Nursing Elites

1. What is the scientific term for the study of genes and their role in disease?

• A. Molecular biology
• B. Biochemistry
• C. Evolutionary biology
• D. Genomic medicine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genomic medicine is the scientific discipline that specifically focuses on the study of genes and their involvement in disease processes. It seeks to understand how variations in an individual's genes can influence their predisposition to certain diseases or affect their response to treatment. This field plays a crucial role in personalized medicine by utilizing genetic information to tailor healthcare decisions and interventions to individual patients. Molecular biology, biochemistry, and evolutionary biology, while related to genetics in various ways, do not have the primary focus on the role of genes in disease as genomic medicine does.

2. What type of genetic variation is caused by changes in the DNA sequence?

• A. Epigenetic variation
• B. Phenotypic variation
• C. Genotypic variation
• D. Behavioral variation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Epigenetic variation refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence itself. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors. B) Phenotypic variation refers to differences in observable traits or characteristics of an organism, which can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. C) Genotypic variation is caused by changes in the DNA sequence, such as mutations or genetic recombination. These changes directly impact the genetic information carried by an organism. D) Behavioral variation refers to differences in behavior among individuals of the same species, which can be influenced by genetic, environmental, and experiential factors.

3. What are the differences between RNA and DNA?

• A. Both have the same structure and function.
• B. RNA is single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded.
• C. RNA contains ribose sugar, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.
• D. RNA has adenine and guanine, while DNA has thymine and cytosine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) This statement is incorrect. RNA and DNA have different structures and functions. RNA is involved in protein synthesis and other cellular processes, while DNA stores genetic information. B) This statement is correct. RNA is typically single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded, forming a double helix structure. C) This statement is correct. RNA contains ribose sugar in its backbone, while DNA contains deoxyribose sugar. D) This statement is incorrect. RNA contains adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil, while DNA contains adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine. Choice B is the correct answer as it accurately describes one of the key differences between RNA and DNA, emphasizing their structural disparity in terms of single-strandedness for RNA and double-strandedness for DNA. Choices A, C, and D contain inaccuracies regarding the structural and compositional distinctions between RNA and DNA, making them incorrect choices.

4. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Thalamus
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

5. What is the process of making copies of DNA called?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Replication
• D. DNA repair

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. It involves the creation of mRNA molecules from a DNA template. B) Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. During translation, the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific sequence of amino acids, forming a protein. C) Replication is the process of making copies of DNA. This process occurs before cell division and ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. D) DNA repair is a cellular mechanism that corrects errors in DNA that arise due to various factors such as exposure to mutagens or mistakes during DNA replication. It is essential for maintaining the integrity of the genetic material.

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