Nursing Elites

1. What is the basic unit of heredity?

• A. Chromosome
• B. Cell
• C. Gene
• D. Organ

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A gene is the basic unit of heredity that carries the instructions for making proteins, which determine an organism's traits. Genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes within the cell. While chromosomes contain many genes, a gene itself is the fundamental unit of heredity responsible for passing on genetic information from one generation to the next. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms, but genes specifically carry genetic information. Organs are composed of tissues and serve specific functions within an organism, but they are not the basic unit of heredity.

2. How are genetic markers utilized in paternity testing?

• A. They identify unique sequences in the father's DNA present in the child.
• B. They analyze the presence or absence of specific alleles for certain genes.
• C. They compare the child's blood type to the parents' blood types.
• D. They measure the child's physical resemblance to the father.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Genetic markers are specific DNA sequences that can vary among individuals. In paternity testing, genetic markers are used to compare the DNA of the child with that of the alleged father. By analyzing the presence or absence of specific alleles (different forms of a gene) at these genetic markers, scientists can determine the likelihood of paternity. This method is more accurate and reliable than comparing blood types (choice C) or physical resemblance (choice D) as genetic markers provide a direct comparison of DNA sequences between individuals. Therefore, option B is the correct choice as it accurately describes the use of genetic markers in paternity testing.

3. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

4. What type of bond connects amino acids to form proteins?

• A. Covalent
• B. Peptide
• C. Ionic
• D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Peptide'. Peptide bonds are the specific type of bond that connects amino acids together to form proteins. These bonds form through a condensation reaction between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid, creating a covalent bond. While covalent bonds are involved in the formation of peptide bonds, the direct bond connecting amino acids in proteins is the peptide bond. Ionic bonds involve the attraction between charged particles, and hydrogen bonds are weaker bonds compared to covalent and peptide bonds, playing a different role in protein structure.

5. Which of the following terms refers to a muscle twitch, a single forceful contraction of a muscle fiber?

• A. Tetanus
• B. Tremor
• C. Fasciculation
• D. Rigidity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct term for a muscle twitch, a single forceful contraction of a muscle fiber, is 'Fasciculation' (choice C). Fasciculation specifically describes this phenomenon. 'Tetanus' (choice A) refers to sustained muscle contraction, 'Tremor' (choice B) indicates a shaky or quivering movement, and 'Rigidity' (choice D) denotes stiffness or inflexibility in muscles. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect in the context of a single forceful contraction of a muscle fiber.

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