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. Which of the following enzymes is responsible for adding a nucleotide to a growing DNA chain?

• A. Helicase
• B. Ligase
• C. Nuclease
• D. Polymerase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Polymerase. Polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain during DNA replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix to separate the DNA strands for replication, Ligase joins DNA fragments together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between them, and Nuclease cuts or degrades DNA strands. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain.

3. Which part of the brainstem controls heart rate and breathing?

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Pons
• C. Midbrain
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

4. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.

5. Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

• A. Speed
• B. Distance
• C. Mass
• D. Velocity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Velocity is a vector quantity as it encompasses both magnitude (speed) and direction. When describing the motion of an object, it is crucial to consider both aspects. Speed (option A) is a scalar quantity, representing only the magnitude of motion without indicating direction. Distance (option B) is also a scalar quantity, indicating the extent of an object's motion without considering direction. Mass (option C) is a scalar quantity, measuring the amount of matter in an object and not involving direction.

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