Nursing Elites

1. Which statement regarding energy content is true?

• A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
• B. Primary consumers < producers
• C. Producers > secondary consumers
• D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.

2. Huntington’s disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?

• A. 0%
• B. 25%
• C. 50%
• D. 100%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.

3. Which organism reproduces via spore formation?

• A. Shelf fungus
• B. Lemon tree
• C. Smallmouth bass
• D. Staphylococcus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Shelf fungus. Shelf fungus reproduces via spore formation. Spores are tiny, reproductive cells that are released into the environment to be carried by air or water, allowing the fungus to spread and reproduce. The other choices are incorrect because Lemon tree reproduces via seeds, Smallmouth bass reproduce sexually through the fertilization of eggs by sperm, and Staphylococcus bacteria reproduce by binary fission, dividing into two identical daughter cells.

4. Which organelle would you expect to be present in a cell responsible for detoxifying multiple molecules?

• A. rough ER
• B. smooth ER
• C. lysosome
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the organelle responsible for detoxifying multiple molecules in a cell. It contains enzymes that help break down toxins and drugs, making it an essential organelle for detoxification processes. The rough ER, lysosome, and Golgi apparatus do not play direct roles in detoxification. The rough ER is mainly involved in protein synthesis and transport. Lysosomes are responsible for digestion and recycling within the cell. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or for use within the cell.

5. During protein synthesis, what process uses an RNA strand to produce a complementary strand of DNA?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Transfer synthesis
• D. Codon synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During transcription, an RNA strand is used to produce a complementary strand of DNA. This process is essential for converting the genetic information stored in DNA into RNA. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it involves the synthesis of proteins from mRNA. Choice C, 'Transfer synthesis,' is not a recognized term in molecular biology. Choice D, 'Codon synthesis,' is also incorrect as it does not refer to the process of using an RNA strand to produce a complementary DNA strand.

Similar Questions