Nursing Elites

1. How are sister chromatids distinguished from homologous chromosomes in meiosis I?

• A. Sister chromatids share the same centromere, while homologous chromosomes have different centromeres.
• B. Sister chromatids have identical DNA sequences, while homologous chromosomes have slightly different sequences due to crossing over.
• C. Sister chromatids repel each other, while homologous chromosomes attract each other during synapsis.
• D. Sister chromatids separate during anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase II.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In meiosis I, sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, containing identical DNA sequences. On the other hand, homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes, with one inherited from each parent, and they can have different versions of genes due to genetic recombination during crossing over in prophase I. Choice A is incorrect because homologous chromosomes naturally have different centromeres. Choice C is incorrect as sister chromatids and homologous chromosomes do not exhibit repulsion or attraction during synapsis. Choice D is incorrect as sister chromatids separate during anaphase II, not anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase I.

2. What is the scientific term for the study of genes and their role in disease?

• A. Molecular biology
• B. Biochemistry
• C. Evolutionary biology
• D. Genomic medicine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genomic medicine is the scientific discipline that specifically focuses on the study of genes and their involvement in disease processes. It seeks to understand how variations in an individual's genes can influence their predisposition to certain diseases or affect their response to treatment. This field plays a crucial role in personalized medicine by utilizing genetic information to tailor healthcare decisions and interventions to individual patients. Molecular biology, biochemistry, and evolutionary biology, while related to genetics in various ways, do not have the primary focus on the role of genes in disease as genomic medicine does.

3. What is the atomic number of an atom?

• A. The number of protons in an atom
• B. The number of neutrons in an atom
• C. The number of electrons in an atom
• D. The sum of protons and neutrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus. This number uniquely identifies the element, as each element has a distinct number of protons. Neutrons and electrons play roles in the atom's structure and stability, but the atomic number specifically refers to the number of protons. Choice B (The number of neutrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it only represents the number of protons. Choice C (The number of electrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons, which can vary in different atomic configurations. Choice D (The sum of protons and neutrons) is incorrect because it refers to the mass number of an atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, not just the protons.

4. What is the smallest unit that can encode for a trait?

• A. A codon
• B. A gene
• C. A nucleotide
• D. A chromosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - a gene. Genes are the smallest units that can encode for a trait as they contain the specific instructions for producing a particular characteristic or protein. While codons are sequences of nucleotides that code for specific amino acids in a protein, they are not the smallest unit that encodes for a trait. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins, containing many genes.

5. Which of the following is an example of a salt?

• A. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
• B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• C. Sodium chloride (NaCl)
• D. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an example of a salt. Salts are ionic compounds formed by the reaction of an acid with a base. In this case, sodium chloride is formed by the reaction of sodium hydroxide (a base) with hydrochloric acid (an acid). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) are not salts because they are not formed by the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base, which is a characteristic of salts.

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