Nursing Elites

1. During which phase of the cell cycle does cytokinesis typically occur?

• A. Interphase
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. G2 phase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell into two daughter cells after the nucleus has divided during mitosis. In the cell cycle, cytokinesis typically occurs at the end of the mitotic phase, following the separation of the duplicated chromosomes into two identical sets in the daughter nuclei. Interphase (option A) is the phase where the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and prepares for cell division, but cytokinesis does not occur during this phase. Meiosis (option C) is a specialized type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms to produce gametes, and cytokinesis occurs at the end of meiosis II, not meiosis I. G2 phase (option D) is the phase of the cell cycle following DNA replication in S phase and preceding mitosis, where the cell prepares for cell division, but cytokinesis occurs during mitosis, not in the G2 phase.

2. 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.

3. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

• A. To digest food
• B. To absorb water and form feces
• C. To absorb proteins
• D. To regulate blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from digested food and form feces for elimination. It does not primarily digest food, absorb proteins, or regulate blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because the large intestine does not digest food but rather absorbs nutrients and water. Choice C is incorrect as the absorption of proteins primarily occurs in the small intestine. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure is not a primary function of the large intestine.

4. What are the finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine called?

• A. Crypts of Lieberkühn
• B. Goblet cells
• C. Villi
• D. Paneth cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Crypts of Lieberkühn are small pits in the lining of the small intestine that contain cells involved in the production of intestinal juices, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. B) Goblet cells are specialized cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive tract, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. C) Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that help absorb nutrients from digested food. D) Paneth cells are specialized cells found in the small intestine that secrete antimicrobial substances, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption.

5. Which organ produces bile to aid in digestion?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Liver
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, not bile. The gallbladder stores bile but does not produce it. The stomach produces gastric juices, not bile, to aid in digestion.

Similar Questions