Nursing Elites

1. Why is biodiversity important for healthy ecosystems?

• A. Increases stability and resilience to disturbances
• B. Provides stability and resilience to disturbances
• C. Slows down nutrient cycling
• D. Reduces the number of decomposers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Choice A is incorrect because biodiversity doesn't increase competition for resources but rather helps in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. Choice C is incorrect as biodiversity does not slow down nutrient cycling; in fact, it enhances nutrient cycling by ensuring a variety of species involved in the process. Choice D is incorrect as biodiversity does not reduce the number of decomposers but instead supports a diverse community of decomposers that are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

2. Which vitamin plays a vital role in muscle function and helps prevent muscle weakness and fatigue?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer as it plays a crucial role in muscle function by helping prevent muscle weakness and fatigue. It is essential for maintaining muscle strength and function, as well as supporting overall bone health. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue, emphasizing its significance for muscle health. Vitamin A does not directly impact muscle function in the same way as Vitamin D. Although Vitamin B12 is important for neurological function and red blood cell production, it is not primarily known for its role in muscle function. Vitamin E is more commonly associated with its antioxidant properties and its role in protecting cells from damage, but it is not specifically linked to muscle function and preventing muscle weakness and fatigue.

3. 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.

4. What hormone signals the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas?

• A. Gastrin
• B. Insulin
• C. Glucagon
• D. Secretin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the release of gastric acid in the stomach, not digestive enzymes from the pancreas. B) Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, but it does not directly signal the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. C) Glucagon is another hormone produced by the pancreas that works opposite to insulin by increasing blood sugar levels, but it is not involved in signaling the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. D) Secretin is a hormone released by the small intestine in response to the presence of acidic chyme. It stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize the acidity of the chyme and also triggers the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas to aid in digestion. Therefore, secretin is the hormone that signals the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.

5. Following the scientific method, which steps would be done before gathering qualitative data?

• A. Communicate with a scientific journal
• B. Define the problem
• C. Develop a hypothesis
• D. Categorize data for statistical analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scientific method, defining the problem is typically the initial step. Before gathering qualitative data, it is essential to clearly outline and understand the issue or question being addressed. This step helps in guiding the research process and ensures that the data collected are relevant to the problem at hand. Communicating with a scientific journal (Choice A) is not a standard step in the scientific method; it comes after the research is conducted. Developing a hypothesis (Choice C) usually follows defining the problem and precedes data collection. Categorizing data for statistical analysis (Choice D) occurs after data collection, not before gathering qualitative data.

Similar Questions