Nursing Elites

1. What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

• A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
• B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
• C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
• D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.

2. What is the function of ribosomes?

• A. Packaging and transporting proteins
• B. Storing genetic material
• C. Controlling cell division
• D. Synthesizing proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Synthesizing proteins. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and utilize the information to assemble amino acids into proteins through a process known as translation. Choice A, packaging and transporting proteins, is incorrect as this function is typically performed by the Golgi apparatus and vesicles. Choice B, storing genetic material, is incorrect as genetic material is usually stored in the nucleus in the form of DNA. Choice C, controlling cell division, is incorrect as this function is primarily regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and specific proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

3. What is glucagon, where is it produced, and what is its function?

• A. Produced in the liver, releases glucose
• B. Produced in the pancreas, raises blood sugar
• C. Produced in the pancreas, lowers blood sugar
• D. Produced in the adrenal glands, regulates stress response

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas and functions to raise blood sugar levels. It does so by signaling the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is B, 'Produced in the pancreas, raises blood sugar.' Choices A, C, and D describe functions or locations of other hormones, not glucagon. Glucagon is specifically released by alpha cells in the pancreas, making option B the correct choice.

4. Which part of the ear is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Ossicles
• C. Semicircular canals
• D. Eustachian tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ossicles. The ossicles, consisting of the malleus, incus, and stapes, are located in the middle ear. They play a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, specifically to the cochlea. The cochlea is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. The semicircular canals are not involved in transmitting sound but are responsible for balance and orientation. The eustachian tube's function is to help equalize pressure in the middle ear, not to transmit sound vibrations.

5. Where is the energy for most cellular processes produced?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mitochondria. The energy for most cellular processes is produced in the mitochondria through the process of cellular respiration. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This process involves the breakdown of glucose molecules to produce ATP, which fuels various cellular activities. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and controlling cell activities, not energy production. The cytoplasm is where various cellular activities take place, but it is not the primary site for energy production. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis and do not generate energy for cellular processes.

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