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. What is the breakdown product of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that provides energy for muscle contraction?

• A. Glucose
• B. Creatine phosphate
• C. ADP (adenosine diphosphate)
• D. Lactic acid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: ADP (adenosine diphosphate) is the correct breakdown product of ATP that provides energy for muscle contraction. When ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP, energy is released and utilized by the muscles for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction. Glucose serves as an energy source but is not the direct breakdown product of ATP for muscle contraction. Creatine phosphate plays a role in energy storage and transfer, but it is not the immediate breakdown product of ATP. Lactic acid is produced during anaerobic metabolism and is not the direct provider of energy for muscle contraction.

3. Which of the following layers of the skin does not contain blood vessels?

• A. Hypodermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Epidermis
• D. Hyperdermis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is avascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels. It receives nutrients through diffusion from the underlying dermis. The hypodermis is the subcutaneous tissue beneath the dermis and contains blood vessels. The dermis is the layer of skin between the epidermis and hypodermis, which contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. 'Hyperdermis' is not a correct anatomical term and is not a layer of the skin, making it an incorrect choice for this question.

4. Which of the following statements regarding the pericardium is not correct?

• A. It allows for the heart to work in a relatively friction-free environment
• B. It is a single-walled layer around the heart
• C. It prevents overfilling of the heart with blood
• D. It protects and anchors the heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement about the pericardium is that it is double-walled, not single-walled. Choice A is correct because the pericardium does allow the heart to work in a relatively friction-free environment, reducing friction during heartbeats. Choice C is correct as the pericardium helps prevent the overfilling of the heart with blood. Choice D is also correct as the pericardium serves to protect and anchor the heart in place within the chest cavity.

5. What is the final phase of mitosis?

• A. Prophase
• B. Telophase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Metaphase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Telophase is indeed the final phase of mitosis. During telophase, the chromosomes have reached opposite poles of the cell, the nuclear envelope is re-forming around the separated sister chromatids, and cytokinesis may also occur, leading to the division of the cell into two daughter cells. Choice A, Prophase, is incorrect as it is the initial phase of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes. Choice C, Anaphase, is incorrect as it is the phase where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles. Choice D, Metaphase, is incorrect as it is the phase where chromosomes align at the cell's equator before separating.

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