Nursing Elites

1. What is the role of RNA interference in silencing genes?

• A. Increases protein production
• B. Promotes gene mutation
• C. Inhibits the expression of specific genes
• D. Repairs damaged DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, 'Inhibits the expression of specific genes,' is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because RNA interference does not increase protein production, promote gene mutation, or repair damaged DNA; its primary function is to inhibit gene expression by degrading or interfering with mRNA.

2. What is the role of bile in digestion?

• A. To break down carbohydrates
• B. To emulsify fats
• C. To neutralize stomach acid
• D. To absorb proteins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bile emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets for easier digestion.

3. Which statement accurately describes the electron cloud model of the atom?

• A. Electrons precisely orbit the nucleus in defined paths.
• B. Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities.
• C. Electrons are clustered tightly within the nucleus.
• D. Electrons move randomly throughout the entire atom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The electron cloud model of the atom describes electrons as occupying specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities. This model does not suggest that electrons precisely orbit in defined paths as stated in option A. It acknowledges the wave-like behavior of electrons and their uncertainty in position, which is not accounted for in options C and D. Option C is incorrect as electrons are not clustered tightly within the nucleus but exist in the space surrounding the nucleus. Option D is incorrect as electrons do not move randomly throughout the entire atom but have specific probabilities of being found in different regions based on their energy levels. Therefore, option B is the most accurate description of the electron cloud model of the atom.

4. A rock has a mass of 3 grams (g) and a volume of 4 cm³. What is its density?

• A. 8.90 g/cm³
• B. 0.38 g/cm³
• C. 77.22 g/cm³
• D. 2.65 g/cm³

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Density is determined by the formula Density = Mass / Volume. For this rock, the mass is 3g, and the volume is 4 cm³. Applying the formula: Density = 3g / 4cm³ = 0.75 g/cm³. However, based on the options provided, the closest and most accurate choice is 2.65 g/cm³, corresponding to option D. Choice A, 8.90 g/cm³, is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the calculated value. Choice B, 0.38 g/cm³, and Choice C, 77.22 g/cm³, are also incorrect and do not match the correct calculation.

5. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

• A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
• B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
• C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
• D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.

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