Nursing Elites

1. What is the process of cells becoming specialized to perform specific functions called?

• A. Cell division
• B. Cell differentiation
• C. Cell growth
• D. Cell regeneration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions. During differentiation, cells acquire specific structures and functions that allow them to carry out particular roles in the body. Cell division refers to the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. Cell growth is the process by which cells increase in size and number. Cell regeneration is the process by which new cells are produced to replace damaged or lost cells in an organism. Therefore, in this context, the process of cells becoming specialized to perform specific functions is best described as cell differentiation.

2. What cellular process ensures the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division?

• A. Mitosis (somatic cell division)
• B. Meiosis (germ cell division)
• C. Replication (DNA duplication)
• D. Transcription (DNA to RNA conversion)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. Mitosis is the process by which somatic cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells), focusing on genetic diversity through recombination and reduction of chromosome number. Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical copy, essential for cell division but not the specific process ensuring accurate genetic material transmission. Transcription involves copying DNA into RNA, crucial for gene expression but not directly related to the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division.

3. 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.

4. What is the difference between a phylum and a class?

• A. Phylums are broader and more general
• B. Classes are broader and more general
• C. They are synonyms, used for the same groups
• D. Phylums are for plants, classes are for animals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In biological classification, a phylum is a higher taxonomic rank than a class. A phylum is a broader category that encompasses multiple classes within it. It represents a group of organisms sharing a common body plan or evolutionary history. On the other hand, a class is a more specific category within a phylum that includes organisms with similar characteristics. Therefore, phyla are broader and more general compared to classes. Choice B is incorrect because classes are more specific categories within phyla. Choice C is incorrect as phyla and classes are distinct hierarchical levels in taxonomy. Choice D is incorrect because phyla and classes are not restricted to specific types of organisms; they can apply to various organisms across the biological kingdom.

5. What happens to the gravitational potential energy of an object as it falls freely?

• A. It decreases
• B. It increases
• C. It remains constant
• D. It becomes zero

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It decreases.' When an object falls freely, its height decreases, resulting in a decrease in gravitational potential energy. The potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the object accelerates due to gravity. This conversion process continues until the object reaches the ground or its lowest point, where the gravitational potential energy is minimal or zero. Choice B is incorrect because gravitational potential energy decreases, not increases, during free fall. Choice C is incorrect as gravitational potential energy changes due to the change in height. Choice D is incorrect as the gravitational potential energy does not instantly become zero but decreases gradually as the object falls.

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