Nursing Elites

1. What impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?

• A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
• B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
• C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
• D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

2. What is the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

• A. Homologous chromosomes have the same genes but may have different alleles, while sister chromatids are identical copies of the same chromosome.
• B. Homologous chromosomes are only found in diploid cells, while sister chromatids are found in both haploid and diploid cells.
• C. Both homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids are genetically identical, but only sister chromatids separate during mitosis.
• D. Both homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids can separate during mitosis, but only homologous chromosomes have different alleles.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: - Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same genes in the same order, one from each parent. While they carry the same genes, they may have different alleles (variants of a gene). - Sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, formed during DNA replication. They are held together by a centromere and are produced during the S phase of the cell cycle. - During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through crossing over, leading to genetic variation. Sister chromatids separate during mitosis to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material.

3. During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

• A. Interphase
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends the majority of its time and is characterized by three subphases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2). DNA replication specifically occurs during the S phase of interphase. This is a crucial step as it ensures that each daughter cell produced during cell division receives an exact copy of the genetic material. Mitosis is responsible for the equal distribution of the replicated DNA to the daughter cells during cell division. Meiosis is a specialized cell division process for gamete production in sexually reproducing organisms, involving two rounds of division to generate haploid cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of the cell cycle, where the cytoplasm divides to complete the formation of two separate daughter cells following nuclear division.

4. Which statement below best describes the process of condensation?

• A. Condensation is the process of changing from a gas to a liquid.
• B. Condensation is the process of changing from a liquid to a gas.
• C. Condensation is the process of changing from a solid to a liquid.
• D. Condensation is the process of changing from a solid to a gas.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Condensation is the process of changing from a gas to a liquid.' Condensation occurs when a gas cools and transforms into a liquid state. For example, when water vapor in the air cools and forms droplets, it is an example of condensation. This process is commonly observed in the formation of clouds or dew on grass in the early morning. Choice B is incorrect because it describes the process of vaporization rather than condensation. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the process of melting. Choice D is incorrect as it describes sublimation, which is the transition from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase.

5. What is the primary function of nephrons?

• A. Store urine
• B. Filter blood and remove waste products
• C. Produce hormones
• D. Control blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water. This process leads to the formation of urine, aiding in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. The primary function of nephrons is not to store urine but to filter blood and eliminate waste products. Choice C, 'Produce hormones,' is incorrect as nephrons primarily focus on filtration rather than hormone production. Choice D, 'Control blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure, it is not the primary function of nephrons within the kidneys.

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