Nursing Elites

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

2. 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.

3. What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?

• A. Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system, while motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
• B. Sensory neurons control voluntary muscles, while motor neurons control involuntary muscles.
• C. Sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system.
• D. Sensory neurons detect light, while motor neurons detect sound.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sensory neurons are responsible for carrying signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), allowing the brain to receive information about the external environment. On the other hand, motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling the brain to control voluntary and involuntary movements. Choice B is incorrect because sensory neurons do not control muscles, and motor neurons control both voluntary and involuntary muscles. Choice C is incorrect as sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system. Choice D is incorrect because sensory neurons detect various stimuli such as touch, taste, smell, and sound, while motor neurons are not involved in detecting sensory stimuli.

4. What is surgically altered during a vasectomy?

• A. Vas deferens
• B. Glans penis
• C. Prostate
• D. Urethra

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a vasectomy, the vas deferens is surgically altered or cut to prevent the transport of sperm from the testicles to the urethra. This procedure is a form of permanent male sterilization. The glans penis, prostate, and urethra are not surgically altered during a vasectomy. Therefore, the correct answer is the vas deferens (Choice A), as it is the structure specifically targeted and modified in this procedure. The glans penis (Choice B) is the sensitive tip of the penis, the prostate (Choice C) is a gland vital for semen production but not involved in a vasectomy, and the urethra (Choice D) is the tube that carries urine and semen but is not surgically altered in a vasectomy.

5. Which of the following is a special property of water?

• A. Water does not easily flow through phospholipid bilayers.
• B. A water molecule's oxygen atom does not allow fish to breathe.
• C. Water is highly cohesive, which explains its high melting point.
• D. Water cannot self-hydrolyze and decompose into hydrogen and oxygen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water is highly cohesive, meaning it is attracted to itself due to its hydrogen bonding properties. This cohesion is the reason why water has a high melting point compared to other liquids of similar molecular weight. It is crucial for the existence of life on Earth as it allows water to remain a liquid within a wide range of temperatures, providing a stable environment for biological processes to occur. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Water's cohesive property does not directly relate to its ability to flow through phospholipid bilayers, assist fish in breathing, or self-hydrolyze into hydrogen and oxygen.

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