains constant
• D. Frequency becomes zero

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Frequency increases. Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional in a wave with a constant speed. When the wavelength decreases while the speed remains constant, the frequency must increase to maintain the constant speed of the wave. This relationship is governed by the equation: speed = frequency x wavelength. Choice A is incorrect as frequency increases when wavelength decreases. Choice C is incorrect as the frequency changes in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as the frequency does not become zero but increases when the wavelength decreases.

4. Which hormone stimulates the release of calcium from bones and increases blood calcium levels?

• A. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Growth hormone
• D. Testosterone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the correct answer. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones, leading to increased blood calcium levels. It acts on the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream, facilitates the kidneys' reabsorption of calcium, and triggers vitamin D activation to boost calcium absorption from the intestines. Choice B, Calcitonin, is incorrect as it works in opposition to PTH by decreasing blood calcium levels through inhibiting calcium release from bones. Choices C and D, Growth hormone and Testosterone, are not directly involved in calcium homeostasis and do not regulate blood calcium levels through bone calcium release mechanisms.

5. What information can be obtained from the mass number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in the nucleus
• B. The total number of protons and neutrons
• C. The number of electrons in the valence shell
• D. The element's chemical reactivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. This information is crucial for determining the atomic mass of the element and understanding its stability and isotopes. The number of protons in the nucleus (option A) is represented by the atomic number, not the mass number. The number of electrons in the valence shell (option C) is related to the element's position in the periodic table and its chemical properties, but it is not directly determined by the mass number. The element's chemical reactivity (option D) is influenced by the number and arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy levels, not by the mass number.

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