Nursing Elites

1. What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

• A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
• B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
• C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
• D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.

2. Which type of mutation involves a change in the number of chromosomes?

• A. Point mutation
• B. Frameshift mutation
• C. Missense mutation
• D. Aneuploidy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Point mutation involves a change in a single nucleotide base pair within the DNA sequence. B) Frameshift mutation involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code. C) Missense mutation involves a single nucleotide change that results in a codon that codes for a different amino acid. D) Aneuploidy involves a change in the number of chromosomes, where an individual may have an extra chromosome (trisomy) or a missing chromosome (monosomy). Aneuploidy can lead to genetic disorders such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Changing the number of chromosomes is a characteristic feature of aneuploidy, making it the correct answer. Point mutation, frameshift mutation, and missense mutation do not involve a change in the number of chromosomes and are focused on alterations at the nucleotide level within the DNA sequence.

3. What are isotopes?

• A. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of protons.
• B. Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
• C. Atoms of different elements with the same number of protons.
• D. Atoms of different elements with the same number of electrons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. While isotopes share the same number of protons, which determines the element, they differ in the number of neutrons. This variance in neutron count results in isotopes having different atomic masses. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of protons (same element) but differ in the number of neutrons. Choice C is incorrect as it describes atoms of different elements, not isotopes of the same element. Choice D is also incorrect because isotopes can have different numbers of electrons, but what defines isotopes is the variation in neutron numbers.

4. Which macromolecules are composed of nucleotides and store information and energy?

• A. Lipids
• B. Proteins
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nucleic acids. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of nucleotides and are responsible for storing genetic information and energy (e.g., ATP). Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates are distinct macromolecules with varying functions and structures. Lipids primarily serve as energy reservoirs, structural components, and cell signaling molecules. Proteins play crucial roles in cellular functions like enzyme activity, structural support, and intracellular signaling. Carbohydrates are mainly utilized as an energy source and for structural purposes within cells.

5. What does 'monophyletic' mean in the context of classification?

• A. A group with a single representative organism
• B. A group with diverse and unrelated members
• C. A group with similar functions but different origins
• D. A group descended from a common ancestor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of classification, 'monophyletic' refers to a group that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants. This group shares a single evolutionary origin and forms a complete branch on a phylogenetic tree. Monophyletic groups are considered natural and valid taxonomic units because they reflect evolutionary relationships accurately. Option D is the correct choice as it accurately defines the term 'monophyletic' in the context of classification. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because 'monophyletic' does not refer to a group with a single representative organism but rather a group descended from a common ancestor. Choice B is incorrect as a monophyletic group consists of related, not diverse and unrelated, members. Choice C is incorrect as a monophyletic group includes descendants from a common ancestor, not just organisms with similar functions but different origins.

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