Nursing Elites

1. Which term best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures?

• A. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• B. Gradualism (slow and continuous change)
• C. Founder effect (genetic drift in a small population)
• D. Adaptive radiation (rapid diversification of a species)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by long periods of stability, rather than gradual change over time in response to environmental pressures. B) Gradualism is the process by which species evolve through slow and continuous changes over time in response to environmental pressures. This gradual change can lead to the development of new traits and adaptations. C) Founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation compared to the original population. It does not specifically describe the gradual change in a species over time. D) Adaptive radiation is the rapid diversification of a species into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, but it does not specifically refer to the gradual change in response to environmental pressures. Therefore, the term that best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is 'Gradualism.'

2. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

• A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
• B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
• C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
• D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.

3. Which statement below correctly describes the movement of molecules in the body and in relation to the external environment?

• A. Osmosis is the movement of a solution from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
• B. Diffusion is the process in which oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream.
• C. Dissipation is the transport of molecules across a semipermeable membrane from low to high concentration.
• D. Reverse osmosis is the movement of molecules in a solution from high concentration to low concentration.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Diffusion is the process where molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the context of the lungs, oxygen moves from the alveoli in the lungs to the bloodstream through diffusion. Choice A is incorrect as osmosis involves the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Choice C is incorrect because dissipation does not refer to a specific biological process related to molecule movement. Choice D is incorrect as reverse osmosis is a process where solvent moves from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration, not the movement of molecules within a solution.

4. What is the product of translation from an RNA template?

• A. DNA
• B. Lipid
• C. Polypeptide
• D. Carbohydrate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Translation is the process by which the genetic information carried by mRNA is decoded to synthesize a polypeptide chain. This essential process occurs at the ribosomes within the cell. The product of translation from an RNA template is a polypeptide, not DNA, lipid, or carbohydrate. DNA is involved in transcription, lipids are not directly produced in translation, and carbohydrates are not synthesized through translation. Therefore, the correct product resulting from translation from an RNA template is a polypeptide, making choice C, 'Polypeptide,' the correct answer.

5. What is the term for the tiny particles that make up atoms?

• A. Protons
• B. Electrons
• C. Neutrons
• D. Subatomic particles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Subatomic particles.' Subatomic particles are the tiny components that constitute atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of an atom, while electrons revolve around the nucleus. Choices A, B, and C specifically refer to individual subatomic particles but do not encompass the complete range of particles within an atom.

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