Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of a commensal relationship between a microorganism and a human?

• A. Salmonella causing food poisoning
• B. taphylococcus aureus causing skin infections
• C. coli living in the gut
• D. Rabies virus causing neurological disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A commensal relationship is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits, while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. In this case, E. coli living in the gut is an example of a commensal relationship because it can benefit from the environment in the gut without causing harm to the human host. Option A, Salmonella causing food poisoning, is an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option B, Staphylococcus aureus causing skin infections, is also an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option D, Rabies virus causing neurological disease, is another example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host.

2. How does the Law of Conservation of Mass apply to this reaction: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O?

• A. Electrons are not lost.
• B. The hydrogen does not lose mass.
• C. New water molecules are formed.
• D. There is no decrease or increase in matter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. In the given reaction, 2 moles of hydrogen combine with 1 mole of oxygen to form 2 moles of water. The total mass of the reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) is equal to the total mass of the products (water), meaning there is no decrease or increase in matter. The total mass of the system remains constant, demonstrating the conservation of mass. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the conservation of mass does not specifically relate to electrons, individual elements (like hydrogen), or the formation of new molecules; instead, it focuses on the overall mass of the system before and after the reaction.

3. What is the primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?

• A. Filtration of air
• B. Production of mucus
• C. Prevention of food entering the trachea
• D. Oxygen exchange in the alveoli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system is to prevent food from entering the trachea. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the opening of the trachea, guiding food down the esophagus to the stomach and preventing it from entering the airway. This mechanism safeguards the respiratory system from foreign objects, ensuring proper air passage and avoiding potential choking hazards. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A) Filtration of air is mainly performed by the nasal hairs and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. B) Production of mucus is primarily carried out by the mucous glands in the respiratory system to trap particles and humidify the air. D) Oxygen exchange in the alveoli occurs in the lungs and is related to the process of respiration, not the function of the epiglottis.

4. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

• A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
• B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
• C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
• D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

5. What phenomenon occurs when two identical waves are perfectly aligned and reinforce each other?

• A. Refraction
• B. Reflection
• C. Diffraction
• D. Constructive interference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Constructive interference occurs when two identical waves are perfectly aligned and reinforce each other. This results in an increase in the overall amplitude of the wave. Refraction refers to the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they encounter a boundary, and diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings. In this scenario, the waves are not changing direction or bending but rather combining to produce a wave with a larger amplitude, which is characteristic of constructive interference.

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