Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection?

• A. Mutations in genes
• B. Differential survival and reproduction based on traits
• C. Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out)
• D. Competition for resources in an environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.

2. What is the name of the master gland that regulates the function of many other endocrine glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Adrenal gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is commonly referred to as the master gland because it controls the functions of numerous other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that are essential for regulating processes like growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. The thyroid gland (Choice A) primarily regulates metabolism and does not oversee other endocrine glands. The hypothalamus (Choice C) plays a role in regulating the pituitary gland but is not the master gland. The adrenal gland (Choice D) produces hormones related to stress response but is not considered the master gland that regulates other endocrine glands.

3. What is the waste product of protein digestion?

• A. Glucose
• B. Amino acids
• C. Fatty acids
• D. Ammonia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The waste product of protein digestion is ammonia. Protein digestion breaks down proteins into amino acids, and during this process, ammonia is produced. Ammonia is toxic and needs to be converted into urea in the liver for excretion via urine. Glucose is a product of carbohydrate digestion, amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and fatty acids are the end products of fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is ammonia.

4. What is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy called?

• A. Nuclear fusion
• B. Nuclear fission
• C. Radioactive decay
• D. Chain reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons. It is a controlled chain reaction that generates energy. Option A, Nuclear fusion, is the process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This process powers the sun and other stars. Option C, Radioactive decay, is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. Option D, Chain reaction, is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events. While chain reactions can occur in both nuclear fission and fusion, the specific process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller ones is known as nuclear fission.

5. What is the final stage of both mitosis and meiosis?

• A. Interphase
• B. Telophase
• C. Cytokinesis
• D. G1 phase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Interphase (option A) is not the final stage of mitosis or meiosis; it is the phase before cell division where the cell prepares for division by growing and replicating its DNA. - Telophase (option B) is the final stage of both mitosis and meiosis. During telophase, the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell, the nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to decondense. - Cytokinesis (option C) is the process of dividing the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells. While it occurs after telophase, it is not considered the final stage of mitosis or meiosis. - G1 phase (option D) is the first gap phase in the cell cycle, occurring before DNA replication. It is not the final stage of mitosis or meiosis.

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