Nursing Elites

1. What is the basic unit of heredity?

• A. Chromosome
• B. Cell
• C. Gene
• D. Organ

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A gene is the basic unit of heredity that carries the instructions for making proteins, which determine an organism's traits. Genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes within the cell. While chromosomes contain many genes, a gene itself is the fundamental unit of heredity responsible for passing on genetic information from one generation to the next. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms, but genes specifically carry genetic information. Organs are composed of tissues and serve specific functions within an organism, but they are not the basic unit of heredity.

2. Which hormone is released by the pituitary gland?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Luteinizing Hormone
• C. Progesterone
• D. Testosterone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Luteinizing Hormone. The pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone, which plays a crucial role in reproductive functions by stimulating ovulation in females and testosterone production in males. Choice A, Estrogen, is incorrect as estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries. Choice C, Progesterone, is incorrect as progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries and the placenta during pregnancy. Choice D, Testosterone, is incorrect as testosterone is produced primarily in the testes in males and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in females.

3. 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.

4. What is the role of DNA in heredity?

• A. Provides energy for the cell
• B. Determines the structure and function of proteins
• C. Stores and transmits genetic information
• D. Controls cell division

Correct answer: C

Rationale: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. It stores genetic information in the form of a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). This genetic information is passed down from parents to offspring and is responsible for determining an organism's traits and characteristics. DNA's primary role is to store and transmit genetic information, making option C the correct answer. DNA does not provide energy for the cell (option A), determine the structure and function of proteins (option B), or control cell division (option D).

5. What is the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints called?

• A. Cartilage
• B. Ligaments
• C. Tendons
• D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints, providing stability and support to prevent excessive movement and potential injury. Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery connective tissue that covers bone ends at joints. Tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. Fascia surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, providing support and structure to these tissues. In this context, ligaments are specifically the connective tissues that bind bones together at joints, not cartilage, tendons, or fascia.

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