Nursing Elites

1. The dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells are most likely:

• A. Ribosomes
• B. Flagella
• C. Endospores
• D. Capsules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Endospores are the correct answer. Endospores are dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells. They are highly resistant dormant structures formed by certain bacteria in response to harsh environmental conditions. Ribosomes are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells; they are responsible for protein synthesis. Flagella are long, whip-like appendages used for movement and are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells. Capsules are outer layers of polysaccharides that some bacteria produce for protection and adherence, not dark, round structures within bacterial cells.

2. According to the wave theory of light, the bright fringes observed in a double-slit experiment correspond to:

• A. Constructive interference
• B. Destructive interference
• C. Increased diffraction
• D. Total internal reflection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a double-slit experiment based on the wave theory of light, the bright fringes are the result of constructive interference. Constructive interference occurs when light waves from the two slits arrive at a point in phase, reinforcing each other and creating a bright fringe. This reinforcement leads to the constructive addition of the wave amplitudes, resulting in a bright spot on the screen. Destructive interference, which would result in dark fringes, occurs when waves are out of phase and cancel each other out. Increased diffraction and total internal reflection are not related to the formation of bright fringes in a double-slit experiment. Therefore, the correct answer is constructive interference.

3. How does the structure of centromeres contribute to chromosome movement during mitosis?

• A. The centromere provides a binding site for spindle fibers, allowing chromosomes to be attached and manipulated.
• B. The centromere serves as a dividing point between sister chromatids, ensuring their separation during anaphase.
• C. The centromere maintains chromosome stability by preventing chromosomal breaks and rearrangements.
• D. The centromere plays a role in DNA replication, ensuring accurate copying of the genetic material.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) The centromere provides a binding site for spindle fibers, which are microtubules that help move chromosomes during cell division. This attachment allows the chromosomes to be pulled towards opposite poles of the cell during mitosis. Therefore, the structure of centromeres directly contributes to chromosome movement during mitosis by facilitating the attachment and manipulation of chromosomes by the spindle fibers. B) While the centromere does serve as a dividing point between sister chromatids, ensuring their separation during anaphase, this function is more related to the segregation of chromosomes rather than their movement. C) The centromere does play a role in maintaining chromosome stability by ensuring proper chromosome segregation, but it is not primarily responsible for preventing chromosomal breaks and rearrangements. D) The centromere is not directly involved in DNA replication. Its main function is

4. Which of the following describes the term allele?

• A. A specific form of a gene that can exist at a particular locus
• B. An inheritable variation of a gene
• C. A grouping of various genes
• D. Variations of complementary base pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus. They represent variations of a gene and are inheritable. Choice A is incorrect as it does not fully capture the concept of an allele, which is a specific form of a gene rather than a substitution. Choice C is incorrect as alleles are not a grouping of various genes but rather different forms of a single gene at a specific locus. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not accurately describe alleles; alleles are variations of genes, not base pairs.

5. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

Similar Questions