Nursing Elites

1. What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?

• A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
• B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
• C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
• D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

2. What is the building block of RNA?

• A. Amino acid
• B. Nucleotide
• C. Protein
• D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nucleotide: Nucleotides are the building blocks of RNA. A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil in RNA), a sugar (ribose in RNA), and a phosphate group. A) Amino acid: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not RNA. C) Protein: Proteins are made up of amino acids, not nucleotides. D) Fatty acid: Fatty acids are components of lipids, not RNA.

3. Which term refers to a position toward the head? Example: The hand is part of the superior extremity.

• A. Superior
• B. Inferior
• C. Medial
• D. Lateral

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Superior.' 'Superior' refers to a position toward the head, while 'inferior' is the term for a position toward the feet. In the given example, the hand belongs to the superior extremity, which includes structures closer to the head. 'Inferior' is incorrect as it refers to a position away from the head or toward the feet. 'Medial' describes a position closer to the midline of the body, while 'lateral' refers to a position farther away from the midline.

4. Which of the following organs is responsible for producing digestive enzymes?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes to aid in the breakdown of food in the small intestine. These enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. The liver is responsible for producing bile, not digestive enzymes. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps in the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach and does not produce digestive enzymes.

5. Calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels, is produced by the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Parathyroid gland
• C. Thymus gland
• D. Adrenal gland

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It helps regulate calcium levels in the body by inhibiting the breakdown of bone and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which works in opposition to calcitonin to regulate calcium levels. The thymus gland is involved in the development of the immune system, and the adrenal gland produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland as it specifically secretes calcitonin for calcium regulation.

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