Nursing Elites

1. What is the strongest evidence for evolution?

• A. The fossil record
• B. Comparative anatomy
• C. Biogeography
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) The fossil record provides evidence of how organisms have changed over time, showing transitional forms and the progression of species. B) Comparative anatomy involves studying the similarities and differences in the structures of different species, which can reveal common ancestry and evolutionary relationships. C) Biogeography examines the distribution of species around the world, which can be explained by evolution and continental drift. By considering all of the above evidence together, scientists can build a comprehensive understanding of evolution and how species have changed and diversified over time.

2. What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

• A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
• B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
• C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
• D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.

3. When magnesium metal reacts with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen gas is produced. What evidence suggests a chemical reaction is occurring?

• A. A change in color
• B. The formation of a gas
• C. Dissolving in a liquid
• D. No change in temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The formation of a gas is evidence of a chemical reaction occurring. In this case, when magnesium metal reacts with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen gas is produced, indicating a chemical change is taking place. The production of gas is a clear indication of a chemical reaction, as new substances are being formed. A change in color might suggest a physical change, dissolving in a liquid could be a physical or chemical change depending on the context, and no change in temperature does not necessarily indicate a chemical reaction, as some reactions are endothermic or release small amounts of heat that may not be easily noticeable.

4. What is the function of ribosomes?

• A. Packaging and transporting proteins
• B. Storing genetic material
• C. Controlling cell division
• D. Synthesizing proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Synthesizing proteins. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and utilize the information to assemble amino acids into proteins through a process known as translation. Choice A, packaging and transporting proteins, is incorrect as this function is typically performed by the Golgi apparatus and vesicles. Choice B, storing genetic material, is incorrect as genetic material is usually stored in the nucleus in the form of DNA. Choice C, controlling cell division, is incorrect as this function is primarily regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and specific proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

5. Describe the mechanism by which genes are transmitted from parents to offspring.

• A. Blending of parental genes, resulting in an average of their traits.
• B. Random assortment of alleles during meiosis, leading to unique combinations in each offspring.
• C. Inheritance of solely dominant alleles, masking the influence of recessive ones.
• D. Direct transfer of both parental genomes, creating identical copies of the parents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Blending of parental genes, resulting in an average of their traits, is not an accurate description of how genes are transmitted. In reality, genes are not blended but rather passed down in discrete units. B) Random assortment of alleles during meiosis is the correct mechanism by which genes are transmitted from parents to offspring. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate, and alleles are randomly distributed to the gametes, leading to unique combinations of genes in each offspring. C) Inheritance of solely dominant alleles, masking the influence of recessive ones, is not an accurate representation of gene transmission. Offspring inherit alleles from both parents, and the expression of dominant or recessive traits depends on the specific combination of alleles. D) Direct transfer of both parental genomes, creating identical copies of the parents, is not how genes are transmitted. Offspring inherit a unique combination

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