Nursing Elites

1. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

2. What is the role of RNA interference in silencing genes?

• A. Increases protein production
• B. Promotes gene mutation
• C. Inhibits the expression of specific genes
• D. Repairs damaged DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, 'Inhibits the expression of specific genes,' is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because RNA interference does not increase protein production, promote gene mutation, or repair damaged DNA; its primary function is to inhibit gene expression by degrading or interfering with mRNA.

3. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

4. An FBI agent has spent her career studying individual serial killers. From this data, she creates a theory about the traits of these killers. What type of reasoning has she used?

• A. Deductive Reasoning
• B. Conductive Reasoning
• C. Quantitative Reasoning
• D. Inductive Reasoning

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inductive Reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves drawing a general conclusion from specific observations or data, which fits the scenario described where the FBI agent has studied individual serial killers and formulated a theory about their traits based on this specific data. Deductive reasoning (choice A) starts with general information and applies it to a specific case, which is not the case here. Conductive reasoning (choice B) and quantitative reasoning (choice C) are not relevant to the scenario provided.

5. What are the components of the female external genitalia and their functions?

• A. Ovaries: internal reproductive organs
• B. Vulva: external structures of the female genitalia
• C. Uterus: internal reproductive organ for fetal development
• D. Vagina: birth canal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected answer is B: 'Vulva: external structures of the female genitalia.' The vulva includes external structures such as the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. These structures play roles in sexual arousal and protection of the internal genital organs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are internal reproductive organs. The ovaries produce eggs, the uterus houses the developing fetus, and the vagina serves as the birth canal. Hence, they are not components of the female external genitalia.

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