Nursing Elites

1. What is the scientific name for the common housefly?

• A. Musca domestica
• B. Drosophila melanogaster
• C. Apis mellifera
• D. Anopheles gambiae

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Musca domestica is the scientific name for the common housefly. This species is known for being a common pest found in and around human habitations. Drosophila melanogaster (option B) is a species of fruit fly commonly used in genetic research. Apis mellifera (option C) is the scientific name for the western honeybee. Anopheles gambiae (option D) is a species of mosquito known for being a vector of malaria.

2. 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.

3. Where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur?

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for both chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. The lining of the small intestine is equipped with villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver play crucial roles in further breaking down food into absorbable molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. While the stomach assists in mechanical breakdown and initial protein digestion, it is not the main site of nutrient absorption. The large intestine, on the other hand, mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food particles. The mouth aids in initial mechanical breakdown and some carbohydrate digestion, but the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, making it the correct answer.

4. How does the mass of an object affect its inertia?

• A. Mass has no impact on inertia
• B. Higher mass increases inertia
• C. Higher mass decreases inertia
• D. Mass influences gravitational force, not inertia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia because it requires more force to change its state of motion. This concept aligns with Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue in motion with the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, higher mass increases inertia, making it more difficult to alter the object's state of motion. Choice A is incorrect as mass does impact inertia. Choice C is incorrect as higher mass actually increases inertia, not decreases it. Choice D is incorrect as while mass does affect gravitational force, it also directly impacts inertia.

5. Which of the following is a true statement about dominance in genetics?

• A. All genes adhere to Mendel’s law of dominance.
• B. A dominant allele will always be expressed.
• C. When two dominant alleles are present, the resulting phenotype will express both traits.
• D. There are three or more alleles possible for all genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In genetics, dominance refers to the relationship between two different alleles of a gene where one allele (dominant) masks the expression of another allele (recessive) in an individual's phenotype. The correct statement about dominance is that a dominant allele will always be expressed in the phenotype, even in the presence of a recessive allele. This means that if an individual has at least one dominant allele for a particular trait, that trait will be expressed. Choice A is incorrect because not all genes follow Mendel’s law of dominance; exceptions do exist. Choice C is incorrect because when two dominant alleles are present, only one will be expressed due to complete dominance. Choice D is incorrect as there can be more than three alleles for a gene, and not all genes have three or more alleles.

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