Nursing Elites

1. How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?

• A. Transformation
• B. Transduction
• C. Conjugation
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information. Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

2. Which of the following is a consequence of bone marrow failure?

• A. Seizures.
• B. Pancytopenia.
• C. Paraplegia.
• D. Pathologic fractures.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question focuses on the consequence of bone marrow failure, which is pancytopenia. Bone marrow failure results in decreased production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to pancytopenia. This condition manifests as fatigue, weakness, increased infection susceptibility, and bleeding tendencies. Paraplegia, seizures, and pathologic fractures are not typical outcomes of bone marrow failure. Paraplegia is associated with spinal cord injury, seizures with neurological disorders, and pathologic fractures with conditions like osteoporosis or bone tumors.

3. What is the main function of vacuoles in plant cells?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store water, enzymes, and waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vacuoles in plant cells primarily function as storage organelles. They store water, enzymes, pigments, and waste products, helping to maintain turgor pressure within the cell. This turgor pressure provides structural support for the plant cell. While vacuoles can also participate in transporting substances within the cell, their main role is storage. The synthesis of proteins and lipids is mainly handled by other organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Choice A is incorrect because while vacuoles indirectly contribute to structural support by maintaining turgor pressure, their primary function is storage. Choice B is incorrect as vacuoles are not primarily responsible for transporting substances in and out of the cell. Choice C is incorrect as vacuoles do not synthesize proteins and lipids; this function is carried out by other organelles.

4. Which of the following properties is NOT characteristic of a covalent bond?

• A. Sharing of electrons between atoms
• B. High melting and boiling points
• C. Low electrical conductivity in solid state
• D. Directional bonding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, leading to the formation of molecules with directional bonding. This means that the atoms are held together in a specific orientation. Covalent compounds generally exhibit low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds due to the weaker intermolecular forces present in covalent compounds. Furthermore, covalent compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state because the electrons are localized between the atoms and are not free to move and carry charge. Hence, high melting and boiling points are not characteristic of covalent bonds. The correct answer is 'B' because high melting and boiling points are typically associated with ionic compounds due to their strong electrostatic interactions, while covalent compounds have lower melting and boiling points. Choices A, C, and D are all characteristics of covalent bonds, making them incorrect answers for this question.

5. Which of the following Mendelian laws describes how pairs of alleles within genes separate and recombine independently from other genes?

• A. law of segregation
• B. law of dominance
• C. law of independent assortment
• D. law of predictive traits

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The law of independent assortment describes how alleles of different genes segregate independently during gamete formation. This means that different gene pairs are passed on to offspring separately from one another, allowing for various combinations of traits. Gregor Mendel discovered this law, along with the law of segregation and the law of dominance, through his experiments with pea plants. The law of segregation (choice A) refers to how alleles of a gene separate during gamete formation, while the law of dominance (choice B) states that one allele can mask the presence of another in a heterozygous individual. The 'law of predictive traits' (choice D) is not a recognized Mendelian law and does not accurately describe the principles of genetic inheritance.

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