Nursing Elites

1. What role does DNA play in evolution?

• A. It stores genetic information that can be passed on to offspring.
• B. It allows for mutations that can introduce new variations.
• C. It regulates the expression of genes that influence traits.
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) DNA stores genetic information that is passed on from parents to offspring through the process of reproduction. This genetic information contains instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. It serves as the hereditary material that carries the blueprint for an organism's traits and characteristics, allowing for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. B) DNA can undergo mutations, which are changes in the genetic sequence. These mutations can introduce new variations in the DNA, leading to genetic diversity within a population. These variations are essential for natural selection and adaptation to changing environments. C) DNA plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes. Gene expression determines which proteins are produced in an organism, influencing its traits and characteristics. By controlling gene expression, DNA contributes to the development and maintenance of an organism's traits. D) Therefore, DNA is involved in all of the above processes, making it a key factor in evolution by driving genetic variation, inheritance, and gene expression. The interplay of these functions allows for the diversity and adaptation of species over time, shaping the evolutionary process.

2. What is the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

• A. Homologous chromosomes have the same genes but may have different alleles, while sister chromatids are identical copies of the same chromosome.
• B. Homologous chromosomes are only found in diploid cells, while sister chromatids are found in both haploid and diploid cells.
• C. Both homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids are genetically identical, but only sister chromatids separate during mitosis.
• D. Both homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids can separate during mitosis, but only homologous chromosomes have different alleles.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: - Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same genes in the same order, one from each parent. While they carry the same genes, they may have different alleles (variants of a gene). - Sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, formed during DNA replication. They are held together by a centromere and are produced during the S phase of the cell cycle. - During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through crossing over, leading to genetic variation. Sister chromatids separate during mitosis to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material.

3. Which vitamin plays a vital role in immune function?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It plays a vital role in immune function by regulating the immune system and enhancing the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages. Deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases, highlighting its importance in maintaining a healthy immune response. Vitamin A (Choice A) is essential for vision and skin health but is not primarily known for its role in immune function. Vitamin B12 (Choice B) is important for red blood cell formation and neurological function, not specifically immune function. Vitamin E (Choice D) acts as an antioxidant and is beneficial for skin health and cell function, but it is not primarily associated with immune system support.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for higher brain functions, such as thought and action?

• A. Amygdala
• B. Brain stem
• C. Cerebellum
• D. Cerebrum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cerebrum is the correct answer as it is responsible for higher brain functions like thought and action. The amygdala (Choice A) is involved in emotions and emotional responses, not higher brain functions. The brain stem (Choice B) controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate, not higher brain functions. The cerebellum (Choice C) is mainly responsible for motor control and coordination, not higher brain functions like thought and action.

5. What scientific term encompasses a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence?

• A. Trait
• B. Mutation
• C. Allele
• D. Variation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Trait: A trait is a characteristic or feature of an organism that is determined by its genes. B) Mutation: A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can result from errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens, or other factors. C) Allele: An allele is a variant form of a gene that can result in different traits or characteristics. D) Variation: Variation refers to the differences in traits or characteristics among individuals of the same species, which can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this context, the term that specifically refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence is "mutation."

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