Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following Mendelian laws describes how pairs of alleles within genes separate and recombine independently from other genes?

• A. law of segregation
• B. law of dominance
• C. law of independent assortment
• D. law of predictive traits

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The law of independent assortment describes how alleles of different genes segregate independently during gamete formation. This means that different gene pairs are passed on to offspring separately from one another, allowing for various combinations of traits. Gregor Mendel discovered this law, along with the law of segregation and the law of dominance, through his experiments with pea plants. The law of segregation (choice A) refers to how alleles of a gene separate during gamete formation, while the law of dominance (choice B) states that one allele can mask the presence of another in a heterozygous individual. The 'law of predictive traits' (choice D) is not a recognized Mendelian law and does not accurately describe the principles of genetic inheritance.

2. Which type of waves exhibit both longitudinal and transverse motion?

• A. Electromagnetic waves
• B. Surface waves
• C. Mechanical waves
• D. Sound waves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surface waves exhibit both longitudinal and transverse motion. These waves travel along the boundary between two different mediums, such as water and air, causing particles to move both parallel (longitudinal) and perpendicular (transverse) to the wave's direction of travel. This unique characteristic distinguishes surface waves from other types of waves, making them the correct answer in this context. Electromagnetic waves, like light and radio waves, are purely transverse in nature, propagating through vacuum or different media through oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. Mechanical waves, including both transverse (e.g., water waves) and longitudinal (e.g., sound waves in air) waves, do not typically exhibit both types of motion simultaneously, unlike surface waves.

3. What is the function of the cell membrane?

• A. To protect the cell and control what enters and exits
• B. To store energy
• C. To produce proteins
• D. To synthesize lipids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, serves as a protective barrier for the cell, separating the internal environment of the cell from the external environment. It is selectively permeable, meaning it controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell. This regulation of what enters and exits the cell is crucial for maintaining the cell's internal environment and ensuring proper functioning. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because storing energy, producing proteins, and synthesizing lipids are functions carried out by other cellular structures such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively, not the cell membrane.

4. Which of the following is responsible for regulating body temperature?

• A. Hypothalamus
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Thyroid gland

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, and maintaining overall homeostasis in the body. It receives input from temperature receptors in the skin and internal organs and helps initiate responses to maintain a stable internal body temperature. Acting as the body's thermostat, the hypothalamus adjusts responses to ensure the body's temperature remains within a narrow range, despite external conditions. The Cerebellum (Choice B) is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not regulating body temperature. The Pituitary gland (Choice C) is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate various bodily functions but not directly involved in body temperature regulation. The Thyroid gland (Choice D) plays a role in metabolism and hormone regulation but is not the primary regulator of body temperature.

5. What is the function of platelets in the blood?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To clot blood
• C. To fight infection
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Platelets play a crucial role in clotting blood to prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur. They are responsible for initiating the coagulation process by forming clots at the site of injury, sealing the damaged blood vessels, and preventing further blood loss. Platelets do not primarily transport oxygen, fight infection, or transport nutrients. While red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen, white blood cells are involved in fighting infections, and nutrients are transported by plasma, platelets' main function is related to hemostasis and wound healing.

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