Nursing Elites

1. Homologous structures are similar structures in different organisms that have a common evolutionary origin. An example is:

• A. Butterfly wings and bird wings (analogous structures with different origins)
• B. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale
• C. The eyes of an octopus and a human (convergent evolution with different origins)
• D. The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus (unrelated structures)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homologous structures are similar structures found in different organisms that share a common evolutionary origin. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale are all examples of homologous structures. Despite serving different functions, they share a common underlying structure due to their evolutionary relationship, evidencing a shared ancestry. These structures are modified over time to suit the specific needs of each species. Option A (Butterfly wings and bird wings) refers to analogous structures with different origins. Option C (The eyes of an octopus and a human) describes convergent evolution where traits evolve independently. Option D (The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus) are unrelated structures.

2. Which of the following structures in the cell is responsible for producing ATP?

• A. Ribosome
• B. Nucleus
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell through cellular respiration. Ribosomes (Choice A) are involved in protein synthesis, the nucleus (Choice B) stores genetic material and controls cell activities, and the endoplasmic reticulum (Choice D) plays a role in protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and detoxification, but none of these structures are directly responsible for producing ATP.

3. Which of the following is a true statement about dominance in genetics?

• A. All genes adhere to Mendel’s law of dominance.
• B. A dominant allele will always be expressed.
• C. When two dominant alleles are present, the resulting phenotype will express both traits.
• D. There are three or more alleles possible for all genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In genetics, dominance refers to the relationship between two different alleles of a gene where one allele (dominant) masks the expression of another allele (recessive) in an individual's phenotype. The correct statement about dominance is that a dominant allele will always be expressed in the phenotype, even in the presence of a recessive allele. This means that if an individual has at least one dominant allele for a particular trait, that trait will be expressed. Choice A is incorrect because not all genes follow Mendel’s law of dominance; exceptions do exist. Choice C is incorrect because when two dominant alleles are present, only one will be expressed due to complete dominance. Choice D is incorrect as there can be more than three alleles for a gene, and not all genes have three or more alleles.

4. Which type of immunity does the MMR vaccine provide?

• A. Artificial/active
• B. Artificial/passive
• C. Natural/active
• D. Natural/passive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Artificial/active. The MMR vaccine provides artificial/active immunity. It works by introducing a weakened or killed form of the virus to trigger the body's immune response, leading to the production of antibodies that offer long-lasting protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Artificial immunity is obtained through medical intervention, such as vaccination, while active immunity involves the immune system's direct response to an antigen. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the MMR vaccine does not provide passive immunity nor is it acquired naturally; instead, it stimulates the body to actively produce its immune response.

5. What is the process by which decomposers break down organic matter?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Bioremediation
• C. Decomposition
• D. Nitrification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This process is not related to the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers. B) Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up contaminated environments. While it involves the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants, it is not specifically focused on breaking down organic matter. C) Decomposition is the process by which decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms break down organic matter into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. D) Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia or ammonium to nitrite followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria. This process is part of the nitrogen cycle and is not directly related to the breakdown of organic matter.

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