Nursing Elites

1. Differentiate between gene therapy and genetic engineering in the context of human intervention.

• A. Gene therapy aims to modify existing genes within body cells, while genetic engineering manipulates genes in embryos to be passed on to offspring.
• B. Gene therapy focuses on treating genetic diseases, while genetic engineering enhances desirable traits or eliminates undesirable ones.
• C. Both involve directly altering the DNA sequence, but gene therapy targets somatic cells and genetic engineering modifies germline cells.
• D. There is no fundamental difference; both terms are synonymous.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Incorrect. Gene therapy does aim to modify existing genes within body cells, but genetic engineering does not necessarily manipulate genes in embryos to be passed on to offspring. Genetic engineering can involve modifying genes in any type of cell, not just embryos. B) Correct. Gene therapy is a medical intervention that aims to treat genetic diseases by correcting or replacing faulty genes within an individual's body cells. On the other hand, genetic engineering involves modifying genes to enhance specific traits or eliminate undesirable ones, often in the context of agriculture or biotechnology. C) Incorrect. While both gene therapy and genetic engineering involve altering DNA sequences, the distinction lies in the target cells. Gene therapy targets somatic cells (non-reproductive cells), while genetic engineering typically involves modifying germline cells (reproductive cells that can pass on genetic changes to offspring). D) Incorrect. There is

2. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath that surrounds some axons in the nervous system?

• A. To initiate nerve impulses
• B. To transmit sensory information
• C. To speed up the transmission of nerve impulses
• D. To connect neurons at synapses

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the myelin sheath is to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. The myelin sheath acts as an insulating layer around the axon, allowing for faster conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fiber. This insulation prevents the electrical signal from dissipating or 'leaking' out, which helps in the rapid and efficient transmission of nerve impulses along the axon. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not initiate nerve impulses; it helps in conducting them. Choice B is incorrect as the myelin sheath's main role is not in transmitting sensory information but rather in facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. Choice D is incorrect because the myelin sheath's function is not to connect neurons at synapses; instead, it is primarily involved in enhancing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

3. What is the name of the muscle responsible for pumping blood throughout the body?

• A. Bicep
• B. Tricep
• C. Deltoid
• D. Cardiac muscle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cardiac muscle. The cardiac muscle is specifically designed to pump blood throughout the body and is found in the heart. In contrast, the bicep, tricep, and deltoid are skeletal muscles responsible for joint movement, not for pumping blood. The bicep is responsible for elbow flexion, the tricep for elbow extension, and the deltoid for shoulder abduction.

4. Which type of bond involves the complete transfer of electrons between atoms?

• A. Covalent bond
• B. Ionic bond
• C. Metallic bond
• D. Hydrogen bond

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Ionic bond. Ionic bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of cations and anions. This transfer leads to the creation of strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, involve the sharing of electrons between atoms to achieve stability. Metallic bonds are formed in metals, where a sea of delocalized electrons surrounds positively charged metal ions, contributing to the metal's properties. Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces that occur between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, not involving the complete transfer of electrons.

5. What is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system?

• A. Axon
• B. Neuron
• C. Dendrite
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neuron. Neurons are indeed the basic structural and functional units of the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system, enabling communication and coordination of various functions within the body. While axons, dendrites, and synapses are all essential components of neurons and neural function, the neuron as a whole is considered the fundamental building block responsible for signal transmission. Choice A, Axon, is incorrect because an axon is a part of a neuron responsible for transmitting electrical signals away from the cell body. Choice C, Dendrite, is incorrect because dendrites are extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. Choice D, Synapse, is incorrect because a synapse is the junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

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