Nursing Elites

1. Genes control heredity in man and other organisms. This gene is ___

• A. A segment of DNA
• B. A bead-like structure on the chromosomes
• C. A protein molecule
• D. A segment of RNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Genes are sections of DNA that contain instructions for building and operating living organisms. These sections of DNA contain the genetic information that is passed on from one generation to the next. Genes are composed of specific sequences of nucleotides within the DNA molecule. Therefore, genes are best described as segments of DNA. Choice A is correct. Choice B is incorrect because genes are not bead-like structures on chromosomes but specific sequences of DNA. Choice C is incorrect because genes are not protein molecules but rather sequences of nucleotides. Choice D is incorrect because genes are not segments of RNA but DNA.

2. How should a researcher test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones is significant enough to raise the temperature of water in a test tube?

• A. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
• B. Dial a cell phone that rests beside a test tube of water; let it ring for two, three, and four minutes; and record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.
• C. Use three different brands of cell phone; dial each as it rests beside its own test tube of water, let it ring for two minutes, and record the temperature of the water before and after the two-minute interval.
• D. Use three different brands of cell phone, dial each and let one ring for two minutes, one for three minutes, and one for four minutes; record the temperature of the water before and after each interval.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To test the hypothesis that radiation from cell phones raises the temperature of water in a test tube, the most appropriate method is to dial a cell phone next to a test tube of water, let it ring for a consistent two-minute interval, and record the temperature before and after. Choice A is correct because it provides a controlled approach to isolate the impact of the phone's radiation on the water temperature. Choices B, C, and D introduce additional variables that could confound the results. Choice B varies the duration of exposure, making it difficult to attribute temperature changes specifically to the radiation. Choice C introduces the factor of different cell phone brands, which could introduce variability not related to radiation. Choice D also varies exposure times and introduces the factor of multiple phone brands, making it harder to determine the direct impact of cell phone radiation on water temperature. Therefore, choice A is the most suitable option for this experiment.

3. A student was asked to count birds in a given location over a 24-hour period. Which count would make their data most valid?

• A. Count birds at one feeder every 6 hours.
• B. Count birds at three feeders at noon and 6:00 P.M.
• C. Count birds at one feeder at noon and 6:00 P.M.
• D. Count birds at three feeders every 6 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Counting birds at one feeder at consistent time intervals (noon and 6:00 P.M.) over a 24-hour period ensures that the data collected are evenly distributed and provide a more accurate representation of the bird population in that location throughout the day. This method allows for observations during different times of the day, capturing potential variations in bird activity and distribution. Choice A is not as effective as it lacks observations at different times of the day, potentially missing variations in bird behavior. Choice B involves multiple locations and times, which could introduce more variables and make it harder to analyze the data accurately. Choice D, counting birds at three feeders every 6 hours, may provide too frequent data points and not cover all significant time intervals for observing bird activity.

4. In a strand of DNA, you would expect to see adenine paired with ___________.

• A. cytosine
• B. uracil
• C. thymine
• D. guanine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a strand of DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds. This pairing is a fundamental aspect of DNA structure, where adenine and thymine complement each other in the double helix. Choice A (cytosine) is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA. Choice B (uracil) is incorrect as uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. Choice D (guanine) is incorrect as guanine pairs with cytosine, not adenine, in DNA.

5. What is the main function of the cell membrane?

• A. Energy production
• B. Communication
• C. Protein synthesis
• D. Waste removal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the cell membrane is communication. It acts as a barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because energy production occurs in the mitochondria, protein synthesis takes place in the ribosomes, and waste removal is primarily handled by the lysosomes and other organelles within the cell.

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