Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is released in response to low blood sugar levels and stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is the hormone produced by the pancreas that is released in response to low blood sugar levels. It acts to stimulate the release of glucose into the bloodstream by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Insulin, conversely, is released in response to high blood sugar levels and promotes the uptake of glucose by cells. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates metabolism and the immune response. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism but is not involved in responding to low blood sugar levels.

2. Homologous structures are similar structures in different organisms that have a common evolutionary origin. An example is:

• A. Butterfly wings and bird wings (analogous structures with different origins)
• B. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale
• C. The eyes of an octopus and a human (convergent evolution with different origins)
• D. The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus (unrelated structures)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homologous structures are similar structures found in different organisms that share a common evolutionary origin. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale are all examples of homologous structures. Despite serving different functions, they share a common underlying structure due to their evolutionary relationship, evidencing a shared ancestry. These structures are modified over time to suit the specific needs of each species. Option A (Butterfly wings and bird wings) refers to analogous structures with different origins. Option C (The eyes of an octopus and a human) describes convergent evolution where traits evolve independently. Option D (The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus) are unrelated structures.

3. Which property of a substance resists a change in its shape?

• A. Density
• B. Mass
• C. Inertia
• D. Elasticity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elasticity refers to a material's ability to resist deformation and return to its original shape after stress is applied. It is the property that resists a change in shape. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. Viscosity, not mentioned in the question, is the resistance of a fluid to flow, not shape change.

4. A substance is only considered acidic if it has a pH less than what?

• A. 12
• B. 9
• C. 7
• D. 4

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A substance is considered acidic if its pH is less than 7. pH values below 7 indicate acidity, while pH values above 7 indicate alkalinity or basicity. Substances with a pH less than 7 are categorized as acidic, not above it. Therefore, a substance is classified as acidic if its pH is less than 7, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a pH of 12, 9, and 4, respectively, are all above 7, and therefore not indicative of acidity.

5. What is the primary function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in gene editing?

• A. To amplify specific DNA sequences.
• B. To cut DNA at specific locations.
• C. To deliver genes into cells.
• D. To sequence entire genomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful tool used in gene editing to precisely target and cut DNA at specific locations within the genome. This system consists of a guide RNA that directs the Cas9 enzyme to the desired DNA sequence, where it creates a double-strand break. This break can then be repaired by the cell's natural DNA repair mechanisms, allowing for the introduction of specific genetic modifications. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the primary function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in gene editing. Amplifying DNA sequences, delivering genes into cells, and sequencing entire genomes are not the main functions of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which is primarily focused on precise DNA cutting for targeted genetic modifications.

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