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. Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?

• A. nutrient processing
• B. blood filtration and detoxification
• C. cholesterol and lipoprotein production
• D. insulin production and blood sugar regulation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The liver does not produce insulin; instead, insulin is produced by the pancreas. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose but does not directly produce insulin. Choices A, B, and C are functions of the liver. Nutrient processing, blood filtration, detoxification, cholesterol, and lipoprotein production are essential roles performed by the liver to maintain overall metabolic balance and health.

3. What property of a substance remains constant regardless of its location in the universe?

• A. Mass
• B. Weight
• C. Density
• D. Volume

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of its location in the universe. Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on an object and can vary depending on the gravitational pull at different locations. Density and volume can also change based on the environment in which an object is placed, making mass the property that remains constant universally. Therefore, the correct answer is mass. Weight changes with the gravitational force of a particular location, density varies with mass and volume, and volume can change depending on the shape or size of the object.

4. During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract, pushing blood into the ventricles?

• A. Atrial diastole
• B. Ventricular systole
• C. Atrial systole
• D. Ventricular diastole

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atrial systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle during which the atria contract, pushing blood into the ventricles. This occurs after the atria have been filled during atrial diastole. Ventricular systole refers to the phase when the ventricles contract to push blood out of the heart, not when the atria contract. Ventricular diastole is the phase when the ventricles relax and fill with blood, not when the atria contract. Therefore, the correct answer is atrial systole as it specifically describes the atrial contraction phase.

5. What is the primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?

• A. Filtration of air
• B. Production of mucus
• C. Prevention of food entering the trachea
• D. Oxygen exchange in the alveoli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system is to prevent food from entering the trachea. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the opening of the trachea, guiding food down the esophagus to the stomach and preventing it from entering the airway. This mechanism safeguards the respiratory system from foreign objects, ensuring proper air passage and avoiding potential choking hazards. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A) Filtration of air is mainly performed by the nasal hairs and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. B) Production of mucus is primarily carried out by the mucous glands in the respiratory system to trap particles and humidify the air. D) Oxygen exchange in the alveoli occurs in the lungs and is related to the process of respiration, not the function of the epiglottis.

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