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 might happen if blood sugar begins to drop in the human body?

• A. The pancreas releases insulin.
• B. The liver releases stored glucose.
• C. The liver stores glucose as glycogen.
• D. The pancreas releases glucagon.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When blood sugar levels drop in the body, the pancreas releases glucagon. Glucagon acts to increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the release of insulin lowers blood sugar levels, opposite of what happens when blood sugar is dropping. Choice B is incorrect as the liver releases stored glucose in response to low blood sugar, not when blood sugar is already dropping. Choice C is also incorrect as the liver stores glucose as glycogen but doesn't directly impact blood sugar levels dropping in the moment.

3. What is the main function of the urinary system?

• A. Transporting oxygen
• B. Fighting off infections
• C. Maintaining acid-base balance
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the urinary system is to maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is achieved by regulating the levels of electrolytes and water in the body. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood to form urine, which helps to regulate the pH balance. Choice A, transporting oxygen, is primarily the function of the respiratory system. Choice B, fighting off infections, is a function of the immune system. Therefore, the correct answer is maintaining acid-base balance.

4. Which valve prevents the backflow of blood into the left ventricle as it leaves through the aorta?

• A. Pulmonary semilunar valve
• B. Aortic semilunar valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The aortic semilunar valve is the correct answer as it prevents the backflow of blood into the left ventricle once it has been pumped into the aorta. The pulmonary semilunar valve prevents backflow into the right ventricle, the tricuspid valve controls blood flow between the right atrium and ventricle, and the mitral valve regulates blood flow between the left atrium and ventricle. Therefore, option B is the correct choice for this question.

5. How does sunscreen protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays?

• A. By reflecting UV rays away from the skin
• B. By absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat
• C. By blocking UV rays completely
• D. By stimulating melanin production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat. This mechanism helps to prevent the UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Reflecting UV rays away from the skin (option A) is not the primary function of sunscreen. While sunscreen does block UV rays, it does not do so completely (option C) as some UV rays may still penetrate the skin. Sunscreen does not stimulate melanin production (option D) as a means of protecting the skin from UV rays.

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