Nursing Elites

1. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

• A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
• B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
• C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
• D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.

2. When human cells divide by meiosis, how many chromosomes do the resulting cells contain?

• A. 96
• B. 54
• C. 46
• D. 23

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When human cells divide by meiosis, the resulting cells contain 23 chromosomes. This is because meiosis is a cell division process that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in cells with a haploid number of chromosomes. In humans, the diploid number of chromosomes is 46. Therefore, after meiosis, the resulting cells have 23 chromosomes, ensuring the correct chromosome number is restored upon fertilization. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the correct chromosome number resulting from meiosis in human cells.

3. What is the relationship between work, force, and displacement?

• A. Work is directly proportional to force but inversely proportional to displacement
• B. Work is directly proportional to both force and displacement
• C. Work is inversely proportional to force but directly proportional to displacement
• D. Work is inversely proportional to both force and displacement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Work is directly proportional to both force and displacement. The work done on an object is calculated by multiplying the force applied to the object by the distance the object moves in the direction of the force. Therefore, work is directly proportional to both force and displacement. Choice A is incorrect because work is not inversely proportional to displacement. Choice C is incorrect because work is not inversely proportional to force. Choice D is incorrect because work is not inversely proportional to both force and displacement.

4. When a muscle shortens and generates force, this is called a:

• A. Contraction
• B. Relaxation
• C. Extension
• D. Atrophy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a muscle shortens and generates force, it is contracting. Contraction is the process by which muscle fibers develop tension and exert a pulling force on the bones they are attached to, resulting in movement. Relaxation refers to the phase when a muscle returns to its original length, allowing for rest or preparation for the next contraction. Extension, on the other hand, is the movement that increases the angle between body parts, moving them further apart. Atrophy is unrelated to muscle contraction and refers to the wasting away or decrease in size of muscle tissue due to disuse or disease. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Contraction.'

5. What is the primary function of ribosomes in the cell?

• A. To synthesize lipids and other cellular components
• B. To package and transport proteins
• C. To break down macromolecules
• D. To translate mRNA into proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the genetic information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) and use this information to assemble amino acids into a specific sequence, forming a protein. This process is known as translation and is essential for the production of proteins that carry out various functions in the cell. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the primary function of ribosomes. Choice A is incorrect because the synthesis of lipids and other cellular components is not the primary function of ribosomes. Choice B is incorrect as packaging and transporting proteins are functions typically associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Choice C is incorrect because ribosomes do not break down macromolecules; instead, they are involved in building proteins from amino acids.

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