Nursing Elites

1. What is the smallest unit that can encode for a trait?

• A. A codon
• B. A gene
• C. A nucleotide
• D. A chromosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - a gene. Genes are the smallest units that can encode for a trait as they contain the specific instructions for producing a particular characteristic or protein. While codons are sequences of nucleotides that code for specific amino acids in a protein, they are not the smallest unit that encodes for a trait. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins, containing many genes.

2. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

3. The Becquerel (Bq) is the designated unit for quantifying:

• A. Electron volt (eV) measurements of energy
• B. Radioactivity
• C. Electric charge (Coulombs)
• D. Force (Newtons)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Becquerel (Bq) is the unit used to measure radioactivity, specifically the activity of a quantity of radioactive material. It represents the number of radioactive disintegrations or transformations per unit of time. Choice A, electron volt (eV), is a unit of energy, not radioactivity. Choice C, electric charge (Coulombs), is measured in Coulombs, not Becquerels. Choice D, force (Newtons), is a unit of force, not radioactivity. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

4. A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is not harmed is called:

• A. Mutualism
• B. Commensalism
• C. Parasitism
• D. Predation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B) Commensalism: In commensalism, one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This is the relationship described in the question. The correct answer is Commensalism because it specifically fits the scenario where one organism benefits without affecting the other. A) Mutualism: In mutualism, both organisms involved benefit from the relationship. C) Parasitism: In parasitism, one organism benefits at the expense of the other organism, which is harmed. D) Predation: In predation, one organism (predator) kills and consumes another organism (prey) for food.

5. Which hormone is produced by the pancreas to lower blood sugar levels?

• A. Glucagon
• B. Insulin
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Melatonin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in lowering blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage. Glucagon, which is also produced by the pancreas, functions to increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of stored glucose. Adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands, is involved in the fight-or-flight response and does not directly regulate blood sugar levels. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, primarily regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is not involved in blood sugar level control.

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