Nursing Elites

1. What does the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determine?

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Isotope
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

2. What units of measurement would a triple beam balance show?

• A. Liters
• B. Grams
• C. Meters
• D. Gallons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A triple beam balance is used to measure mass, typically in grams. Liters, meters, and gallons are units of volume, length, and capacity, respectively, not typically measured using a triple beam balance. Therefore, the correct answer is grams. Choice A, Liters, is a unit of volume. Choice C, Meters, is a unit of length. Choice D, Gallons, is a unit of capacity. These units are not typically measured using a triple beam balance.

3. Which of the following is a characteristic of alkenes?

• A. They have a double bond between carbon atoms.
• B. They are saturated hydrocarbons.
• C. They contain only single bonds.
• D. They are derivatives of ammonia.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond. This double bond is a key characteristic that distinguishes alkenes from other types of hydrocarbons. Option A correctly identifies this defining feature of alkenes, making it the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons due to the presence of double bonds. Choice C is incorrect as alkenes do not contain only single bonds; they have at least one double bond. Choice D is incorrect because alkenes are not derivatives of ammonia; they are a distinct class of organic compounds with carbon-carbon double bonds.

4. What is the main function of the pancreas?

• A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
• B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
• C. To produce enzymes that help digest food
• D. To regulate blood sugar levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the pancreas is to produce digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food. These enzymes are essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. While the pancreas also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin and glucagon, its primary function is to produce enzymes for food digestion. Options A and B are incorrect as the pancreas is not involved in storing food or absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream.

5. What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?

• A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
• B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
• C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
• D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

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