Nursing Elites

1. Which of these pairs represents an example of convergent evolution?

• A. Humans and chimpanzees
• B. Bats and birds
• C. Dolphins and sharks
• D. Snakes and earthworms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Convergent evolution refers to the process by which different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. In the case of bats and birds, both have evolved wings for flight despite not sharing a recent common ancestor with wings. Bats are mammals, while birds are avians, yet they both have wings adapted for flight, which is a classic example of convergent evolution. A) Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and have not independently evolved similar traits. C) Dolphins and sharks are not closely related, and their similarities are due to adaptations to their aquatic environment rather than convergent evolution. D) Snakes and earthworms belong to different classes (reptiles and annelids, respectively) and do not share recent common ancestors, making their similarities not a result of convergent evolution.

2. Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons and conducts them toward the cell body?

• A. Axon
• B. Dendrite
• C. Synapse
• D. Myelin sheath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The dendrites are the part of the neuron that receives signals from other neurons and conducts them toward the cell body. They play a crucial role in gathering incoming signals and transmitting them to the cell body for processing. The axon, on the other hand, is responsible for carrying signals away from the cell body. The synapse is the point of connection between two neurons facilitating communication, while the myelin sheath is a protective layer surrounding the axon that aids in accelerating signal transmission.

3. Which cellular organelle is used for digestion to recycle materials?

• A. The Golgi apparatus
• B. The lysosome
• C. The centrioles
• D. The mitochondria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The lysosome is the correct cellular organelle used for digestion to recycle materials. Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and ingested substances. This process helps in recycling nutrients and maintaining cellular homeostasis. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, the centrioles play a role in cell division, and the mitochondria are responsible for energy production. However, none of these organelles are primarily used for digestion and recycling of materials within the cell.

4. What is essential for an experiment to be considered successful?

• A. a reasonable hypothesis
• B. a well-written lab report
• C. data that others can reproduce
• D. computer-aided statistical analysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For an experiment to be considered successful, it is essential that the data collected and results obtained can be reproduced or replicated by others. This reproducibility ensures the reliability and validity of the experiment's findings. It allows for independent verification of the results and contributes to the overall scientific rigor of the study. While having a reasonable hypothesis, a well-written lab report, and computer-aided statistical analysis are important aspects of an experiment, the ability to reproduce the data is crucial for establishing the experiment's credibility and success. Without reproducibility, the findings may not be reliable, and the experiment's outcomes cannot be verified independently, leading to doubts about its validity.

5. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

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