Nursing Elites

1. A ball is thrown upwards. Which of the following statements is TRUE about its potential energy and kinetic energy at the peak of its trajectory?

• A. Both potential and kinetic energy are zero.
• B. Potential energy is maximum and kinetic energy is minimum.
• C. Potential energy is minimum and kinetic energy is maximum.
• D. Both potential and kinetic energy remain constant.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: At the peak of its trajectory, the ball momentarily stops moving before falling back down. This means its kinetic energy is at a minimum because it has come to a stop. At the same time, its potential energy is at a maximum because it is at the highest point in its trajectory, where it has the most potential to fall and convert that potential energy into kinetic energy as it descends. Choice A is incorrect because at the peak, the ball still has potential energy due to its height. Choice C is incorrect because kinetic energy is at a minimum when the ball is momentarily at rest. Choice D is incorrect because the energy conversion between potential and kinetic energy occurs at different points in the trajectory.

2. How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?

• A. Transformation
• B. Transduction
• C. Conjugation
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information. Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

3. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Atomic weight
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.

4. Which of the following describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein?

• A. Replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Both transcription and translation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Both transcription and translation.' Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA through transcription and from RNA to protein through translation. Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical DNA molecule. Choice A, 'Replication,' is incorrect because replication is not directly involved in the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein. Choice B, 'Transcription,' is incorrect as it represents the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, which is the initial step in the flow of genetic information. Choice C, 'Translation,' is also incorrect as it refers to the process of translating the information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis, which is the second step in the flow of genetic information.

5. If an organism is AB, which of the following combinations in the gametes is NOT possible?

• A. AB
• B. AA
• C. BB
• D. AB

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. If an organism is AB, it indicates that it carries two different alleles. During gamete formation, each gamete receives only one allele from the pair present in the organism. Therefore, in this case, the possible gametes would be 'A' and 'B,' making 'AA' impossible. Choice A, 'AB,' is possible as each gamete can carry one of the alleles from the genotype. Similarly, 'BB' is also possible if one of the alleles separates into a gamete. Choice D, 'AB,' is essentially the same genotype as the organism and is a possible combination in the gametes.

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