Nursing Elites

1. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

• A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
• B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
• C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
• D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

2. What is the process of converting glucose into ATP, the cell's primary energy currency, called?

• A. Cellular respiration
• B. Fermentation
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Cellular respiration is the correct answer. It is the process by which cells convert glucose into ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. This process involves a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells or the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. Through cellular respiration, the energy stored in glucose molecules is gradually released and captured in the form of ATP. B) Fermentation is an anaerobic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen. It involves the partial breakdown of glucose to produce ATP and end products such as lactic acid or ethanol. While fermentation can generate ATP, it is less efficient than cellular respiration in terms of energy production. C) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process occurs in chloroplasts and is the opposite of cellular respiration. While photosynthesis produces glucose, it is not the process of converting glucose into ATP. D) Hydrolysis is a chemical process that uses water to break down molecules into smaller components. It is not specifically related to converting glucose into ATP.

3. Chromatids divide into identical chromosomes and migrate to opposite ends of the cell in which of the following phases of mitosis?

• A. metaphase
• B. anaphase
• C. prophase
• D. telophase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During anaphase of mitosis, the sister chromatids detach from each other and migrate to opposite poles of the cell. This process ensures that each daughter cell ultimately receives an identical set of chromosomes, as the chromatids separate and become individual chromosomes again. This is a crucial step in ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material during cell division. In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equator but do not separate yet. Prophase is the phase where chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Telophase is the final phase where the nuclear envelope reforms around the separated chromosomes.

4. Which of the following substances is an example of an acidic gas?

• A. Nitrogen (N₂)
• B. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• C. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
• D. Oxygen (O₂)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Sulfur dioxide is an acidic gas because when dissolved in water, it forms sulfurous acid, which imparts acidic properties. Nitrogen (N₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and oxygen (O₂) are not considered acidic gases. Nitrogen is a neutral gas, carbon dioxide forms a weakly acidic solution when dissolved in water, and oxygen is a neutral gas.

5. What are the microscopic units responsible for muscle contraction called?

• A. Neurons
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Tendons
• D. Sarcomeres

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the fundamental contractile units of skeletal muscles and are responsible for muscle contraction. They consist of actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other during muscle contraction. Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals to and from muscles but are not directly involved in muscle contraction. Myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres and are the structures within muscle cells where muscle contractions take place. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not directly involved in muscle contraction.

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