Nursing Elites

1. The neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that:

• A. Most mutations in DNA are selectively neutral and do not affect an organism's fitness.
• B. All mutations are beneficial and contribute to the adaptation of a population.
• C. The rate of evolution is primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures.
• D. Genetic drift plays a negligible role in shaping genetic variation within populations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s, suggests that the majority of mutations that occur in DNA are selectively neutral, meaning they do not have a significant impact on an organism's fitness. These neutral mutations are not subject to natural selection and are allowed to accumulate in populations over time. This theory helps explain the high levels of genetic variation observed within populations. B) Option B is incorrect because not all mutations are beneficial. Mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, and the neutral theory specifically focuses on the idea that many mutations are neutral in their effects. C) Option C is incorrect because the neutral theory suggests that evolution is not primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures. Instead, it emphasizes the role of genetic drift and the accumulation of neutral mutations in shaping genetic variation. D) Option D is incorrect because

2. Which statement is true regarding the process of digestion?

• A. Digestion of starch begins in the mouth.
• B. Amylase is produced by the stomach to help break down food in the upper intestine.
• C. The di- and tri-saccharides produced in early digestion are absorbed through the intestinal wall.
• D. Proteases are responsible for breaking down starches.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement 'Digestion of starch begins in the mouth' is correct. Salivary amylase, an enzyme produced in the salivary glands, initiates the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars like maltose in the mouth before further digestion in the stomach. This initial breakdown of starch is crucial in the digestion of carbohydrates, marking the beginning of the digestive process. Choice B is incorrect because amylase is produced in the salivary glands, not the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because di- and tri-saccharides are further broken down into monosaccharides before absorption. Choice D is incorrect because proteases are enzymes that break down proteins, not starches.

3. What is the acceleration of an object moving at a constant speed of 20 m/s if it comes to a complete stop within 5 seconds?

• A. 0 m/s² (no acceleration)
• B. 4 m/s²
• C. -4 m/s²
• D. Insufficient information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To find the acceleration, we use the formula: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time. Given that the final velocity is 0 m/s (as the object stops), the initial velocity is 20 m/s, and the time taken is 5 seconds. Substituting these values into the formula, we get acceleration = (0 m/s - 20 m/s) / 5 s = -20 m/s / 5 s = -4 m/s². Therefore, the acceleration is -4 m/s², indicating that the object decelerated at a rate of 4 m/s² to come to a complete stop. Choice A is incorrect because the object does experience acceleration as it changes its speed from 20 m/s to 0 m/s. Choice B is incorrect as it represents acceleration in the wrong direction, considering the object is decelerating. Choice D is incorrect as there is sufficient information provided to calculate the acceleration based on the given data.

4. What term describes the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction?

• A. Myofibril
• B. Sarcomere
• C. Tendon
• D. Myoglobin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is indeed the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction. It is composed of actin and myosin filaments that interact to generate muscle contraction. Choice A, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres, not the functional units themselves. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons connect muscles to bones and do not directly participate in muscle contraction. Choice D, 'Myoglobin,' is incorrect as myoglobin is a protein that stores oxygen in muscle cells and is not directly involved in muscle contraction.

5. How many mL of a 0 M stock solution of HCl should be added to water to create 250 mL of a 50 M solution of HCl?

• A. 31.25 mL
• B. 32 mL
• C. 30 mL
• D. 31.3 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prepare 250 mL of a 50 M solution of HCl, the formula V1 x C1 = V2 x C2 is used, where V1 is the volume of the stock solution, C1 is the concentration of the stock solution, V2 is the final volume of the desired solution, and C2 is the final concentration of the desired solution. Given V1 x 0 M = 250 mL x 50 M, solving for V1 results in V1 = (250 mL x 50 M) / 0 M = 32 mL. Therefore, 32 mL of the 0 M stock solution of HCl needs to be added to water to create a 250 mL solution of 50 M HCl. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the accurate volume required for the dilution calculation based on the given concentrations and volumes in the problem.

Similar Questions