Nursing Elites

1. What is the difference between a germline mutation and a somatic mutation?

• A. Germline mutations are passed to offspring, while somatic mutations are not.
• B. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells, while somatic mutations occur in body cells.
• C. Germline mutations only affect genes, while somatic mutations can affect any DNA.
• D. Germline mutations are always beneficial, while somatic mutations are always harmful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Germline mutations are changes in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) and can be passed on to offspring, affecting all cells in the resulting organism. - Somatic mutations are changes in the DNA of non-reproductive cells (body cells) and are not passed on to offspring. These mutations only affect the cells that arise from the mutated cell. - Option A is incorrect because somatic mutations are not passed to offspring. - Option C is incorrect because both germline and somatic mutations can affect any DNA. - Option D is incorrect because the effects of mutations, whether germline or somatic, can be beneficial, harmful, or have no significant impact.

2. How is homeostasis defined?

• A. The ability of human beings to keep body weight within normal limits.
• B. The maintenance of a constant external temperature inside a room.
• C. The ingestion of enough food to prevent hunger pains.
• D. The tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Homeostasis is defined as the tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This process involves regulating various physiological parameters such as body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose levels to ensure optimal functioning and health. Option A is incorrect as it specifically refers to body weight regulation, which is not the sole focus of homeostasis. Option B is incorrect as it describes maintaining a constant temperature in a room, rather than the internal environment of the body. Option C is incorrect as it only addresses the prevention of hunger pains through food ingestion, which is not the overarching concept of homeostasis.

3. What is the mass number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
• C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
• D. The number of isotopes of an element.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It specifically focuses on the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which contributes to the overall mass of the atom. Therefore, the mass number is not solely determined by the number of protons, electrons, or isotopes. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as the number of electrons in the valence shell is related to the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, not the mass number. Choice D is incorrect because the mass number does not represent the number of isotopes of an element, but rather the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Thus, option B, the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, is the correct choice.

4. What is kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease, characterized by?

• A. Muscle wasting
• B. Night blindness
• C. Scurvy
• D. Rickets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Kwashiorkor is a severe acute malnutrition condition resulting from insufficient dietary protein intake. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and notably, muscle wasting. Muscle wasting occurs as the body breaks down muscle tissue to obtain essential amino acids for vital functions. Night blindness (option B) is associated with vitamin A deficiency, scurvy (option C) results from a lack of vitamin C, and rickets (option D) is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

5. Which of the following processes breaks down cellular components for recycling or waste removal?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Cellular respiration
• C. Cell division
• D. Phagocytosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and break down cellular components or foreign particles for recycling or waste removal. It is a vital mechanism used by cells to maintain homeostasis and remove waste materials. Photosynthesis (A) is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce food, not for breaking down cellular components. Cellular respiration (B) is the process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, not for waste removal. Cell division (C) is the process by which cells replicate and divide to form new cells during growth, repair, or development, not for breaking down cellular components.

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