Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath that surrounds some axons in the nervous system?

• A. To initiate nerve impulses
• B. To transmit sensory information
• C. To speed up the transmission of nerve impulses
• D. To connect neurons at synapses

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the myelin sheath is to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. The myelin sheath acts as an insulating layer around the axon, allowing for faster conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fiber. This insulation prevents the electrical signal from dissipating or 'leaking' out, which helps in the rapid and efficient transmission of nerve impulses along the axon. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not initiate nerve impulses; it helps in conducting them. Choice B is incorrect as the myelin sheath's main role is not in transmitting sensory information but rather in facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. Choice D is incorrect because the myelin sheath's function is not to connect neurons at synapses; instead, it is primarily involved in enhancing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

2. What units of measurement would a triple beam balance show?

• A. Liters
• B. Grams
• C. Meters
• D. Gallons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A triple beam balance is used to measure mass, typically in grams. Liters, meters, and gallons are units of volume, length, and capacity, respectively, not typically measured using a triple beam balance. Therefore, the correct answer is grams. Choice A, Liters, is a unit of volume. Choice C, Meters, is a unit of length. Choice D, Gallons, is a unit of capacity. These units are not typically measured using a triple beam balance.

3. The above experimental design description is an example of which of the following types of experiments?

• A. field experiment
• B. natural experiment
• C. controlled experiment
• D. observational study

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The above experimental design description involves the manipulation of an independent variable (light exposure) to observe its effects on the dependent variable (plant growth) under controlled conditions. In a controlled experiment, researchers actively manipulate one or more variables while keeping all other variables constant to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Choice A, a field experiment, typically takes place in a real-world setting but still involves manipulation and control of variables. Choice B, a natural experiment, involves observing naturally occurring differences in variables without researcher intervention. Choice D, an observational study, does not involve manipulation of variables, making it different from the described experimental design.

4. What is the role of RNA interference in silencing genes?

• A. Increases protein production
• B. Promotes gene mutation
• C. Inhibits the expression of specific genes
• D. Repairs damaged DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, 'Inhibits the expression of specific genes,' is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because RNA interference does not increase protein production, promote gene mutation, or repair damaged DNA; its primary function is to inhibit gene expression by degrading or interfering with mRNA.

5. Which of the following is responsible for maintaining the body's circadian rhythm?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pineal gland
• C. Pancreas
• D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland is responsible for maintaining the body's circadian rhythm by producing melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and is essential in controlling the body's internal clock. The thyroid gland, although important for metabolism, is not directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms. The pancreas plays a role in blood sugar regulation through insulin production, not in controlling circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating various bodily functions, but the pineal gland is specifically responsible for the circadian rhythm.

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