Nursing Elites

1. What is the importance of RNA splicing?

• A. Removes introns from the mRNA molecule
• B. Adds the poly-A tail to the mRNA molecule
• C. Activates the mRNA molecule for translation
• D. Modifies the structure of the protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: RNA splicing is a crucial process in gene expression where non-coding regions called introns are removed from the pre-mRNA molecule, and the remaining coding regions called exons are joined together to form the mature mRNA molecule. This process ensures that only the protein-coding sequences are retained in the mRNA for translation, allowing for the production of functional proteins. Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the importance of RNA splicing in generating mature mRNA molecules for protein synthesis. B) Adding the poly-A tail to the mRNA molecule is a post-transcriptional modification that occurs after RNA splicing and is not directly related to the process of removing introns. C) Activating the mRNA molecule for translation is typically achieved through the addition of a 5' cap and the poly-A tail, rather than through RNA splicing. D) Modifying the structure of the protein is not directly related to the process of RNA splicing, which primarily focuses on mRNA maturation by removing non-coding introns.

2. A rocket engine expels hot gases backwards. What principle explains the rocket's forward motion?

• A. Newton's first law of motion
• B. Newton's second law of motion
• C. Newton's third law of motion
• D. Law of conservation of energy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of a rocket engine expelling hot gases backwards, the action is the expulsion of gases, and the reaction is the forward motion of the rocket. The hot gases being expelled act as the action force, propelling the rocket in the opposite direction as the reaction force, resulting in the rocket's forward motion. Newton's first law of motion (Choice A) pertains to inertia, stating that an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Newton's second law of motion (Choice B) relates force, mass, and acceleration, which is not directly applicable to the scenario of a rocket engine propulsion. The law of conservation of energy (Choice D) is a fundamental principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only be transformed, which does not directly explain the forward motion of the rocket in this context.

3. How do vaccines primarily function within the body?

• A. Creating a physical barrier against pathogens
• B. Triggering an inflammatory response
• C. Developing immunological memory to a specific pathogen
• D. Activating phagocytes to engulf pathogens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vaccines primarily function by stimulating the immune system to develop immunological memory to a specific pathogen. When a vaccine is administered, it exposes the immune system to a harmless version of a pathogen or a piece of it. This exposure triggers the immune response, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells specific to that pathogen. Choice A is incorrect because vaccines do not create a physical barrier; rather, they prepare the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. Choice B is incorrect as vaccines do trigger an immune response, but the primary goal is to create memory rather than inflammation. Choice D is incorrect as vaccines do not directly activate phagocytes; instead, they stimulate the immune system to generate a targeted response against a particular pathogen.

4. Which of the following is a representation of a natural pattern or occurrence that is difficult or impossible to experience directly?

• A. A theory
• B. A model
• C. A law
• D. An observation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A model is a representation of a natural pattern or occurrence that is difficult or impossible to experience directly. Models are used to simplify complex systems or phenomena to aid in understanding or making predictions about them. The other options (A, C, and D) do not specifically refer to representations of natural patterns or occurrences as models do. A theory is an explanation based on observations, experiments, and reasoning. A law is a statement that describes a consistent natural phenomenon observed to occur without exception. An observation is a direct result of perceiving something using the senses, without being a representation or abstraction of a natural pattern.

5. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

• A. Shivering when the body temperature falls.
• B. Increasing heart rate when blood pressure is low.
• C. Weight gain when consuming excess calories.
• D. Secreting insulin to decrease blood sugar concentration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

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