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. In an experiment where five tropical plants are kept at varying humidity levels in a greenhouse for three months, while one plant is left outside in normal conditions, with plant height measured weekly, what serves as the control of the experiment?

• A. Plant height for each tropical plant
• B. The plant left outside in normal conditions
• C. Humidity level readings in the greenhouse
• D. Amount of time used to study plant height

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The plant left outside in normal conditions acts as the control in the experiment. It provides a standard reference point for comparison to assess the impact of the varying humidity levels on the growth of the tropical plants. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to the dependent variable being measured, not the control. Choice C is incorrect as humidity levels in the greenhouse are part of the experimental conditions, not the control. Choice D is incorrect as the time used for studying plant height is a parameter of the experiment and not the control.

3. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

• A. Insulin
• B. Thyroxine
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Cortisol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroxine. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, a hormone essential for regulating metabolism. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for the 'fight or flight' response. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex in response to stress, not by the thyroid gland.

4. Which of the following is responsible for carrying electrical impulses in the nervous system?

• A. Platelets
• B. Neurons
• C. Red blood cells
• D. White blood cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neurons are the correct answer as they are specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit electrical impulses throughout the body. Neurons have structures like axons and dendrites that enable the transmission of electrical signals. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, red blood cells carry oxygen, and white blood cells are part of the immune system; however, none of these cell types play a role in carrying electrical impulses in the nervous system.

5. Which of the following nerves has the longest axon in the human body?

• A. Dorsal root ganglion
• B. Laryngeal nerve
• C. Sciatic nerve
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sciatic nerve contains the longest axon in the human body, extending from the lower back down the leg. This nerve is responsible for innervating the muscles of the lower limb. The dorsal root ganglion and laryngeal nerve do not possess axons as long as the sciatic nerve, making them incorrect choices. Therefore, the correct answer is C, the sciatic nerve.

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