Nursing Elites

1. When a biologist describes the physical and visible expression of a genetic trait, which of the following is being referred to?

• A. Phenotype
• B. Allele
• C. Gamete
• D. Genotype

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenotype. Phenotype specifically refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the interaction of an individual's genetic makeup (genotype) with environmental influences. It represents the outward expression of an organism's genetic makeup. Allele, represented by choice B, refers to different forms of a gene and is not the visible expression of a trait. Gamete, represented by choice C, is a reproductive cell and not directly related to the physical expression of traits. Genotype, represented by choice D, refers to the genetic makeup of an organism and is distinct from the observable physical characteristics denoted by phenotype.

2. In an oxidation reaction,

• A. an oxidizing agent gains electrons.
• B. an oxidizing agent loses electrons.
• C. a reducing agent gains electrons.
• D. a reducing agent loses electrons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In an oxidation reaction, the substance being oxidized loses electrons, not gains them. An oxidizing agent is responsible for causing oxidation in another substance by accepting electrons, hence it undergoes reduction and loses electrons. Therefore, the correct statement is 'an oxidizing agent loses electrons,' making choice B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in an oxidation reaction, the oxidizing agent does not gain electrons, a reducing agent does not gain electrons, and a reducing agent does not lose electrons.

3. What is the ultimate end product of glucose breakdown in glycolysis?

• A. ATP
• B. NADPH
• C. Pyruvic acid
• D. Oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The ultimate end product of glucose breakdown in glycolysis is pyruvic acid. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvic acid through a series of enzymatic reactions. ATP is produced as an energy carrier during glycolysis, but it is not the final end product. NADPH is not a direct product of glycolysis; it is mainly produced in the pentose phosphate pathway. Oxygen is not a product of glycolysis but is used as an electron acceptor in the electron transport chain of cellular respiration.

4. Iron is a transition metal, which means it often forms a cation with a charge of what?

• A. 2- or 3-
• B. 1-
• C. 2+ or 3+
• D. 1+

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 2+ or 3+. Transition metals, like iron, are known for their ability to exhibit variable oxidation states. This characteristic allows them to form cations with charges such as 2+ or 3+. Specifically, iron can form cations with these charges due to the varying electron configurations in its d-orbitals. The other choices are incorrect because transition metals typically form positively charged cations, not negatively charged ones. Additionally, while iron can form cations with charges of 2+ or 3+, it does not commonly form cations with charges of 1- or 1+. Transition metal cations play a crucial role in forming coordination complexes with ligands, highlighting their importance in various chemical reactions.

5. What is the main function of valence electrons in chemical bonding?

• A. They are responsible for holding the nucleus together.
• B. They are involved in forming bonds with other atoms.
• C. They determine the element's physical properties.
• D. They play no role in chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. These electrons are involved in forming bonds with other atoms, which is crucial for chemical bonding. By participating in bonding, valence electrons determine an atom's ability to form compounds and engage in chemical reactions. Therefore, the primary function of valence electrons is to facilitate the formation of bonds between atoms, making option B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because valence electrons primarily influence chemical bonding by participating in the formation of bonds between atoms, rather than holding the nucleus together, determining physical properties, or having no role in chemical reactions.

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