Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which mineral is crucial for bone strength and is stored in bones and teeth?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iron
• C. Magnesium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcium is crucial for bone strength as it is a major mineral stored in bones and teeth. It plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and strength, making it essential for overall bone health. Calcium is essential for various physiological functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Inadequate calcium intake can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become weak and brittle. Iron (Choice B) is important for transporting oxygen in the blood, but it is not stored in bones and does not play a significant role in bone strength. Magnesium (Choice C) is essential for bone health, but it is not primarily stored in bones and teeth. Potassium (Choice D) is crucial for various physiological functions, such as fluid balance and muscle function, but it is not a major mineral stored in bones and teeth for bone strength.

3. How is inertia related to Newton's first law?

• A. Objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
• B. Objects at rest stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force.
• C. An object's resistance to a change in its state of motion.
• D. The force required to lift an object.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inertia is an object's resistance to a change in its state of motion, as described by Newton's first law. This means that an object will maintain its current state, whether it is stationary or moving at a constant velocity, unless it experiences an external force. Choices A and B illustrate specific instances of inertia where objects in motion or at rest continue as such without external interference. Option D refers to the force necessary to elevate an object, which is not directly linked to the concept of inertia.

4. Where does bile, a substance that aids in digesting fats, originate from?

• A. Stomach
• B. Pancreas
• C. Liver
• D. Gallbladder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bile is produced by the liver to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The liver produces bile, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to facilitate fat digestion. The stomach (option A) is responsible for the initial digestion of food through gastric juices but does not produce bile. The pancreas (option B) secretes digestive enzymes like lipase to further break down fats in the small intestine but does not produce bile. The gallbladder (option D) stores and concentrates bile but does not produce it.

5. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

• A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
• B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
• C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
• D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.

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