Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. What is the primary function of the strong nuclear force?

• A. Binding electrons in atomic orbitals
• B. Binding protons and neutrons within the nucleus
• C. Mediating the attractive force between opposite charges
• D. Mediating the repulsive force between like charges

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The strong nuclear force primarily functions to bind protons and neutrons within the nucleus. It is responsible for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons, holding the nucleus together. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong nuclear force specifically acts on nucleons (protons and neutrons) within the nucleus, not on electrons in atomic orbitals or charges outside the nucleus.

4. What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

• A. Transcribes DNA into mRNA
• B. Decodes the genetic code on mRNA
• C. Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes
• D. Modifies the structure of proteins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcribes DNA into mRNA: This is the function of RNA polymerase, not transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not transcription. B) Decodes the genetic code on mRNA: This is the function of tRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids and recognize the codons on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. C) Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes: This is the primary role of tRNA in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule is specific for a particular amino acid and carries it to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing protein chain. D) Modifies the structure of proteins: This is not a function of tRNA. Protein modification can occur after translation is complete and involves other cellular processes and molecules.

5. Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes symptoms like:

• A. Fever and fatigue
• B. Runny nose and itchiness
• C. Muscle aches and joint pain
• D. Cough and shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. It is responsible for causing symptoms such as a runny nose, itchiness, sneezing, and watery eyes. These symptoms are commonly seen in allergies like hay fever. Fever and fatigue (option A) are not typically caused by histamine release during an allergic reaction. Muscle aches and joint pain (option C) are not common symptoms of histamine release in allergic reactions. Cough and shortness of breath (option D) are more commonly associated with asthma or respiratory allergies rather than histamine release.

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