Nursing Elites

1. What is the major difference between somatic and germline mutations?

• A. Somatic mutations usually benefit the individual while germline mutations usually harm them.
• B. Since germline mutations only affect one cell, they are less noticeable than the rapidly dividing somatic cells.
• C. Somatic mutations are not expressed for several generations, but germline mutations are expressed immediately.
• D. Germline mutations are usually inherited while somatic mutations will affect only the individual.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between somatic and germline mutations is that germline mutations are usually inherited and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and only affect the individual in which they occur. This means that germline mutations have the potential to be present in future generations, while somatic mutations do not.

2. What is the most powerful stimulus for breathing in a healthy person?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Increase in CO2
• D. Loss of O2

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is an increase in CO2. In a healthy individual, the primary drive to breathe is regulated by the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. When CO2 levels increase, it triggers the body to increase the rate and depth of breathing to eliminate excess CO2 and restore the balance. This response is more powerful than other stimuli such as acidosis, alkalosis, or loss of oxygen. While acidosis and alkalosis can affect breathing, an increase in CO2 has a more direct and immediate impact. Loss of oxygen (hypoxia) is a potent stimulus, but the body's response to increased CO2 levels is generally more pronounced and immediate in healthy individuals.

3. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is the correct answer. It is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells. When blood sugar levels are elevated, insulin is released to help cells utilize glucose for energy or store it for future use. Glucagon, choice B, is produced by the pancreas as well but has the opposite effect of raising blood sugar levels by releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream. Cortisol, choice C, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is involved in the stress response and metabolism, not specifically in regulating blood sugar levels. Thyroxine, choice D, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism but is not directly involved in the uptake of glucose into cells.

4. Which of the following glands helps regulate calcium levels?

• A. Osteotoid gland
• B. Pineal gland
• C. Parathyroid glands
• D. Thymus gland

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps control calcium levels in the blood by acting on the bones, kidneys, and intestines. The other options, such as the osteotoid gland, pineal gland, and thymus gland, do not play a significant role in calcium regulation. The osteotoid gland is a fictitious term, the pineal gland is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles and producing melatonin, and the thymus gland is part of the immune system and plays a role in T-cell maturation.

5. Which statement confirms that the cell membrane is selectively permeable?

• A. Receptors are found on a cell's surface.
• B. Cells communicate with each other using cell signals.
• C. Environmental changes can cause a cell to expand or shrink.
• D. Sodium ions must travel through ion channels to enter the cell.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because selective permeability is demonstrated by the fact that specific ions, such as sodium, require ion channels to cross the cell membrane. This process allows the cell to control what substances can enter or exit, highlighting the selective nature of the cell membrane. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the concept of selective permeability of the cell membrane. Receptors on a cell's surface (Choice A) are involved in cell signaling rather than selective permeability. Cell communication through signals (Choice B) and environmental changes affecting cell size (Choice C) are not directly related to the selective permeability of the cell membrane, which specifically refers to the regulation of substances passing through the membrane.

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