Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes eosinophils?

• A. A type of granulocyte that secretes histamine to stimulate the inflammatory response.
• B. The most abundant type of white blood cell that secretes substances toxic to pathogens.
• C. A type of granulocyte found under mucous membranes that defends against multicellular parasites.
• D. A circulating granulocyte with high phagocytic activity and aggressiveness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Eosinophils are best described as a type of granulocyte found under mucous membranes that defends against multicellular parasites. They release toxic substances to combat parasitic infections and play a significant role in allergic reactions and asthma. Histamine secretion to stimulate inflammation is more characteristic of basophils, while high phagocytic activity and aggressiveness are features of neutrophils, not eosinophils. Describing eosinophils as the most abundant type of white blood cell that secretes toxic substances to pathogens is inaccurate since eosinophils specifically target multicellular parasites, not a broad range of pathogens.

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 is the process in which RNA polymerase copies DNA into RNA, with DNA unwinding and serving as a template while RNA is assembled?

• A. Replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Duplication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transcription. Transcription is the process where RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand and synthesizes RNA, following the base-pairing rules. During transcription, DNA unwinds and serves as a template for the assembly of complementary RNA molecules. Replication (Choice A) is the process of making an identical copy of DNA, not RNA from DNA. Translation (Choice C) is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. Duplication (Choice D) is a general term and does not specifically refer to the process described in the question.

4. In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficients represent the:

• A. Number of elements
• B. Ratio of reactants and products
• C. Physical state of the substances
• D. Rate of the reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Number of elements.' In a balanced chemical equation, coefficients represent the ratio of moles of each species involved in the reaction. They indicate the relative number of molecules or formula units of each compound taking part in the reaction. Choice B, 'Ratio of reactants and products,' is incorrect because the coefficients in a balanced equation do not represent the ratio of reactants and products directly, but rather the stoichiometry of the reaction. Choice C, 'Physical state of the substances,' is incorrect because the physical states (solid, liquid, gas, or aqueous) are denoted with symbols next to the chemical formula, not the coefficients. Choice D, 'Rate of the reaction,' is incorrect as coefficients in a balanced equation do not provide information about the rate of the reaction, which is determined by factors like temperature, concentration, and catalysts.

5. Fluorescent microscopy utilizes which property of certain molecules to create a visible image?

• A. Staining properties
• B. Light absorption
• C. Fluorescence emission
• D. Refraction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fluorescent microscopy relies on the property of certain molecules to fluoresce when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. When these molecules absorb light energy, they become excited and then emit light at a longer wavelength, producing a visible image. This emitted light is what is used to create the image in fluorescent microscopy, making option C, fluorescence emission, the correct answer. Staining properties (option A) are used to enhance contrast in microscopy but are not the primary mechanism in fluorescent microscopy. Light absorption (option B) is involved in the excitation of fluorescent molecules but is not the property used to create the visible image. Refraction (option D) is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums and is not the property utilized in fluorescent microscopy.

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