Nursing Elites

1. Molecular clocks utilize the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences to estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. This method relies on the assumption that:

• A. The rate of mutation is constant across all genes and all species.
• B. Species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently.
• C. Mutations are always beneficial and contribute to increased fitness.
• D. The fossil record provides the most accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A molecular clock is a method used to estimate the time of divergence between species by measuring the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. This method relies on the assumption that mutations occur at a relatively constant rate over time. If the rate of mutation were not constant, it would be challenging to accurately estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the fundamental principle underlying the molecular clock hypothesis. Option B is incorrect because the assumption that species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently does not directly relate to the concept of molecular clocks and the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. Option C is incorrect because mutations are not always beneficial and do not always contribute to increased fitness. Mutations can be neutral or deleterious as well, and their accumulation is what is used to estimate evolutionary di

2. What happens when an atom loses an electron?

• A. It forms a molecule.
• B. It gains a positive charge and becomes an ion.
• C. It alters its elemental identity.
• D. No change occurs; it remains neutral.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an atom loses an electron, it gains a positive charge and becomes an ion. This occurs because the number of protons in the atom exceeds the number of electrons, leading to a positive charge. Therefore, the atom undergoes a transformation into an ion by losing an electron. Choice A is incorrect because losing an electron does not result in the formation of a molecule, as molecules are made up of bonded atoms. Choice C is incorrect because losing an electron does not change the fundamental identity of the atom; it only changes its charge. Choice D is incorrect because losing an electron causes the atom to become positively charged, altering its neutrality.

3. What are the cellular functions of cilia and flagella?

• A. Cilia and flagella are responsible for cell movement.
• B. Cilia and flagella synthesize proteins.
• C. Cilia and flagella help protect the cell from its environment.
• D. Cilia and flagella have enzymes that help with digestion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cilia and flagella are microtubule-based structures found on the surface of many eukaryotic cells. Their primary function is to facilitate cell movement. Cilia are short, numerous, and move in coordinated waving motions to move substances along the cell's surface. Flagella are longer and usually limited to one or a few per cell, providing a propeller-like movement for the cell. Both cilia and flagella aid in cell motility and are essential for various cellular functions, primarily involved in cell movement rather than protein synthesis, protection, or digestion. Therefore, choice A is correct as it accurately describes the primary function of cilia and flagella. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as cilia and flagella are not involved in protein synthesis, cell protection, or digestion in cells.

4. Why are noble gas elements generally unreactive?

• A. They are too large and cannot form bonds easily.
• B. They lack valence electrons in their outermost shell.
• C. They have strong bonds within their own molecules.
• D. They have already achieved stable electron configurations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Noble gas elements are generally unreactive because they have already achieved stable electron configurations by having a full outer electron shell. This full shell makes them very stable and unlikely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other elements. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because noble gases are not unreactive due to being too large to form bonds easily (A), lacking valence electrons in their outermost shell (B), or having strong bonds within their own molecules (C).

5. What is the main function of lysosomes?

• A. Breaking down and recycling cellular waste
• B. Storing carbohydrates
• C. Synthesizing lipids
• D. Transcribing DNA into mRNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of lysosomes is to break down and recycle cellular waste materials, such as old organelles, foreign substances, and cellular debris. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and proper functioning. Storing carbohydrates (B), synthesizing lipids (C), and transcribing DNA into mRNA (D) are not functions typically associated with lysosomes. Storing carbohydrates is primarily done by other organelles like vacuoles. Synthesizing lipids is a function usually associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and transcribing DNA into mRNA occurs in the nucleus by the process of transcription.

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