Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following terms describes stem cells that have the ability to develop into any cell found in the human body?

• A. Totipotent stem cells
• B. Multipotent stem cells
• C. Pluripotent stem cells
• D. Hematopoietic stem cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Totipotent stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into any cell type in the human body and can generate a complete organism. They are considered the most versatile type of stem cells, capable of developing into all cell types, including extraembryonic tissues. Choice A, Totipotent stem cells, is the correct answer as it specifically describes stem cells with the broadest differentiation potential. Choice B, Multipotent stem cells, refers to stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Choice C, Pluripotent stem cells, can give rise to almost all cell types, but not the complete organism like totipotent stem cells. Choice D, Hematopoietic stem cells, are a type of multipotent stem cells that give rise to various blood cell types, but do not have the same broad differentiation potential as totipotent stem cells.

2. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

• A. Packaging DNA
• B. Replicating DNA
• C. Transcribing DNA
• D. Translating mRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Replicating DNA. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the template provided by the existing DNA strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Option A, Packaging DNA, refers to the coiling and organization of DNA into chromatin, a process involving histones and other proteins. Option C, Transcribing DNA, involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, a process carried out by RNA polymerase. Option D, Translating mRNA, refers to the process of protein synthesis where the information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

3. What is the smallest unit that can encode for a trait?

• A. A codon
• B. A gene
• C. A nucleotide
• D. A chromosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - a gene. Genes are the smallest units that can encode for a trait as they contain the specific instructions for producing a particular characteristic or protein. While codons are sequences of nucleotides that code for specific amino acids in a protein, they are not the smallest unit that encodes for a trait. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins, containing many genes.

4. Which organ of the body compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases?

• A. Appendix
• B. Liver
• C. Pancreas
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The liver is the organ that compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases. It stores certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, and releases them when dietary intake decreases. This helps maintain the body's vitamin levels and functions. The other organs listed - Appendix, Pancreas, and Stomach - do not primarily play a role in compensating for a decrease in vitamin intake. The liver is crucial in maintaining vitamin balance, making it the correct choice in this context.

5. Which element shares the same group (family) on the periodic table with helium (He)?

• A. Neon (Ne)
• B. Boron (B)
• C. Carbon (C)
• D. Oxygen (O)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Neon (Ne) shares the same group (family) on the periodic table with helium (He). Both helium and neon belong to Group 18 (Noble Gases) due to their complete and stable outer electron shells, making them chemically inert. Boron (B), Carbon (C), and Oxygen (O) are not in the same group as helium. Boron is in Group 13, Carbon is in Group 14, and Oxygen is in Group 16 on the periodic table.

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