Nursing Elites

1. What does the term 'electron configuration' refer to in relation to an atom?

• A. The arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals.
• B. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• C. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
• D. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron configuration of an atom refers to the arrangement of electrons in the atom's orbitals. This arrangement determines the atom's chemical properties and behavior. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus (option B) is known as the atomic number, which defines the element. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus (option C) contributes to the atom's mass number. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell (option D) is important for understanding the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, but the electron configuration specifically refers to how electrons are distributed among the different orbitals in an atom.

2. 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.

3. What are stem cells that can develop into many different cell types, but not a complete organism, known as?

• A. Totipotent stem cells
• B. Multipotent stem cells
• C. Pluripotent stem cells
• D. Hematopoietic stem cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pluripotent stem cells are capable of developing into many different cell types, but they cannot form a complete organism. Totipotent stem cells have the ability to give rise to all cell types in an organism, including extraembryonic tissues, enabling them to form a complete organism. Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Hematopoietic stem cells specifically give rise to blood cells.

4. In the context of the cardiac cycle, what does the P wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represent?

• A. Atrial depolarization
• B. Ventricular depolarization
• C. Atrial repolarization
• D. Ventricular repolarization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The P wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represents atrial depolarization, which signifies the electrical activation of the atria as they prepare to contract. During the cardiac cycle, atrial depolarization occurs first, leading to atrial contraction. Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex, not the P wave. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the P wave specifically corresponds to atrial depolarization, not ventricular depolarization, atrial repolarization, or ventricular repolarization.

5. What are the microscopic units responsible for muscle contraction called?

• A. Neurons
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Tendons
• D. Sarcomeres

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the fundamental contractile units of skeletal muscles and are responsible for muscle contraction. They consist of actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other during muscle contraction. Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals to and from muscles but are not directly involved in muscle contraction. Myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres and are the structures within muscle cells where muscle contractions take place. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not directly involved in muscle contraction.

Similar Questions