Nursing Elites

1. What is a mutation?

• A. A change in the DNA sequence
• B. A type of protein
• C. A normal part of the DNA replication process
• D. A harmless variation in DNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A mutation is defined as a change in the DNA sequence, which can occur due to various factors such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens (e.g., chemicals, radiation), or spontaneous changes. These alterations can lead to modifications in the genetic information carried by an organism, resulting in effects that can range from harmless variations to causing genetic disorders or diseases. Mutations play a crucial role in genetic diversity and evolution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately define what a mutation is. Option B is incorrect because mutations are not a type of protein but rather changes in DNA. Option C is incorrect because while mutations can occur during DNA replication, they are not considered a 'normal' part of the process as they can lead to genetic variations. Option D is incorrect because mutations can have a wide range of effects and are not always harmless variations.

2. How are sister chromatids distinguished from homologous chromosomes in meiosis I?

• A. Sister chromatids share the same centromere, while homologous chromosomes have different centromeres.
• B. Sister chromatids have identical DNA sequences, while homologous chromosomes have slightly different sequences due to crossing over.
• C. Sister chromatids repel each other, while homologous chromosomes attract each other during synapsis.
• D. Sister chromatids separate during anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase II.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In meiosis I, sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, containing identical DNA sequences. On the other hand, homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes, with one inherited from each parent, and they can have different versions of genes due to genetic recombination during crossing over in prophase I. Choice A is incorrect because homologous chromosomes naturally have different centromeres. Choice C is incorrect as sister chromatids and homologous chromosomes do not exhibit repulsion or attraction during synapsis. Choice D is incorrect as sister chromatids separate during anaphase II, not anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase I.

3. Which of the following nutrients is correctly matched with its foundational components?

• A. Carbohydrates are formed when glucose molecules bond together.
• B. Lipids consist of fatty acids and glycerol.
• C. Nucleic acids consist of nitrogenous bases, sugar, and phosphate groups.
• D. Proteins consist of strings of amino acids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proteins consist of strings of amino acids. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins, and they are linked together in a specific sequence to form a protein structure. This is a correct match between the nutrient (proteins) and its foundational components (amino acids). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately match the foundational components of the respective nutrients. Carbohydrates are not formed by glucose molecules bonding together; they are made up of sugar molecules. Lipids consist of fatty acids and glycerol, but they are not nutrients typically associated with bonding for formation. Nucleic acids do consist of nitrogenous bases, sugar, and phosphate groups, but they are not the correct match for the question.

4. Which of the following enzymes unwinds the double-stranded DNA during replication?

• A. Helicase
• B. Ligase
• C. Nuclease
• D. Polymerase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA during replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. This process creates the replication fork where DNA polymerase can then synthesize new DNA strands. Ligase functions to join Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, not unwind DNA. Nuclease is involved in DNA repair by removing damaged DNA segments. Polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands based on the existing template strands, not for unwinding the DNA.

5. What is the process of a fertilized egg attaching itself to the uterine lining called?

• A. Ovulation
• B. Implantation
• C. Parturition
• D. Menstruation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Implantation is the correct answer. It is the process in which a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining, where it will develop into an embryo and eventually a fetus. Ovulation, on the other hand, is the release of an egg from the ovary. Parturition refers to the process of giving birth, while menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining if fertilization does not occur. Therefore, the process described in the question specifically pertains to implantation.

Similar Questions