Nursing Elites

1. Which two bases are purines?

• A. Adenine (A)
• B. Cytosine (C)
• C. Thymine (T)
• D. Guanine (G)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adenine (A) and guanine (G) are the two bases that are purines. Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure containing two carbon rings, distinguishing them from pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are purines because they possess this unique double-ring structure. Therefore, choices A and D, adenine and guanine, respectively, are the correct answers. Choices B and C, cytosine and thymine, are pyrimidines and do not exhibit the double-ring structure characteristic of purines.

2. How does asexual reproduction differ from sexual reproduction?

• A. asexual reproduction results in all cells being identical to the original cell; sexual reproduction results in half of the cells being identical to the original cell
• B. asexual reproduction results in two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
• C. sexual reproduction involves two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
• D. sexual reproduction involves one cell that yields all cells produced to be identical

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sexual reproduction involves two cells (gametes) that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because sexual reproduction does not result in half of the cells being identical to the original cell; it involves two cells contributing genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not result in significantly greater variation; it produces genetically identical offspring. Choice D is incorrect because sexual reproduction involves two cells contributing genetic material, not one cell yielding all identical cells.

3. Which gives the order of four taxonomic categories from least to most specific?

• A. Kingdom, phylum, class, order
• B. Kingdom, phylum, order, class
• C. Kingdom, order, phylum, class
• D. Kingdom, class, order, phylum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of the four taxonomic categories from least to most specific is Kingdom, phylum, class, and order. This sequence adheres to the hierarchical system of classification where organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics, becoming more specific as you move from Kingdom to order. Choice B is incorrect as the order of 'order' and 'class' is swapped. Choice C is incorrect as 'order' precedes 'phylum' instead of following it. Choice D is incorrect as 'class' should come before 'order'.

4. Which type of sugar is a disaccharide?

• A. Sucrose
• B. Fructose
• C. Glucose
• D. Galactose

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Sucrose. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. When glucose and fructose combine, they form sucrose. Choice B, Fructose, is a monosaccharide, not a disaccharide. Choice C, Glucose, is also a monosaccharide, not a disaccharide. Choice D, Galactose, is another monosaccharide and not a disaccharide.

5. Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?

• A. RNA
• B. Virus
• C. Blue-green alga
• D. Saprophyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.

Similar Questions