Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in a population?

• A. Mutations in genes
• B. Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies)
• C. Gene flow (movement of genes between populations)
• D. Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) Mutations in genes: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new alleles into a population, leading to genetic variation. B) Genetic drift (random fluctuations in allele frequencies): Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to genetic variation through chance events. C) Gene flow (movement of genes between populations): Gene flow occurs when individuals move between populations, bringing new alleles with them and increasing genetic variation within populations. D) Blending inheritance (traits of parents are averaged in offspring): Blending inheritance was a historical theory that suggested offspring inherit a blend of traits from their parents, leading to a reduction in genetic variation over time. However, this concept has been disproven by the understanding of Mendelian genetics, where traits are inherited independently and do not blend together. Therefore, blending inheritance does not contribute

2. What is the function of the immune system?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To fight infection
• C. To digest food
• D. To produce hormones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To fight infection.' The immune system's primary function is to protect the body from infections and foreign invaders by recognizing and responding to pathogens. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing diseases caused by harmful microorganisms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the immune system is not responsible for transporting oxygen, digesting food, or producing hormones. These functions are carried out by other systems in the body, such as the respiratory system, digestive system, and endocrine system, respectively.

3. Which organelle is responsible for packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space?

• A. Golgi apparatus
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Ribosomes
• D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins into vesicles for secretion outside the cell or for use within the cell. It acts as a distribution and shipping department for the cell, ensuring proteins are properly processed and sent to their correct destinations like the extracellular space. Golgi apparatus is the correct answer because it directly handles the packaging and secretion of proteins. B) Mitochondria: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. They are not involved in packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space. C) Ribosomes: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, where they translate mRNA into proteins. They are not involved in packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space. D) Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a role in protein synthesis and folding, but it is the rough ER specifically that is involved in synthesizing proteins that are then transported to the Golgi apparatus for further processing and packaging. The Golgi apparatus is primarily responsible for packaging and secreting proteins, making it the correct answer for this question.

4. What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

• A. Carries amino acids to the ribosomes
• B. Reads the genetic code on mRNA
• C. Forms the structural framework of ribosomes
• D. Controls the rate of protein synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in forming the structural framework of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and consist of both protein and rRNA components. The primary function of rRNA is to provide the structural support necessary for ribosomes to function properly. This structural framework allows the ribosome to interact with messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation, where genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble proteins from amino acids. Therefore, rRNA's main role is in contributing to the structure and function of ribosomes, rather than directly carrying amino acids, reading the genetic code, or controlling the rate of protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because rRNA does not carry amino acids to the ribosomes (tRNA does this), read the genetic code (this is the role of ribosomes and tRNA), or control the rate of protein synthesis (this is regulated by various factors but not directly by rRNA).

5. How many neutrons and electrons could a negative ion of sulfur have?

• A. 16 neutrons, 16 electrons
• B. 16 neutrons, 17 electrons
• C. 17 neutrons, 16 electrons
• D. 17 neutrons, 17 electrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A negative ion of sulfur would have 16 protons and 17 electrons since it gains one electron. The number of neutrons in an ion does not change, so the neutrons would remain at 16. Therefore, the correct answer is 16 neutrons and 17 electrons, which corresponds to choice B. Choice A is incorrect as it does not account for the extra electron gained by the negative ion. Choices C and D are incorrect because they propose a change in the number of neutrons, which is not affected by the ionization process.

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