Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

• A. Shivering when the body temperature falls.
• B. Increasing heart rate when blood pressure is low.
• C. Weight gain when consuming excess calories.
• D. Secreting insulin to decrease blood sugar concentration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

2. What is the role of RNA in protein synthesis?

• A. Stores genetic information
• B. Decodes genetic information
• C. Provides energy for the process
• D. Transports amino acids to the ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by decoding the genetic information stored in DNA and carrying it to the ribosomes where proteins are synthesized. This process involves transcription, where RNA is synthesized from DNA, and translation, where the information in RNA is used to assemble amino acids into proteins. RNA acts as a messenger between DNA and the ribosomes, ensuring that the correct sequence of amino acids is used to build proteins according to the genetic code. Option A is incorrect because DNA, not RNA, stores genetic information. Option C is incorrect because RNA does not provide energy for protein synthesis; energy is usually provided by ATP molecules. Option D is incorrect because tRNA (transfer RNA) is responsible for transporting amino acids to the ribosomes, not RNA in general. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it accurately describes the role of RNA in protein synthesis.

3. Which of the following cations is found at the center of a heme?

• A. Cr (III)
• B. Cu (II)
• C. Iron (II)
• D. Iron (III)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Iron (II) (Fe2+), which is the cation found at the center of a heme group. Heme contains an iron (II) ion that is coordinated within the porphyrin ring structure. This iron ion is crucial for the function of heme in binding and transporting oxygen in hemoglobin and myoglobin. Choice A (Cr (III)) is incorrect as chromium is not typically found at the center of a heme group. Choice B (Cu (II)) is incorrect as copper is not the cation typically present in heme. Choice D (Iron (III)) is also incorrect as heme predominantly contains iron (II) at its center, not iron (III).

4. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

5. Which organ produces bile to aid in digestion?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Liver
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, not bile. The gallbladder stores bile but does not produce it. The stomach produces gastric juices, not bile, to aid in digestion.

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