Nursing Elites

1. What is the term for an organism with two different alleles for a gene?

• A. Homozygous
• B. Heterozygous
• C. Dominant
• D. Recessive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homozygous refers to an organism with two identical alleles for a gene, either both dominant or both recessive. Heterozygous, the correct answer, refers to an organism with two different alleles for a gene, one dominant and one recessive. Dominant and recessive describe the relationship between alleles, where dominant alleles are expressed over recessive alleles in heterozygous individuals. Therefore, the term for an organism with two different alleles for a gene is 'heterozygous.'

2. The body's first line of defense against pathogens is the innate immune system. Which of the following is NOT a component of the innate immune system?

• A. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes
• B. Phagocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens
• C. Inflammatory response to isolate and contain infection
• D. Production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen is a function of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific defense mechanisms against pathogens, including physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammatory responses. Choices A, B, and C are all correct components of the innate immune system. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes act as the first line of defense, preventing pathogens from entering the body. Phagocytes are specialized cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, while the inflammatory response helps isolate and contain infections to prevent their spread.

3. The term that refers to the specific role and position an organism occupies within an ecosystem is called a:

• A. Habitat
• B. Niche
• C. Population
• D. Biome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Habitat refers to the specific physical environment where an organism lives, including the biotic and abiotic factors present. While the habitat is important for an organism's survival, it does not encompass the specific role and interactions of the organism within the ecosystem. B) Niche refers to the specific role and position an organism occupies within an ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms and its physical environment. This includes the organism's feeding habits, behavior, preferred habitat, and how it obtains resources. The niche of an organism is crucial in determining its impact on the ecosystem and its relationships with other species. C) Population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area and interacting with each other. While populations play a role in ecosystems, they do not specifically describe the role and position of an individual organism within the ecosystem. D) Biome refers to a large geographical area characterized by its climate, fauna, and flora. It is a broader concept than niche, habitat, or population, focusing on the overall characteristics of the environment rather than the specific role of an individual organism.

4. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting which neurotransmitter?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Glutamate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in coordinating movement. The reduction of dopamine levels leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Choice B, acetylcholine, is involved in functions like muscle contraction and autonomic nervous system regulation but is not primarily affected in Parkinson's disease. Serotonin (Choice C) is involved in mood regulation and sleep, not the main neurotransmitter affected in Parkinson's disease. Glutamate (Choice D) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is not primarily implicated in Parkinson's disease pathophysiology.

5. What is the difference between mass and weight?

• A. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, whereas weight is the force of gravity acting on an object.
• B. Mass is a measure of inertia, whereas weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object.
• C. Mass is measured in pounds, whereas weight is measured in kilograms.
• D. Mass is a vector quantity, whereas weight is a scalar quantity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mass is the amount of matter in an object and is a scalar quantity, whereas weight is the force of gravity acting on an object and is a vector quantity. Mass remains constant regardless of the location, while weight can vary depending on the strength of gravity at different locations. Answer choice A correctly defines the difference between mass and weight, making it the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because mass is not a measure of inertia. Choice C is incorrect as mass is typically measured in kilograms, not pounds. Choice D is incorrect as mass is a scalar quantity, and weight is a vector quantity.

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