Nursing Elites

1. What are organisms that break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the environment called?

• A. Producers
• B. Decomposers
• C. Consumers
• D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are essential organisms in the ecosystem as they break down dead organisms and organic matter, such as bacteria, fungi, and some insects. By decomposing complex organic materials into simpler forms, they release nutrients back into the environment for other organisms to utilize. Producers (option A) are organisms that generate their own food through photosynthesis; consumers (option C) are organisms that feed on other organisms for energy, and parasites (option D) are organisms that live on or in another organism, benefiting at the host's expense rather than breaking down dead organisms for nutrient recycling.

2. What is the term for an organism with two different alleles for a gene?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homozygous refers to an organism with two identical alleles for a gene, either both dominant or both recessive. Heterozygous, the correct answer, refers to an organism with two different alleles for a gene, one dominant and one recessive. Dominant and recessive describe the relationship between alleles, where dominant alleles are expressed over recessive alleles in heterozygous individuals. Therefore, the term for an organism with two different alleles for a gene is 'heterozygous.'

3. What is the process by which lighter nuclei fuse to form heavier nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy?

• A. Fission
• B. Fusion
• C. Radioactivity
• D. Chain reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fusion is the process by which lighter nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This process is the source of energy in stars, including our Sun. Fission, the process of splitting heavier nuclei into lighter nuclei, is not correct. Radioactivity involves the emission of particles or radiation from the nucleus of an unstable atom, which is different from fusion. A chain reaction is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction cause further reactions, which is unrelated to fusion.

4. Which part of the nervous system controls the 'fight or flight' response?

• A. Central nervous system
• B. Peripheral nervous system
• C. Autonomic nervous system
• D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. It controls the 'fight or flight' response by preparing the body for stressful situations. The central nervous system (Choice A) consists of the brain and spinal cord but does not directly control the 'fight or flight' response. The peripheral nervous system (Choice B) includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, while the autonomic nervous system (Choice C) regulates involuntary bodily functions but is not specific to the 'fight or flight' response.

5. Which of the following is a property of amphiprotic substances?

• A. React with acids only
• B. React with bases only
• C. Can act as both acids and bases
• D. Are inert in chemical reactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Can act as both acids and bases. Amphiprotic substances have the ability to donate a proton (act as an acid) or accept a proton (act as a base) depending on the reaction conditions. This dual nature allows them to participate in a wide range of chemical reactions, making them versatile and important in various chemical processes. Choices A and B are incorrect because amphiprotic substances are not limited to reacting with only acids or bases; they can interact with both. Choice D is incorrect because amphiprotic substances are not inert; they actively participate in chemical reactions by donating or accepting protons.

Similar Questions