Nursing Elites

1. How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?

• A. Transformation
• B. Transduction
• C. Conjugation
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information. Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

2. In a chemical reaction, the total amount of:

• A. Matter remains the same
• B. Matter increases
• C. Matter decreases
• D. Energy remains the same

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged. This principle implies that the total amount of matter before and after a chemical reaction must remain constant, supporting the correct answer choice A. Choice B is incorrect because the total amount of matter does not increase in a chemical reaction; it is conserved. Choice C is incorrect as the total amount of matter does not decrease in a chemical reaction; it is conserved. Choice D is incorrect since the conservation of energy is a different principle and does not directly relate to the total amount of matter in a chemical reaction.

3. What does cytokinesis refer to?

• A. Division of the nucleus
• B. Division of the cytoplasm
• C. Separation of chromosomes
• D. Formation of spindle fibers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cytokinesis refers to the division of the cytoplasm of a parental cell between two daughter cells during cell division. It ensures that each daughter cell receives its share of organelles and cytoplasmic components necessary for cellular functions. Choice A, division of the nucleus, is incorrect as this process is known as mitosis. Choice C, separation of chromosomes, is incorrect as it refers to the process of chromatid separation during mitosis. Choice D, formation of spindle fibers, is incorrect as spindle fibers are involved in mitosis to separate chromosomes, not in cytokinesis.

4. During photosynthesis, plants capture sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This is an example of a:

• A. Decomposition reaction
• B. Combustion reaction
• C. Synthesis reaction
• D. Double displacement reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: This is an example of a synthesis reaction because simpler substances (water and carbon dioxide) are combined to form a more complex substance (glucose) in the presence of sunlight. Choice A (Decomposition reaction) involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances, which is the opposite of what happens in photosynthesis. Choice B (Combustion reaction) typically involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, not the formation of glucose and oxygen from simpler substances. Choice D (Double displacement reaction) involves an exchange of ions between two compounds, which is not what occurs in photosynthesis.

5. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is produced by

• A. Keratinocytes (These cells produce keratin)
• B. Melanocytes
• C. Sebocytes (These cells produce sebum)
• D. Langerhans cells (These cells are part of the immune system)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Melanin gives skin its color and protects it from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Keratinocytes produce keratin, a tough protein that forms the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails. Sebocytes produce sebum, an oily substance that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Langerhans cells are a type of immune cell found in the skin that play a role in protecting against infections and foreign substances but do not produce melanin.

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