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 of the following is a unit of power?

• A. Newton-meter (N·m)
• B. Joule (J)
• C. Watt (W)
• D. Kilogram (kg)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Watt (W). Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. The unit of power is the watt (W), named after James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine. A Newton-meter (N·m) is a unit of torque, Joule (J) is a unit of energy, and Kilogram (kg) is a unit of mass, not power. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent units of torque, energy, and mass, respectively, and not power.

3. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

• A. They are small and soluble.
• B. They are large and soluble.
• C. They are small and insoluble.
• D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

4. What is the approximate composition of blood?

• A. 45% plasma, 55% formed elements
• B. 55% plasma, 45% formed elements
• C. 55% water, 45% blood cells
• D. 45% water, 55% plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blood is composed of approximately 55% plasma (mostly water with proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients) and 45% formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Choice B is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect as it reverses the percentages. Choice C is incorrect because it incorrectly states that blood cells make up 45% of blood, while they are part of the formed elements along with platelets. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that water makes up 45% of blood, which is not accurate.

5. Where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur?

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for both chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. The lining of the small intestine is equipped with villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver play crucial roles in further breaking down food into absorbable molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. While the stomach assists in mechanical breakdown and initial protein digestion, it is not the main site of nutrient absorption. The large intestine, on the other hand, mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food particles. The mouth aids in initial mechanical breakdown and some carbohydrate digestion, but the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, making it the correct answer.

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