Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following nucleic acids carries the genetic information copied from DNA to the ribosomes?

• A. DNA
• B. mRNA
• C. rRNA
• D. tRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mRNA. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is responsible for carrying the genetic information copied from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis. mRNA serves as a temporary copy of the genetic instructions stored in DNA and acts as a messenger between the nucleus and ribosomes in the cytoplasm where protein synthesis occurs. While rRNA (ribosomal RNA) and tRNA (transfer RNA) play essential roles in the process of translation at the ribosomes, mRNA is the nucleic acid directly involved in carrying the genetic code for protein synthesis. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as DNA is the original genetic material, rRNA is a component of the ribosomes, and tRNA carries amino acids during protein synthesis, respectively.

2. What is the process by which muscles convert chemical energy (ATP) into mechanical energy (movement)?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Cellular respiration
• C. Muscle contraction
• D. The sliding filament theory

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle contraction is the correct answer. It is the process by which muscles convert chemical energy (ATP) into mechanical energy (movement). During muscle contraction, the sliding filament theory explains how actin and myosin filaments slide past each other, causing muscle fibers to shorten and generate force. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Cellular respiration (option B) is the process by which cells generate ATP from glucose and oxygen. The sliding filament theory (option D) is a detailed explanation of the molecular events that occur during muscle contraction but is not the overall process of converting energy into movement; it focuses on the mechanism within the process of muscle contraction.

3. Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain?

• A. Dorsal root
• B. Ventral root
• C. Gray matter
• D. White matter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the dorsal root. The dorsal root of the spinal cord contains sensory nerve fibers that transmit sensory information from the body to the brain. This information includes touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception. The ventral root, on the other hand, contains motor nerve fibers responsible for carrying signals from the brain to the muscles and glands, controlling movement and glandular functions. Gray matter, consisting mainly of cell bodies, is involved in processing and integrating sensory and motor information within the spinal cord. White matter is primarily composed of myelinated axons that facilitate communication between different regions of the nervous system, allowing signals to travel efficiently within the spinal cord and between the brain and other parts of the body. Therefore, the dorsal root is specifically associated with transmitting sensory information, making it the correct answer in this context.

4. Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood, sleep, and memory?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Serotonin
• C. Acetylcholine
• D. Glutamate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with regulating mood, sleep, and memory. It plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional balance and is often a target in treating mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Serotonin also helps regulate sleep patterns and is connected to memory function. Dopamine (choice A) is more commonly linked to reward, motivation, and movement. Acetylcholine (choice C) is involved in muscle control and memory. Glutamate (choice D) is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain but is not primarily associated with mood, sleep, and memory.

5. What might happen if blood sugar begins to drop in the human body?

• A. The pancreas releases insulin.
• B. The liver releases stored glucose.
• C. The liver stores glucose as glycogen.
• D. The pancreas releases glucagon.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When blood sugar levels drop in the body, the pancreas releases glucagon. Glucagon acts to increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the release of insulin lowers blood sugar levels, opposite of what happens when blood sugar is dropping. Choice B is incorrect as the liver releases stored glucose in response to low blood sugar, not when blood sugar is already dropping. Choice C is also incorrect as the liver stores glucose as glycogen but doesn't directly impact blood sugar levels dropping in the moment.

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