Nursing Elites

1. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of:

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Divergent evolution
• C. Microevolution
• D. Macroevolution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a classic example of microevolution (option C). Microevolution refers to changes in allele frequencies within a population over a relatively short period of time. In the case of antibiotic resistance, bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics through the natural selection of pre-existing resistant strains. This process does not involve the formation of new species or higher taxonomic groups, which are associated with macroevolution (option D). Convergent evolution (option A) involves different species independently evolving similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures, which is not the case with antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Divergent evolution (option B) refers to related species becoming more dissimilar over time, which also does not apply to the scenario of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

2. Which of the following structures is found in the nucleus of a cell?

• A. Mitochondria
• B. Endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Chromosomes
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chromosomes, which contain genetic information, are found in the nucleus of a cell. They play a crucial role in cell division, gene expression, and inheritance. Mitochondria, responsible for energy production, are located in the cytoplasm, not the nucleus. The endoplasmic reticulum is mainly involved in protein and lipid synthesis and is not a component of the nucleus. Ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis, are found in the cytoplasm and on the endoplasmic reticulum, but not in the nucleus.

3. Why are isotopes of the same element chemically similar?

• A. They have the same number of protons.
• B. They have the same number of electrons.
• C. Their chemical properties are identical.
• D. They share the same electron configuration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isotopes of the same element are chemically similar because they have the same number of protons. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which is the defining characteristic of an element. Since chemical reactions primarily involve interactions between the electrons of atoms, having the same number of protons means the atoms have the same basic chemical properties. While isotopes may differ in the number of neutrons, it is the number of protons that dictates the element's identity and chemical behavior. Therefore, choice A is correct because the number of protons directly influences an element's chemical properties, making isotopes of the same element chemically similar despite potentially having different numbers of neutrons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because isotopes of the same element can have different numbers of electrons, their chemical properties are not identical due to potential differences in neutron numbers, and although they may have similarities in electron configurations, it is the number of protons that is the key factor determining chemical behavior.

4. Which of the following choices would contain the code for making a protein?

• A. mRNA
• B. tRNA
• C. rRNA
• D. DNA polymerase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mRNA (messenger RNA). mRNA contains the genetic code or instructions for making a protein. During protein synthesis, mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids that will be used to build the protein. Choice B, tRNA (transfer RNA), is involved in carrying amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but does not contain the code for making a protein. Choice C, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs but does not contain the specific code for making a protein. Choice D, DNA polymerase, is an enzyme involved in DNA replication, not in directly coding for protein synthesis.

5. What property of matter determines its resistance to changes in shape or size?

• A. Solid
• B. Liquid
• C. Gas
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Solid.' Solids have a definite shape and volume, providing them with a strong resistance to changes in shape or size. Liquids and gases do not have a definite shape, making them prone to changing shape or size easily. Plasmas, on the other hand, are ionized gases with high energy levels and lack a definite shape or volume, which does not contribute to resistance against changes in shape or size. Therefore, the properties of solids make them best suited for resisting changes in shape or size compared to liquids, gases, and plasmas.

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