Nursing Elites

1. What is the process by which RNA molecules are modified after transcription but before translation?

• A. Replication
• B. Splicing
• C. Editing
• D. Packaging

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B) Splicing is the correct answer. Splicing is the process by which non-coding regions (introns) are removed from pre-mRNA, and the remaining coding regions (exons) are joined together to form mature mRNA. This modification occurs after transcription but before translation. A) Replication is incorrect as replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce a new DNA molecule, not RNA modifications. C) Editing may involve RNA editing, but it is not commonly used to describe the modification of RNA molecules after transcription. D) Packaging is not the correct term as it refers to the condensation and organization of DNA into chromatin in eukaryotic cells, not the modification of RNA molecules.

2. 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.

3. Where does gas exchange take place in the respiratory system?

• A. Alveoli
• B. Bronchioles
• C. Bronchi
• D. Trachea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gas exchange in the respiratory system occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. Within the alveoli, oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the blood enters the alveoli to be exhaled. This exchange of gases is essential for the body to obtain oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, supporting vital bodily functions. The bronchioles (choice B), bronchi (choice C), and trachea (choice D) are part of the airway passage system that transports air to and from the alveoli but do not participate in gas exchange. Therefore, the alveoli play a crucial role in the respiratory system by facilitating gas exchange.

4. Where are most of the body's immune cells located?

• A. Blood
• B. Brain
• C. Skin
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - The majority of the body's immune cells are located in the blood. Immune cells, such as white blood cells (leukocytes), circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream to detect and fight off infections and foreign invaders. - While immune cells are also present in other parts of the body like the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow, the blood serves as a primary conduit for immune cells to travel to different tissues and organs to carry out their functions. - The brain (option B) is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which limits the entry of immune cells into the brain to prevent inflammation and damage. - The skin (option C) contains immune cells like Langerhans cells that help protect against pathogens, but the largest concentration of immune cells is found in the blood. - The large intestine (option D) also houses a significant amount of immune cells due to its role in interacting with the external environment through the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, but the primary location for most of the body's immune cells is the blood.

5. What determines the defining characteristic of an element?

• A. Neutrons in its nucleus
• B. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
• C. Protons in its nucleus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The defining characteristic of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is referred to as the atomic number. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. The correct answer is choice C because the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom defines its elemental identity, as different elements have a unique number of protons. Neutrons and electrons do play essential roles in the atom, but they do not determine the defining characteristic of an element. Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus and isotopes of an element, while electrons are involved in chemical bonding and the reactivity of an atom.

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