Nursing Elites

1. Why is the nucleus important in a cell?

• A. It stores the DNA
• B. It supports the cell
• C. It makes protein
• D. It makes energy out of food

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nucleus is important in a cell because it stores the DNA, which contains the genetic information necessary for the cell's function and replication. This genetic material controls the cell's activities and characteristics. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because supporting the cell, making proteins, and producing energy are functions typically associated with other cell organelles like the cytoskeleton, ribosomes, and mitochondria, respectively.

2. Which one of the following best describes the function of a cell membrane?

• A. It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell.
• B. It maintains the cell's shape.
• C. It controls the substances entering the cell.
• D. It supports the cell's structures.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The function of a cell membrane is to control the substances entering and leaving the cell. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing it to regulate the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell to maintain internal balance and proper function. Choice B is incorrect because while the cell membrane does provide some structural support, its primary function is not to maintain the cell's shape. Choice C is incorrect because the cell membrane controls both the substances entering and leaving the cell, not just those entering. Choice D is incorrect as the primary function of the cell membrane is not to support the cell's structures but to regulate the movement of substances.

3. How does asexual reproduction differ from sexual reproduction?

• A. asexual reproduction results in all cells being identical to the original cell; sexual reproduction results in half of the cells being identical to the original cell
• B. asexual reproduction results in two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
• C. sexual reproduction involves two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
• D. sexual reproduction involves one cell that yields all cells produced to be identical

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sexual reproduction involves two cells (gametes) that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because sexual reproduction does not result in half of the cells being identical to the original cell; it involves two cells contributing genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not result in significantly greater variation; it produces genetically identical offspring. Choice D is incorrect because sexual reproduction involves two cells contributing genetic material, not one cell yielding all identical cells.

4. Which of the following describes the situation where one allele takes a different form from another in a gene?

• A. phenotype
• B. heterozygous
• C. homolog
• D. homozygous

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Heterozygous is the term used to describe the genotype of an individual with two different alleles for a specific gene. In this case, one allele takes a different form from another, resulting in genetic diversity and variation in trait expression. The other choices are incorrect: 'phenotype' refers to the observable traits of an organism, 'homolog' typically refers to chromosomes that are similar in structure, and 'homozygous' describes the genotype where both alleles for a gene are the same.

5. Within the biological hierarchical system of organization, which of the following is least inclusive?

• A. phylum
• B. order
• C. kingdom
• D. species

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: species.' In the biological hierarchical system of organization, a species is the least inclusive level. A species consists of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. On the other hand, a phylum, order, and kingdom are more inclusive classifications that encompass multiple species. Phylum groups together related classes, order groups together related families, and kingdom groups together related phyla. Therefore, species is the least inclusive category within the biological hierarchical system.

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