Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection?

• A. Mutations in genes
• B. Differential survival and reproduction based on traits
• C. Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out)
• D. Competition for resources in an environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.

2. Which hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the production of milk in mammary glands during breastfeeding?

• A. Growth hormone (GH)
• B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• C. Prolactin
• D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prolactin is the hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of milk in mammary glands during breastfeeding. It plays a crucial role in lactation by promoting the development of mammary tissue and the production of milk. Growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) do not directly stimulate milk production in mammary glands. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect in the context of stimulating milk production during breastfeeding.

3. Which of the following best describes one of the roles of RNA?

• A. Manufacturing the proteins needed from DNA
• B. Creating the bonds between the elements that make up DNA
• C. Sending messages about the correct sequence of proteins in DNA
• D. Forming the identifiable double helix shape of DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. RNA serves as a messenger that carries instructions from DNA for protein synthesis. It does not manufacture proteins directly from DNA (choice A), create bonds within DNA (choice B), or form the double helix structure of DNA (choice D). Therefore, the primary role of RNA is to convey information about the correct sequence of proteins to be synthesized based on the DNA sequences it receives.

4. What term describes the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction?

• A. Myofibril
• B. Sarcomere
• C. Tendon
• D. Myoglobin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is indeed the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction. It is composed of actin and myosin filaments that interact to generate muscle contraction. Choice A, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres, not the functional units themselves. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons connect muscles to bones and do not directly participate in muscle contraction. Choice D, 'Myoglobin,' is incorrect as myoglobin is a protein that stores oxygen in muscle cells and is not directly involved in muscle contraction.

5. Which of the following organs is responsible for detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Liver
• C. Heart
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs. It also produces bile for digestion. The liver contains enzymes that help metabolize drugs and toxins, making them easier for the body to eliminate. The kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering blood and regulating fluid balance, the heart's main function is to pump blood, and the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, but they do not have the primary function of detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs.

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