Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following enzymes unwinds the double-stranded DNA during replication?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA during replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. This process creates the replication fork where DNA polymerase can then synthesize new DNA strands. Ligase functions to join Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, not unwind DNA. Nuclease is involved in DNA repair by removing damaged DNA segments. Polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands based on the existing template strands, not for unwinding the DNA.

2. How do spindle fiber dynamics and microtubule attachment regulate cell cycle checkpoints?

• A. Misaligned chromosomes fail to attach to microtubules, triggering a delay in anaphase onset.
• B. The presence of unattached kinetochores on the centromeres sends a signal to pause cell cycle progression.
• C. Microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization lead to the activation of checkpoint proteins.
• D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Misaligned chromosomes fail to attach to microtubules, triggering a delay in anaphase onset: Proper attachment of chromosomes to spindle fibers is essential for accurate segregation of genetic material during cell division. Misaligned chromosomes that fail to attach to microtubules can lead to delays in anaphase onset, allowing the cell to correct errors before proceeding with division. B) The presence of unattached kinetochores on the centromeres sends a signal to pause cell cycle progression: Kinetochores at the centromeres help attach chromosomes to spindle fibers. When kinetochores are unattached or improperly attached to microtubules, they signal the cell to pause cell cycle progression, ensuring proper chromosome alignment before division. C) Microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization lead to the activation of checkpoint proteins: While microtubule dynamics are crucial for cell division, microtubule instability and rapid depolymerization can disrupt chromosome attachment. However, this mechanism is not directly related to the activation of cell cycle checkpoint proteins, making this statement incorrect. Therefore, choices A and B accurately describe how spindle fiber dynamics and microtubule attachment regulate cell cycle checkpoints, making option D the correct answer.

3. What is a benefit of a taxonomic system?

• A. Researchers can describe how living things behave.
• B. Researchers can develop names for new organisms.
• C. Living things can be distinguished from nonliving things.
• D. Living things can be classified based on their molecular traits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A taxonomic system allows scientists to classify living organisms based on their molecular and genetic traits. This classification helps in understanding the relationships and evolutionary history of different organisms, providing insights into their characteristics and behaviors. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the primary purpose and benefit of a taxonomic system, which is the systematic classification of organisms.

4. Which of the following is a consequence of bone marrow failure?

• A. Seizures.
• B. Pancytopenia.
• C. Paraplegia.
• D. Pathologic fractures.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question focuses on the consequence of bone marrow failure, which is pancytopenia. Bone marrow failure results in decreased production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to pancytopenia. This condition manifests as fatigue, weakness, increased infection susceptibility, and bleeding tendencies. Paraplegia, seizures, and pathologic fractures are not typical outcomes of bone marrow failure. Paraplegia is associated with spinal cord injury, seizures with neurological disorders, and pathologic fractures with conditions like osteoporosis or bone tumors.

5. Which of the following represents a form of potential energy?

• A. A moving car
• B. A spinning top
• C. A raised hammer
• D. A rolling ball

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A raised hammer represents potential energy as it possesses stored energy due to its position above the ground. When the hammer falls, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it moves. In contrast, options A, B, and D involve objects already in motion, representing kinetic energy. Choice A, a moving car, is in motion and has kinetic energy. Choice B, a spinning top, is also in motion and exhibits kinetic energy. Choice D, a rolling ball, is already moving and thus has kinetic energy. Therefore, only choice C, a raised hammer, is the correct representation of potential energy among the given options.

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