Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of introns in eukaryotic genes?

• A. They code for protein sequences.
• B. They are involved in gene regulation.
• C. They are removed during mRNA processing.
• D. They are non-functional remnants of ancient DNA.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Introns do not code for protein sequences. Exons are the segments of DNA that code for proteins. B) While introns can indirectly influence gene regulation, their primary function is not directly involved in gene regulation. C) Introns are non-coding regions of DNA that are transcribed into pre-mRNA but are removed during mRNA processing through a process called splicing. This allows only the exons to be included in the mature mRNA that will be translated into proteins. D) While introns were once thought to be non-functional remnants of ancient DNA, research has shown that they can have regulatory functions and play a role in gene expression.

2. Which of the following best describes a balanced force acting on an object?

• A. The object remains at rest
• B. The object moves with constant velocity
• C. The object accelerates
• D. The object's mass changes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a balanced force acts on an object, the net force is zero, resulting in no acceleration. This means that the object will continue to move with a constant velocity if it was already in motion or remain at rest if it was initially stationary. Choice A is incorrect because the object can also move with constant velocity. Choice C is incorrect as acceleration only occurs when an unbalanced force is applied. Choice D is incorrect as the mass of an object is not affected by the balance of forces acting on it.

3. What is the primary function of red blood cells?

• A. To transport nutrients
• B. To transport oxygen
• C. To fight infection
• D. To produce antibodies

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transport oxygen. Red blood cells play a crucial role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues and organs in the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration, where oxygen is used in the production of energy. Red blood cells do not primarily transport nutrients, fight infection, or produce antibodies. Choice A is incorrect because while red blood cells do carry some nutrients, their primary function is to transport oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because immune cells, not red blood cells, are responsible for fighting infections. Choice D is incorrect as antibody production is mainly carried out by specialized white blood cells, not red blood cells.

4. What is the relationship between genetic drift and the founder effect?

• A. Founder effect is a cause of genetic drift within a small population
• B. Genetic drift is a cause of the founder effect in new populations
• C. They are the same phenomenon with different names
• D. They are unrelated concepts.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - The founder effect is a specific type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation. - Genetic drift, on the other hand, is a broader concept that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population over time due to chance events. - Therefore, the founder effect is a specific scenario within the broader concept of genetic drift, where the establishment of a new population by a small number of individuals leads to genetic changes in the population.

5. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

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