Nursing Elites

1. What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?

• A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
• B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
• C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
• D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

2. What is the primary function of the liver?

• A. To produce bile, which aids in the digestion of fats
• B. To store energy in the form of glycogen
• C. To produce proteins that assist in blood clotting
• D. To detoxify harmful substances in the body

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the body. While the liver does produce bile to aid in the digestion of fats, this is not its primary function. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine for fat digestion. Storing energy in the form of glycogen is a function of the liver, but not its primary one. Glycogen serves as a reserve of glucose. Although the liver produces proteins that assist in blood clotting, such as fibrinogen and prothrombin, this is not its main function. These proteins play a crucial role in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Therefore, the primary role of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances by processing and removing toxins, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, thereby reducing their harmful effects.

3. What property of a substance refers to its ability to be drawn into thin wires?

• A. Conductivity
• B. Ductility
• C. Viscosity
• D. Malleability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ductility is the property of a substance that allows it to be drawn into thin wires without breaking. Conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to conduct electricity or heat, not to be drawn into wires. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, not related to the ability to be drawn into wires. Malleability is the property of a substance that allows it to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, not specifically related to being drawn into wires. Therefore, the correct property for the ability to be drawn into thin wires is ductility.

4. Which system's primary function is protection, sensory reception, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, insulation, and vitamin D absorption?

• A. Nervous system
• B. Integumentary system
• C. Endocrine system
• D. Digestive system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Integumentary system (Option B). The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands, serves various functions such as providing protection against external factors, sensory reception, regulating body temperature (thermoregulation), maintaining water balance (osmoregulation), insulating the body, and absorbing vitamin D from sunlight. The nervous system (Option A) is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. The endocrine system (Option C) produces and secretes hormones to regulate bodily functions. The digestive system (Option D) is involved in breaking down food for nutrient absorption. Therefore, the primary functions described in the question align with those of the integumentary system, making it the correct choice.

5. Smooth muscle is the only ____________ muscle in the body.

• A. Voluntary, striated
• B. Involuntary, non-striated
• C. Involuntary, striated
• D. Voluntary, non-striated

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the only involuntary, non-striated muscle type in the body. It is found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, where it controls movements without conscious effort. Choice A is incorrect because voluntary muscles are under conscious control, while smooth muscle is involuntary. Choice C is incorrect because striations are not present in smooth muscle, unlike skeletal muscle. Choice D is incorrect because smooth muscle is not voluntary and lacks striations, making it different from skeletal muscle.

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