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. Which type of reaction builds larger and more complex molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy?

• A. Catabolic reaction
• B. Anabolic reaction
• C. Exothermic reaction
• D. Hydrolytic reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Anabolic reaction.' Anabolic reactions involve the synthesis of larger and more complex molecules from smaller ones, requiring an input of energy, often in the form of ATP. These reactions are essential for processes like growth, repair, and the building of cellular structures. Catabolic reactions, on the other hand, break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy. Exothermic reactions release heat, while hydrolytic reactions involve the breakdown of molecules with the addition of water. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not describe the process of building larger and more complex molecules from smaller ones with the requirement of energy.

3. Which cellular organelle is used for digestion to recycle materials?

• A. The Golgi apparatus
• B. The lysosome
• C. The centrioles
• D. The mitochondria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The lysosome is the correct cellular organelle used for digestion to recycle materials. Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and ingested substances. This process helps in recycling nutrients and maintaining cellular homeostasis. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, the centrioles play a role in cell division, and the mitochondria are responsible for energy production. However, none of these organelles are primarily used for digestion and recycling of materials within the cell.

4. Which component of the nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles?

• A. Autonomic nervous system
• B. Peripheral nervous system
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles. This system consists of motor neurons that send signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles, allowing for conscious control over movement. The autonomic nervous system (A) controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, the peripheral nervous system (B) includes all nerves outside the central nervous system, and the sympathetic nervous system (D) is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically regulate voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, which is a function of the somatic nervous system.

5. Muscle soreness after exercise is often caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers. This is called

• A. Atrophy
• B. Hypertrophy
• C. DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
• D. Spasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle soreness after exercise is often caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers, leading to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Atrophy refers to the wasting away of muscle tissue, hypertrophy is the increase in muscle size, and spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. DOMS typically occurs 24 to 72 hours after intense exercise and is characterized by muscle stiffness, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. It is a normal response to unfamiliar or strenuous physical activity and indicates that the muscles are adapting to the workload. Therefore, the correct answer is C (DOMS) as it specifically describes the phenomenon of muscle soreness resulting from microscopic tears in muscle fibers, distinguishing it from the other choices which refer to different physiological processes or conditions.

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