Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following terms refers to the process of breaking large molecules into smaller molecules to provide energy?

• A. Metabolism
• B. Bioenergetics
• C. Anabolism
• D. Catabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Catabolism.' Catabolism specifically involves breaking down large molecules into smaller ones to release energy. It is the opposite of anabolism, which is the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones. 'Metabolism' (choice A) is a broader term that encompasses all chemical processes in an organism, including anabolism and catabolism. 'Bioenergetics' (choice B) refers to the flow and transformation of energy in a biological system, not specifically the breakdown of molecules for energy.

2. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

• A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
• B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
• C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
• D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

3. Which of the following substances can donate a hydroxide ion (OH-) in solution?

• A. Salt
• B. Base
• C. Neutral compound
• D. Dehydrating agent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Base. A base is a substance that can donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. Bases increase the concentration of hydroxide ions by either accepting protons (H+) or donating hydroxide ions. Salts are ionic compounds made of cations and anions, which do not directly donate hydroxide ions. Neutral compounds do not significantly affect the concentration of hydroxide ions. Dehydrating agents are substances that remove water molecules from other compounds, unrelated to donating hydroxide ions.

4. In the reaction 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2, what is the limiting reactant when 3 moles of sodium react with 2 moles of water?

• A. Na
• B. H2O
• C. NaOH
• D. H2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation indicates that 2 moles of sodium react with 2 moles of water to yield 2 moles of sodium hydroxide and 1 mole of hydrogen gas. When 3 moles of sodium react with only 2 moles of water, sodium becomes the limiting reactant as it is present in excess compared to the available water molecules. This situation arises because not all sodium atoms can fully react with the limited amount of water, resulting in sodium being the limiting reactant in this specific case. Choice B (H2O), choice C (NaOH), and choice D (H2) are incorrect as they are not the limiting reactant in the given reaction scenario.

5. Which process is characterized by nuclear fission?

• A. A heavy nucleus capturing a neutron and releasing energy
• B. The fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element
• C. A lighter element emitting an alpha particle through radioactive decay
• D. An electron being absorbed by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nuclear fission is the process where a heavy nucleus, like uranium-235, captures a neutron, leading to its division into two lighter nuclei. This process releases a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat and gamma rays. It is utilized in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs due to its capacity to produce significant energy. Choices B, C, and D describe different nuclear processes: fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element, emission of alpha particles from a lighter element through radioactive decay, and absorption of an electron by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray, respectively. These processes are distinct from nuclear fission and do not involve the splitting of heavy nuclei into lighter ones.

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