Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the cilia lining the respiratory tract?

• A. Trapping inhaled dust and debris
• B. Moistening inhaled air
• C. Producing mucus
• D. Propelling mucus upwards towards the throat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moistening inhaled air. The cilia lining the respiratory tract primarily function to trap inhaled dust and debris, produce mucus, and propel the mucus upwards towards the throat for removal. Moistening inhaled air is primarily done by the mucous membranes in the nasal passages, which contain blood vessels that help warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal cavity. Therefore, the function of moistening inhaled air is not directly associated with the cilia in the respiratory tract, making it the correct choice in this scenario. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are all functions carried out by the cilia in the respiratory tract.

2. The neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that:

• A. Most mutations in DNA are selectively neutral and do not affect an organism's fitness.
• B. All mutations are beneficial and contribute to the adaptation of a population.
• C. The rate of evolution is primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures.
• D. Genetic drift plays a negligible role in shaping genetic variation within populations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s, suggests that the majority of mutations that occur in DNA are selectively neutral, meaning they do not have a significant impact on an organism's fitness. These neutral mutations are not subject to natural selection and are allowed to accumulate in populations over time. This theory helps explain the high levels of genetic variation observed within populations. B) Option B is incorrect because not all mutations are beneficial. Mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, and the neutral theory specifically focuses on the idea that many mutations are neutral in their effects. C) Option C is incorrect because the neutral theory suggests that evolution is not primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures. Instead, it emphasizes the role of genetic drift and the accumulation of neutral mutations in shaping genetic variation. D) Option D is incorrect because

3. What cellular process ensures the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division?

• A. Mitosis (somatic cell division)
• B. Meiosis (germ cell division)
• C. Replication (DNA duplication)
• D. Transcription (DNA to RNA conversion)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. Mitosis is the process by which somatic cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells), focusing on genetic diversity through recombination and reduction of chromosome number. Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical copy, essential for cell division but not the specific process ensuring accurate genetic material transmission. Transcription involves copying DNA into RNA, crucial for gene expression but not directly related to the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division.

4. What is the 3D structure of a protein called?

• A. Tertiary structure
• B. Secondary structure
• C. Primary structure
• D. Quaternary structure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - Primary structure refers to the linear sequence of amino acids in a protein. - Secondary structure refers to local folded structures within a protein, such as alpha helices and beta sheets. - Tertiary structure is the overall 3D shape of a protein, which is determined by interactions between amino acid side chains and the environment. - Quaternary structure refers to the arrangement of multiple protein subunits in a protein complex. Therefore, the 3D structure of a protein is called the tertiary structure because it represents the overall folding of the protein into a specific shape.

5. What causes lymphedema, a chronic condition, to occur?

• A. Inflammation of lymph nodes
• B. Blockage of lymph vessels
• C. Malfunction of the spleen
• D. Decrease in bone marrow production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when lymph vessels become blocked, leading to swelling and fluid retention in the affected area. Inflammation of lymph nodes, spleen malfunction, or decreased bone marrow production are not directly associated with the development of lymphedema. Lymph vessels play a crucial role in carrying lymphatic fluid, and when they are blocked, it disrupts the normal flow of fluid, resulting in lymphedema. Therefore, the correct answer is that lymphedema occurs when lymph vessels become blocked.

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