Nursing Elites

1. What is the shape of the DNA molecule?

• A. Linear
• B. Circular
• C. Double helix
• D. Straight chain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Double helix. The shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix, a structure first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This shape consists of two strands twisted around each other in a spiral. The double helix structure allows DNA to be compactly stored within the cell nucleus and provides stability to the molecule. Options (A) Linear, (B) Circular, and (D) Straight chain are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the shape of the DNA molecule. DNA is not linear but rather forms a twisted double helix; it is not circular like a ring but has a spiral structure, and it is not a straight chain but a twisted ladder-like structure.

2. Which structure of the endocrine system is responsible for maturing T cells?

• A. Hypothalamus
• B. Pineal
• C. Thymus
• D. Thyroid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The thymus is the primary gland responsible for the maturation of T cells in the immune system. T cells are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. The hypothalamus is primarily involved in hormone regulation and maintaining homeostasis. The pineal gland is responsible for secreting melatonin and regulating the sleep-wake cycle. The thyroid gland plays a key role in metabolism regulation through the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, the correct answer is the thymus because it is specifically associated with the maturation of T cells, making it essential for proper immune function.

3. What is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

• A. To trap dust particles
• B. To increase lung compliance
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To generate oxygen during respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To increase lung compliance. Surfactant is a substance produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension helps to increase lung compliance, making it easier for the lungs to expand and contract during breathing. Improved lung compliance is essential for efficient gas exchange in the respiratory system, facilitating oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because surfactant does not trap dust particles, produce mucus, or generate oxygen during respiration. Instead, its primary function lies in reducing surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse and improve lung compliance for optimal gas exchange.

4. A ball is rolling across the floor and comes to a stop on its own. What force caused the ball to stop?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Normal force from the floor
• C. Air resistance
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The force that caused the ball to stop rolling across the floor is air resistance. As the ball moves through the air, air resistance acts in the opposite direction of its motion, gradually slowing it down until it comes to a stop. In this scenario, the ball is not in contact with the floor, so the normal force from the floor does not play a role in stopping the ball. Gravitational force acts to pull objects towards the center of the Earth and would not directly stop the ball in this situation. Therefore, air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of the rolling ball and causes it to come to a stop.

5. 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.

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