Nursing Elites

1. Which process is characterized by nuclear fission?

• A. A heavy nucleus capturing a neutron and releasing energy
• B. The fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element
• C. A lighter element emitting an alpha particle through radioactive decay
• D. An electron being absorbed by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nuclear fission is the process where a heavy nucleus, like uranium-235, captures a neutron, leading to its division into two lighter nuclei. This process releases a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat and gamma rays. It is utilized in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs due to its capacity to produce significant energy. Choices B, C, and D describe different nuclear processes: fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element, emission of alpha particles from a lighter element through radioactive decay, and absorption of an electron by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray, respectively. These processes are distinct from nuclear fission and do not involve the splitting of heavy nuclei into lighter ones.

2. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

3. What is the process by which RNA molecules are modified after transcription but before translation?

• A. Replication
• B. Splicing
• C. Editing
• D. Packaging

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B) Splicing is the correct answer. Splicing is the process by which non-coding regions (introns) are removed from pre-mRNA, and the remaining coding regions (exons) are joined together to form mature mRNA. This modification occurs after transcription but before translation. A) Replication is incorrect as replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce a new DNA molecule, not RNA modifications. C) Editing may involve RNA editing, but it is not commonly used to describe the modification of RNA molecules after transcription. D) Packaging is not the correct term as it refers to the condensation and organization of DNA into chromatin in eukaryotic cells, not the modification of RNA molecules.

4. Which term describes the allele for green eyes?

• A. Dominant
• B. Recessive
• C. Homozygous
• D. Heterozygous

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Recessive.' In genetics, eye color is determined by multiple genes, with green eyes often being associated with a recessive allele. When an individual carries two copies of the recessive allele for green eyes, they will express this eye color. Dominant alleles are expressed over recessive alleles. Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene, and heterozygous refers to having two different alleles. In this context, the allele for green eyes is recessive, meaning it is expressed only when an individual carries two copies of this specific allele. Therefore, 'Recessive' is the most appropriate term to describe the allele for green eyes, making it the correct answer.

5. Which of the following constituents of blood is a biconcave disc that is round and flat without a nucleus?

• A. Plasma
• B. Platelet
• C. RBC
• D. WBC

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, RBC (Red Blood Cell). Red blood cells are biconcave discs that lack a nucleus, allowing them to carry oxygen efficiently. Plasma (A) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances. Platelets (B) are cell fragments important for blood clotting. White blood cells (WBCs) (D) are part of the immune system and have a nucleus.

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