Nursing Elites

1. DNA has both a 'sense' and 'antisense' strand. What is true about the antisense strand?

• A. It runs 5' to 3'.
• B. It runs 3' to 5'.
• C. It is used in replication.
• D. It is the direction DNA is stored.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It runs 3' to 5'. The antisense strand runs in the 3' to 5' direction, complementing the sense strand. Choice A is incorrect as the antisense strand runs in the opposite direction, which is 3' to 5'. Choice C is incorrect because the antisense strand is not directly involved in replication. Choice D is incorrect as the direction DNA is stored is not determined by the antisense strand.

2. Which of the following structures is found in the nucleus of a cell?

• A. Mitochondria
• B. Endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Chromosomes
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chromosomes, which contain genetic information, are found in the nucleus of a cell. They play a crucial role in cell division, gene expression, and inheritance. Mitochondria, responsible for energy production, are located in the cytoplasm, not the nucleus. The endoplasmic reticulum is mainly involved in protein and lipid synthesis and is not a component of the nucleus. Ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis, are found in the cytoplasm and on the endoplasmic reticulum, but not in the nucleus.

3. If a biochemist isolates a large amount of pyruvate, which part of the cell is he working with?

• A. Chloroplasts
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cytoplasm. Pyruvate is a product of glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. Therefore, a biochemist isolating a large amount of pyruvate would be working with the cytoplasm of the cell. Choice A, Chloroplasts, is incorrect because pyruvate is not produced in chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Choice C, Mitochondria, is incorrect as pyruvate is produced in the cytoplasm before entering the mitochondria for further metabolism. Choice D, Nucleus, is incorrect as the nucleus is not involved in the production or isolation of pyruvate, which is a metabolic intermediate.

4. A child complains of heavy breathing even when relaxing. They are an otherwise healthy child with no history of respiratory problems. What might be the issue?

• A. Asthma
• B. Blood clot
• C. Hyperventilation
• D. Exercising too hard

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, where a child complains of heavy breathing even when relaxing and has no history of respiratory problems, the most likely issue is hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is an abnormal breathing pattern where a person breathes in excess of the body's requirements. It can be triggered by stress, anxiety, panic attacks, or lower-than-normal carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Unlike asthma, a blood clot, or exercising too hard, hyperventilation fits the symptoms described and is more common in individuals without a history of respiratory problems.

5. Which technology allows scientists to directly edit the human genome?

• A. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• B. Gel electrophoresis
• C. DNA sequencing
• D. CRISPR-Cas9

Correct answer: D

Rationale: CRISPR-Cas9 is the correct answer. A) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used for amplifying specific DNA segments, not directly editing the human genome. B) Gel electrophoresis is for separating DNA fragments by size, not for genome editing. C) DNA sequencing determines DNA nucleotide order but does not directly edit the genome. D) CRISPR-Cas9 technology enables precise modifications in the DNA of organisms, including humans. It guides the Cas9 enzyme to specific genome locations for targeted edits, revolutionizing genetic research and offering various applications in gene editing and therapy. Unlike the other techniques mentioned, CRISPR-Cas9 is specifically designed to make changes in the genetic code itself, making it a powerful tool for genetic manipulation.

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