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. Which type of nuclear reaction releases a large amount of energy in a short time?

• A. Radioactivity
• B. Nuclear fission
• C. Nuclear fusion
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nuclear fusion releases a large amount of energy in a short time by combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This process is the energy source of the sun and hydrogen bombs. Radioactivity involves the spontaneous emission of particles or energy from an unstable atomic nucleus, while nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei, also releasing energy. While all the options are types of nuclear reactions, nuclear fusion is specifically known for releasing a large amount of energy rapidly, making it the correct choice in this context. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not specifically describe the process of releasing a large amount of energy in a short time. Choice D is incorrect because not all the options listed release a large amount of energy in a short time, making it an inaccurate answer.

3. Which of the following colligative properties refers to the elevation of the boiling point of a solution?

• A. Freezing point depression
• B. Vapor pressure lowering
• C. Osmotic pressure
• D. Boiling point elevation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Boiling point elevation.' Boiling point elevation is a colligative property that describes the increase in the boiling point of a solvent when a non-volatile solute is added to it. This occurs because the presence of solute particles in the solvent lowers the vapor pressure of the solution, requiring a higher temperature to reach the same vapor pressure as the pure solvent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Freezing point depression refers to the lowering of the freezing point of a solution, vapor pressure lowering is the reduction in vapor pressure due to the presence of solute particles, and osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of solvent molecules across a semipermeable membrane in osmosis.

4. Through what tubes does urine travel from the kidneys to the bladder?

• A. Urethra
• B. Ureters
• C. Renal arteries
• D. Renal veins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ureters.' The ureters are the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The urethra, not a choice in this question, is the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. Renal arteries and veins are blood vessels that respectively supply and drain the kidneys, not involved in the transport of urine to the bladder.

5. What is the smallest unit that can encode for a trait?

• A. A codon
• B. A gene
• C. A nucleotide
• D. A chromosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - a gene. Genes are the smallest units that can encode for a trait as they contain the specific instructions for producing a particular characteristic or protein. While codons are sequences of nucleotides that code for specific amino acids in a protein, they are not the smallest unit that encodes for a trait. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins, containing many genes.

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