Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

• A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
• B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
• C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
• D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

3. Which type of blood cell is responsible for clotting?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. Platelets
• C. White blood cells
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. They help prevent excessive bleeding by forming clots at the site of blood vessel injuries. Platelets release chemicals that initiate the clotting process, leading to the formation of a stable clot that stops bleeding. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body and do not play a direct role in clotting. White blood cells are part of the immune system, fighting off infections and foreign invaders. Plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances such as nutrients, hormones, and waste products, but it is not directly involved in clotting.

4. When a certain plant is introduced into an area, and the population of a certain insect species declines, what can be concluded from this?

• A. The plant is toxic to the insect in question.
• B. The plant competes with and drives out plants that the insect feeds on.
• C. The insect population was declining anyway; the fact that it happened when the plant was introduced is a coincidence.
• D. All of these explanations may be possible; further investigation is necessary to determine which is true.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The given scenario presents multiple possible explanations for the decline in the insect population with the introduction of a particular plant. It could be due to the plant being toxic to the insect (Option A), competing with and driving out plants that the insect feeds on (Option B), or the decline could be coincidental with the plant introduction as the insect population was already decreasing (Option C). Without further investigation and evidence, it is not possible to definitively determine which explanation is correct. Therefore, all of these possibilities may be true, and thorough investigation is necessary to reach a conclusive conclusion.

5. What is the process of making copies of DNA called?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Replication
• D. DNA repair

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. It involves the creation of mRNA molecules from a DNA template. B) Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. During translation, the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific sequence of amino acids, forming a protein. C) Replication is the process of making copies of DNA. This process occurs before cell division and ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. D) DNA repair is a cellular mechanism that corrects errors in DNA that arise due to various factors such as exposure to mutagens or mistakes during DNA replication. It is essential for maintaining the integrity of the genetic material.

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