Nursing Elites

1. How do green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?

• A. To synthesize proteins
• B. To store food
• C. To decompose ammonia
• D. To break down nitrites

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.

2. Whose energy efficiency is greater?

• A. Herbivore
• B. Carnivore
• C. Omnivore
• D. Decomposer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decomposers have the greatest efficiency of energy among the given options. Decomposers break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. This breakdown process results in the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem, making energy more readily available for other organisms to use. In contrast, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores all derive their energy from the consumption of other living organisms, making their energy efficiency lower than that of decomposers. Herbivores consume plants for energy, which involves energy loss due to inefficiencies in converting plant matter into usable energy. Carnivores consume herbivores or other carnivores, leading to further energy loss through each trophic level. Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, but their energy efficiency is still lower than decomposers because of the energy loss associated with consuming living organisms. Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and energy in ecosystems, making them highly efficient in the utilization of energy.

3. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a recessive sex-linked trait carried on the X chromosome. In an example of an unaffected father and a female carrier who have two daughters and two sons, which is the predicted outcome?

• A. Both daughters will carry the disease.
• B. Both sons will carry the disease.
• C. One daughter may have the disease.
• D. One son may have the disease.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a recessive sex-linked trait carried on the X chromosome. Since the father is unaffected and does not carry the disease, he must have a normal X chromosome. The mother is a carrier, which means she has one normal X chromosome and one X chromosome with the disease allele. The daughters will inherit one X chromosome from each parent; one would be normal, and the other has a chance of carrying the disease allele. So, there is a 50% chance that one daughter may have the disease, as she could inherit the X chromosome with the disease allele. The sons will inherit the Y chromosome from the father and the X chromosome from the mother, so they will not be affected by the disease. Therefore, the predicted outcome is that one daughter may have the disease, while the sons will not carry the disease. This rules out choices A, B, and D.

4. Which of the following are components of the endocrine system?

• A. The pituitary gland
• B. The thyroid gland
• C. The adrenal glands
• D. All of the Above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endocrine system comprises a network of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate bodily functions. The pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands are essential components of this system. The pituitary gland secretes various hormones that control other glands and some body functions. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, growth, and energy levels by producing thyroid hormones. The adrenal glands produce hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, and immune function. Therefore, all of the above glands are integral parts of the endocrine system, making choice D the correct answer.

5. What type of cells are involved in meiosis (sex cells)?

• A. Somatic Cells
• B. Gametes
• C. Zygote
• D. Diploid Cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Gametes. Gametes are the specialized sex cells involved in meiosis, such as sperm and eggs. Somatic cells (A) are non-reproductive cells found in the body, not involved in meiosis. Zygote (C) is the result of fertilization, formed when gametes unite. Diploid cells (D) have two sets of chromosomes, but in meiosis, gametes are produced through a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to haploid.

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