Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following basic mechanisms of evolution is described as the process where organisms with an advantageous trait survive more often and produce more offspring than organisms without the advantageous trait?

• A. gene flow
• B. genetic drift
• C. mutation
• D. natural selection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Natural selection is the basic mechanism of evolution that explains how organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in a given environment. This leads to the passing on of these favorable traits to their offspring, causing these traits to become more common in the population over time, resulting in evolutionary change. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures that support the survival and reproduction of individuals with specific traits. Gene flow refers to the movement of genes between populations, genetic drift is the change in allele frequencies due to random events, and mutation is the source of genetic variation but is not the process by which advantageous traits become more prevalent in a population.

2. Which structure do cells rely on for movement?

• A. Flagellum
• B. Microtubule
• C. Pili
• D. Vesicle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flagellum. Cells rely on flagella for movement, which are whip-like structures that propel the cell forward through their whipping motion. Flagella provide motility to single-celled organisms and certain cells in multicellular organisms. Microtubules, on the other hand, provide structural support to the cell and play a role in intracellular transport. Pili are short, hair-like structures used for attachment to surfaces or other cells, not for movement. Vesicles are membrane-bound sacs involved in intracellular transport, aiding in the movement of substances within the cell, but not in the movement of the cell itself.

3. Which of the following describes how atomic radius varies across the periodic table?

• A. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table.
• B. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and right to left on the periodic table.
• C. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the halogens on the periodic table.
• D. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the noble gases on the periodic table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atomic radius tends to increase from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table. This is because as you move down a group (top to bottom), new energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus and thus increasing the size of the atom. On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases, leading to a stronger nuclear charge that attracts the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in smaller atomic radii. Choice B is incorrect as atomic radius does not increase from right to left. Choices C and D are incorrect as they incorrectly associate the trend with specific groups of elements (halogens and noble gases) rather than the general trend observed on the periodic table.

4. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolution?

• A. Natural selection
• B. Genetic drift
• C. Lamarckism
• D. Mutation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to the next generation. B) Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that occurs due to random changes in allele frequencies in a population. C) Lamarckism, also known as the inheritance of acquired characteristics, is a discredited theory that suggests organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. This mechanism has been largely rejected by the scientific community. D) Mutation is a mechanism of evolution that introduces new genetic variation into a population, which can lead to the emergence of new traits and adaptations over time.

5. Which of the following colligative properties refers to the elevation of the boiling point of a solution?

• A. Freezing point depression
• B. Vapor pressure lowering
• C. Osmotic pressure
• D. Boiling point elevation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Boiling point elevation.' Boiling point elevation is a colligative property that describes the increase in the boiling point of a solvent when a non-volatile solute is added to it. This occurs because the presence of solute particles in the solvent lowers the vapor pressure of the solution, requiring a higher temperature to reach the same vapor pressure as the pure solvent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Freezing point depression refers to the lowering of the freezing point of a solution, vapor pressure lowering is the reduction in vapor pressure due to the presence of solute particles, and osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of solvent molecules across a semipermeable membrane in osmosis.

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