Nursing Elites

1. During which phase of cell division do the chromosomes replicate?

• A. Prophase
• B. Interphase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromosomes replicate during the interphase of the cell cycle. Interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division by undergoing various activities such as growth, DNA replication, and protein synthesis. During DNA replication in interphase, each chromosome in the cell is duplicated to form two sister chromatids, which are then separated during cell division. Prophase is the phase where the chromosomes condense, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. Telophase is the phase where the nuclear envelope reforms, and chromosomes begin to decondense.

2. Huntington’s disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?

• A. 0%
• B. 25%
• C. 50%
• D. 100%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.

3. During which phase of mitosis does the nuclear envelope disintegrate?

• A. Prophase
• B. Prophase
• C. Prometaphase
• D. Metaphase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the prometaphase stage of mitosis, the nuclear envelope disintegrates. This allows the condensed chromosomes to move towards the center of the cell, preparing for their alignment along the metaphase plate. The breakdown of the nuclear envelope is a crucial step in mitosis to ensure the proper segregation of genetic material into daughter cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the nuclear envelope disintegration specifically occurs during the prometaphase stage, not in prophase or metaphase.

4. What is the fundamental unit of life?

• A. Atom
• B. Cell
• C. Tissue
• D. Organ

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Cell.' Cells are indeed the fundamental unit of life as they are responsible for all living functions, including growth, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis. While atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of living organisms. Choices C and D, tissue and organ respectively, are composed of multiple cells working together and are not considered the basic unit of life.

5. Why do gardeners sometimes use salt to get rid of slugs?

• A. The salt moves from the exterior into the slug’s body.
• B. The salt causes water in the slug to move outward.
• C. The salt and slug slime merge to form a new compound.
• D. The salt’s corrosiveness breaks down the slug’s cell walls.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gardeners use salt to get rid of slugs because salt is corrosive and breaks down the slug's cell walls. When the slug comes into contact with salt, the salt draws moisture out of the slug's body, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to the slug's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary mechanism of salt in eliminating slugs is its corrosive action on the slug's body, not the movement of salt into the slug's body, outward movement of water in the slug, or merging with slug slime to form a new compound.

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