Nursing Elites

1. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

• A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
• B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
• C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
• D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

2. Which structure in the respiratory system serves as a passageway for both air and food, with a flap-like structure that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

• A. Larynx
• B. Pharynx
• C. Trachea
• D. Bronchi

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is the correct answer. The pharynx is a structure in the respiratory system that serves as a passageway for both air and food. It contains a flap-like structure called the epiglottis, which prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing by covering the opening to the trachea. The larynx, although important in the respiratory system, is located below the pharynx and contains the vocal cords. The trachea is a tube that carries air to and from the lungs, while the bronchi are the two main branches that lead from the trachea into the lungs.

3. Which of the following is a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in adaptive immunity by seeking out, attacking, and destroying targeted pathogens?

• A. memory B cells
• B. neutrophils
• C. antibodies
• D. cytotoxic T cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells are a type of white blood cell that is crucial in adaptive immunity. They are specialized in recognizing and destroying infected or abnormal cells in the body. Neutrophils are primarily involved in innate immunity, providing rapid response to infections. Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells and are essential in specific immune responses, but they do not directly attack pathogens. Memory B cells are part of the adaptive immune response, responsible for mounting a quicker and stronger response upon re-exposure to a pathogen. However, they do not directly seek out and destroy pathogens like cytotoxic T cells do.

4. Which macromolecule serves as the repository of genetic information in all living organisms?

• A. Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
• B. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
• C. Protein
• D. Carbohydrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - DNA is the macromolecule that serves as the repository of genetic information in all living organisms. It carries the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms. - RNA (option A) is involved in various cellular processes, including protein synthesis, but DNA is the primary molecule responsible for storing genetic information. - Proteins (option C) are essential for various cellular functions but do not serve as the primary repository of genetic information. - Carbohydrates (option D) are important for energy storage and structural support but do not store genetic information.

5. Which of the following brain structures is responsible for emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation?

• A. Amygdala
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Pons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the amygdala. The amygdala is a key brain structure involved in processing emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation. It plays a crucial role in fear responses, emotional memories, and social behaviors. The cerebellum (Choice B) is primarily responsible for coordination and balance, not emotions. The hypothalamus (Choice C) regulates basic survival functions like hunger, thirst, and body temperature, but it is not primarily responsible for emotions. The pons (Choice D) is involved in functions such as sleep, respiration, and bladder control, but it is not the main center for emotions, emotional behavior, or motivation.

Similar Questions