Nursing Elites

1. What is the difference between a phylum and a class?

• A. Phylums are broader and more general
• B. Classes are broader and more general
• C. They are synonyms, used for the same groups
• D. Phylums are for plants, classes are for animals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In biological classification, a phylum is a higher taxonomic rank than a class. A phylum is a broader category that encompasses multiple classes within it. It represents a group of organisms sharing a common body plan or evolutionary history. On the other hand, a class is a more specific category within a phylum that includes organisms with similar characteristics. Therefore, phyla are broader and more general compared to classes. Choice B is incorrect because classes are more specific categories within phyla. Choice C is incorrect as phyla and classes are distinct hierarchical levels in taxonomy. Choice D is incorrect because phyla and classes are not restricted to specific types of organisms; they can apply to various organisms across the biological kingdom.

2. Which of the following is the smallest unit of matter?

• A. Molecule
• B. Atom
• C. Compound
• D. Element

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An atom is the fundamental building block of matter, while molecules are formed by the combination of atoms.

3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of a physiological structure?

• A. The trachea connects the throat and the stomach.
• B. The esophagus joins the larynx with the lungs.
• C. The diaphragm controls the height of the thoracic cavity.
• D. The epiglottis covers the trachea during swallowing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action helps direct food into the esophagus, ensuring proper passage into the digestive system and avoiding potential choking or aspiration into the lungs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the trachea connects the larynx to the bronchi, the esophagus connects the throat to the stomach, and the diaphragm is a muscle that plays a vital role in breathing by separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities, aiding in respiration.

4. Which of the following functions is not controlled by the autonomic nervous system?

• A. Digestion
• B. Walking
• C. Heartbeat
• D. Temperature regulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Walking. Walking is not directly controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Walking is a voluntary action governed by the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary skeletal muscle movement. The autonomic nervous system, on the other hand, regulates functions that are involuntary, such as digestion, heartbeat, and temperature regulation. Choices A, C, and D are all functions controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Digestion involves processes like peristalsis and secretion of digestive enzymes, heartbeat is regulated by the autonomic nervous system to maintain blood pressure and circulation, and temperature regulation includes responses like sweating or shivering to maintain body temperature within a narrow range.

5. DNA has both a 'sense' and 'antisense' strand. What is true about the antisense strand?

• A. It runs 5' to 3'.
• B. It runs 3' to 5'.
• C. It is used in replication.
• D. It is the direction DNA is stored.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It runs 3' to 5'. The antisense strand runs in the 3' to 5' direction, complementing the sense strand. Choice A is incorrect as the antisense strand runs in the opposite direction, which is 3' to 5'. Choice C is incorrect because the antisense strand is not directly involved in replication. Choice D is incorrect as the direction DNA is stored is not determined by the antisense strand.

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