Nursing Elites

1. Which technology allows scientists to directly edit the human genome?

• A. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• B. Gel electrophoresis
• C. DNA sequencing
• D. CRISPR-Cas9

Correct answer: D

Rationale: CRISPR-Cas9 is the correct answer. A) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used for amplifying specific DNA segments, not directly editing the human genome. B) Gel electrophoresis is for separating DNA fragments by size, not for genome editing. C) DNA sequencing determines DNA nucleotide order but does not directly edit the genome. D) CRISPR-Cas9 technology enables precise modifications in the DNA of organisms, including humans. It guides the Cas9 enzyme to specific genome locations for targeted edits, revolutionizing genetic research and offering various applications in gene editing and therapy. Unlike the other techniques mentioned, CRISPR-Cas9 is specifically designed to make changes in the genetic code itself, making it a powerful tool for genetic manipulation.

2. Which of the following minerals is important for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system?

• A. Iron
• B. Sodium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Calcium (Choice C). Calcium is essential for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system. Bones act as a reservoir for calcium, playing a critical role in maintaining bone strength and density. Iron, sodium, and magnesium are important for various bodily functions but are not primarily stored in bones for bone health. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, sodium helps regulate fluid balance, and magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.

3. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is:

• A. Must be equal to the number of protons.
• B. Must be less than the number of protons.
• C. Must be greater than the number of neutrons.
• D. Can vary depending on the atom's temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons must be equal to the number of protons to maintain electrical neutrality. Electrons carry a negative charge while protons carry a positive charge. By having an equal number of electrons and protons, the positive and negative charges balance each other out, resulting in an electrically neutral atom. Choice B is incorrect because in a neutral atom, the number of electrons and protons must be equal. Choice C is incorrect as it compares electrons to neutrons, which are not directly related in determining an atom's charge. Choice D is incorrect as the number of electrons in a neutral atom is not dependent on the atom's temperature but rather on the atom's balance of positive and negative charges.

4. Which element has the lowest electronegativity value?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Fluorine
• C. Helium
• D. Chlorine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Helium (C). Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a bond. Helium, as a noble gas, has a very low electronegativity because its outer electron shell is already full and stable, resulting in minimal attraction for additional electrons. Oxygen (A), Fluorine (B), and Chlorine (D) are all non-noble gas elements that have higher electronegativity values compared to Helium due to their electron configurations and tendencies to attract electrons.

5. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

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