Nursing Elites

1. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the:

• A. Center of long bones
• B. Joints between bones
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Walls of blood vessels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the joints between bones. It provides cushioning and support for the bones, allowing smooth movement and reducing friction between them. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and helps maintain the structural integrity of the joints. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because cartilage is not typically found in the center of long bones, muscle tissue, or the walls of blood vessels. Cartilage primarily functions in providing structural support and flexibility in joints.

2. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

• A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
• B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
• C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
• D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.

3. What is the control, if any, in this experiment?

• A. There is no control in this experiment
• B. The control is the water
• C. The control is the diet soda
• D. The control is the amount of sunlight provided to the plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The control is the water.' In a scientific experiment, the control group is used as a baseline comparison to evaluate the effects of the variables being tested. Here, the water serves as the control group against which the effects of other substances like diet soda or different amounts of sunlight can be compared. Choice A is incorrect as every experiment should have a control group for comparison. Choice C and D are incorrect as they are not the standard control in this scenario.

4. What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?

• A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
• B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
• C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
• D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

5. What potential consequences can chromosomal nondisjunction have on offspring?

• A. Down syndrome, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
• B. Turner syndrome, characterized by the absence of one X chromosome in females.
• C. Klinefelter syndrome, featuring one or more extra X chromosomes in males.
• D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: - Chromosomal nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, leading to an abnormal number of chromosomes in the resulting cells. - Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting from nondisjunction during meiosis. Individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. - Turner syndrome is characterized by the absence of one X chromosome in females, leading to a variety of physical and developmental features. - Klinefelter syndrome features one or more extra X chromosomes in males, typically resulting in infertility and other physical characteristics. Therefore, chromosomal nondisjunction can lead to various genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome, making option D the correct answer.

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