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 has a smaller genetic scale than a chromosome?

• A. Genome
• B. Gene
• C. DNA
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Gene.' A gene is a segment of DNA and is smaller in scale than a chromosome. Genes are the fundamental units of heredity, containing the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. While a chromosome is a larger structure that carries many genes, each gene is a specific segment of DNA responsible for encoding a particular protein or RNA molecule. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The 'Genome' (Choice A) refers to the complete set of an organism's genetic material, including all of its genes, while 'DNA' (Choice C) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions. 'All of the above' (Choice D) is incorrect because not all options have a smaller genetic scale than a chromosome.

3. Which vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption and synthesized in the skin upon sun exposure?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption as it helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, UVB rays convert a compound in the skin to vitamin D. This vitamin is vital for maintaining bone health and ensuring the overall calcium balance in the body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and immune function, and Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage by free radicals. However, none of these vitamins are primarily responsible for calcium absorption and synthesized in the skin upon sun exposure.

4. What is the term for the energy absorbed during a chemical reaction?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Potential energy
• C. Heat energy
• D. Endothermic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct term for the energy absorbed during a chemical reaction is 'Endothermic energy.' Endothermic reactions absorb energy from their surroundings, leading to a decrease in temperature. The prefix 'endo-' means 'inward' or 'within,' indicating that energy is taken in during the reaction. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because kinetic energy refers to the energy of motion, potential energy is stored energy, and heat energy is a form of energy transfer rather than specifically the energy absorbed during a chemical reaction.

5. What is the involuntary muscle tissue found in the walls of blood vessels and organs like the stomach and intestines?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Smooth muscle
• D. Striated muscle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is the involuntary muscle tissue found in the walls of blood vessels and organs like the stomach and intestines. Smooth muscle is responsible for various involuntary movements in the body, such as peristalsis in the digestive system and regulating blood flow in blood vessels. Skeletal muscle is voluntary and attached to bones for movement. Cardiac muscle is specific to the heart and not found in blood vessel walls or organs like the stomach and intestines. Striated muscle refers to both skeletal and cardiac muscle due to their striped appearance under a microscope, but it does not specifically describe the involuntary muscle tissue in the walls of blood vessels and organs as asked in the question.

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