Nursing Elites

1. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

• A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
• B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
• C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
• D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

2. What is the primary function of red blood cells?

• A. To transport nutrients
• B. To transport oxygen
• C. To fight infection
• D. To produce antibodies

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transport oxygen. Red blood cells play a crucial role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues and organs in the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration, where oxygen is used in the production of energy. Red blood cells do not primarily transport nutrients, fight infection, or produce antibodies. Choice A is incorrect because while red blood cells do carry some nutrients, their primary function is to transport oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because immune cells, not red blood cells, are responsible for fighting infections. Choice D is incorrect as antibody production is mainly carried out by specialized white blood cells, not red blood cells.

3. Adipose tissue, also known as fat, serves multiple functions. Which of these is NOT a function of adipose tissue?

• A. Insulation
• B. Energy storage
• C. Hormone production
• D. Muscle movement

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Adipose tissue serves multiple functions in the body, including insulation to regulate body temperature, energy storage in the form of triglycerides, and hormone production such as leptin and adiponectin. Adipose tissue does not directly participate in muscle movement. Muscle movement is primarily carried out by skeletal muscle tissue, which is responsible for voluntary movements and locomotion. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as adipose tissue is not involved in muscle movement.

4. What term describes the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave?

• A. Frequency
• B. Wavelength
• C. Amplitude
• D. Velocity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term that describes the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position in a wave is called the amplitude. Amplitude is a measure of the strength or intensity of a wave and is represented by the height of the wave from the rest position to the crest (or trough) of the wave. Frequency (A) refers to the number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time. Wavelength (B) is the distance between two consecutive crests (or troughs) of a wave. Velocity (D) is the speed of the wave, not the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position.

5. Which structure in the lungs is the site of gas exchange?

• A. Trachea
• B. Alveoli
• C. Bronchioles
• D. Diaphragm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the blood is released into the alveoli to be exhaled. The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that carries air to and from the lungs, but it is not involved in gas exchange. Bronchioles (Choice C) are small air passages within the lungs that branch off from the bronchi, leading air to the alveoli but not directly involved in gas exchange. The diaphragm (Choice D) is a muscle below the lungs that helps in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity, but it is not the site of gas exchange.

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