Nursing Elites

1. Which part of the nervous system controls the 'fight or flight' response?

• A. Central nervous system
• B. Peripheral nervous system
• C. Autonomic nervous system
• D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. It controls the 'fight or flight' response by preparing the body for stressful situations. The central nervous system (Choice A) consists of the brain and spinal cord but does not directly control the 'fight or flight' response. The peripheral nervous system (Choice B) includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, while the autonomic nervous system (Choice C) regulates involuntary bodily functions but is not specific to the 'fight or flight' response.

2. What is the difference between the atomic number and the mass number of an atom?

• A. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• B. The atomic number is the number of electrons in an atom, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• C. The atomic number is the number of neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and electrons in an atom.
• D. The atomic number is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of electrons in an atom.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons in its nucleus, which defines the element's identity. On the other hand, the mass number corresponds to the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the key distinction between the atomic number and the mass number lies in the fact that the atomic number specifically counts the protons, whereas the mass number encompasses both protons and neutrons. Choice B is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons but rather to the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because the atomic number is not the number of neutrons but the number of protons. Choice D is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it is solely the number of protons.

3. Which element is a critical component of DNA and RNA, essential for storing and transmitting genetic information?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Carbon
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Hydrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbon is the correct answer as it is a critical element in DNA and RNA, forming the backbone of these molecules. Its ability to form diverse bonds allows for efficient storage and transmission of genetic information. Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen are also present in DNA and RNA but do not serve as the primary backbone element for these molecules. Oxygen is involved in the structure but not as the backbone element. Nitrogen is present in the bases of nucleotides, and hydrogen bonds help stabilize the structure.

4. Which of the following hormones is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism?

• A. Insulin
• B. Testosterone
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Thyroid hormone

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Thyroid hormone is the correct answer as it is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism. It plays a crucial role in controlling the body's metabolic rate, affecting how the body uses energy from food. Thyroid hormone levels can influence metabolism, energy production, and body weight regulation. Insulin, choice A, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not directly metabolism. Testosterone, choice B, is a sex hormone that primarily affects the development of male reproductive tissues. Adrenaline, choice C, is involved in the fight-or-flight response and not primarily responsible for regulating metabolism.

5. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

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