Nursing Elites

1. Which macromolecule serves as the repository of genetic information in all living organisms?

• A. Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
• B. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
• C. Protein
• D. Carbohydrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - DNA is the macromolecule that serves as the repository of genetic information in all living organisms. It carries the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms. - RNA (option A) is involved in various cellular processes, including protein synthesis, but DNA is the primary molecule responsible for storing genetic information. - Proteins (option C) are essential for various cellular functions but do not serve as the primary repository of genetic information. - Carbohydrates (option D) are important for energy storage and structural support but do not store genetic information.

2. The spleen, a large lymphatic organ, is located in the:

• A. Chest
• B. Abdomen
• C. Pelvis
• D. Head and neck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The spleen is located in the abdomen, specifically in the upper left part of the abdomen, under the ribcage and above the stomach. It is an important organ in the lymphatic system responsible for filtering blood, storing blood cells, and fighting infection. It is not located in the chest, pelvis, or head and neck regions. Therefore, the correct answer is 'B: Abdomen.' Choices 'A: Chest,' 'C: Pelvis,' and 'D: Head and neck' are incorrect as the spleen is not situated in these anatomical areas.

3. Which of the following is NOT a major component of a healthy blood pressure reading?

• A. Systolic pressure (peak pressure during ventricular contraction)
• B. Diastolic pressure (pressure within arteries during ventricular relaxation)
• C. Pulse pressure (difference between systolic and diastolic pressure)
• D. Blood oxygen saturation levels. While blood oxygen levels are crucial for overall health, they are not directly reflected in a blood pressure reading.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Blood oxygen saturation levels are essential for overall health but are not directly part of a blood pressure reading. A healthy blood pressure reading consists of systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse pressure. Systolic pressure represents the peak pressure during ventricular contraction, diastolic pressure reflects the pressure within arteries during ventricular relaxation, and pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. These components collectively provide information about the pressure variations within the arteries throughout the cardiac cycle phases, contributing to the assessment of cardiovascular health. Therefore, choice D, blood oxygen saturation levels, is not a major component of a healthy blood pressure reading and is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are major components of a healthy blood pressure reading and directly relate to the pressure variations within the arteries during different phases of the cardiac cycle.

4. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

• A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
• B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
• C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
• D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.

5. Which of the following characteristics is part of a person's genotype?

• A. Brown eyes that appear hazel in the sunlight
• B. The CFTR gene, which causes cystic fibrosis
• C. Black hair that grows rapidly
• D. Being a fast runner

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A genotype refers to a person's genetic makeup, which includes specific genes like the CFTR gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. Genes are the units of heredity and are part of an individual's genotype, influencing various traits and characteristics. Choice A, brown eyes that appear hazel in the sunlight, refers to a phenotype, which is the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of genes and the environment. Choice C, black hair that grows rapidly, also describes a phenotype rather than a genotype. Choice D, being a fast runner, is a trait influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but it does not directly relate to a specific gene in the genotype.

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