Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of the nervous system?

• A. To fight infection
• B. To control body movement and coordination
• C. To regulate metabolism
• D. To transport oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the nervous system is to control body movement and coordination by transmitting signals between different parts of the body. Choice A is incorrect because the immune system, not the nervous system, is primarily responsible for fighting infections. Choice C is incorrect as regulating metabolism is primarily handled by the endocrine system. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of oxygen is mainly the function of the circulatory system, specifically the blood.

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 statement confirms that the cell membrane is selectively permeable?

• A. Receptors are found on a cell's surface.
• B. Cells communicate with each other using cell signals.
• C. Environmental changes can cause a cell to expand or shrink.
• D. Sodium ions must travel through ion channels to enter the cell.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because selective permeability is demonstrated by the fact that specific ions, such as sodium, require ion channels to cross the cell membrane. This process allows the cell to control what substances can enter or exit, highlighting the selective nature of the cell membrane. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the concept of selective permeability of the cell membrane. Receptors on a cell's surface (Choice A) are involved in cell signaling rather than selective permeability. Cell communication through signals (Choice B) and environmental changes affecting cell size (Choice C) are not directly related to the selective permeability of the cell membrane, which specifically refers to the regulation of substances passing through the membrane.

4. How does the mass of an object affect its inertia?

• A. Mass has no impact on inertia
• B. Higher mass increases inertia
• C. Higher mass decreases inertia
• D. Mass influences gravitational force, not inertia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia because it requires more force to change its state of motion. This concept aligns with Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue in motion with the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, higher mass increases inertia, making it more difficult to alter the object's state of motion. Choice A is incorrect as mass does impact inertia. Choice C is incorrect as higher mass actually increases inertia, not decreases it. Choice D is incorrect as while mass does affect gravitational force, it also directly impacts inertia.

5. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

• A. They are small and soluble.
• B. They are large and soluble.
• C. They are small and insoluble.
• D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

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