Nursing Elites

1. What is the scientific term for the study of genes and their role in disease?

• A. Molecular biology
• B. Biochemistry
• C. Evolutionary biology
• D. Genomic medicine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genomic medicine is the scientific discipline that specifically focuses on the study of genes and their involvement in disease processes. It seeks to understand how variations in an individual's genes can influence their predisposition to certain diseases or affect their response to treatment. This field plays a crucial role in personalized medicine by utilizing genetic information to tailor healthcare decisions and interventions to individual patients. Molecular biology, biochemistry, and evolutionary biology, while related to genetics in various ways, do not have the primary focus on the role of genes in disease as genomic medicine does.

2. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, plays a crucial role in endocrine regulation. It secretes GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH. What is the MAIN function of FSH and LH?

• A. Regulate blood sugar levels
• B. Control growth and development
• C. Stimulate the fight-or-flight response
• D. Maintain calcium homeostasis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) are hormones produced by the pituitary gland in response to GnRH from the hypothalamus. FSH plays a key role in the growth and development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. LH is essential for the maturation of the ovarian follicle, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum in females, as well as the production of testosterone in males. Therefore, the main function of FSH and LH is to control growth and development in the reproductive system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the roles of FSH and LH in reproductive physiology. Regulating blood sugar levels is primarily the function of insulin and glucagon, controlling the fight-or-flight response involves hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, and maintaining calcium homeostasis is mainly regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.

3. What cellular process ensures the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division?

• A. Mitosis (somatic cell division)
• B. Meiosis (germ cell division)
• C. Replication (DNA duplication)
• D. Transcription (DNA to RNA conversion)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. Mitosis is the process by which somatic cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells), focusing on genetic diversity through recombination and reduction of chromosome number. Replication is the process of copying DNA to produce an identical copy, essential for cell division but not the specific process ensuring accurate genetic material transmission. Transcription involves copying DNA into RNA, crucial for gene expression but not directly related to the accurate transmission of genetic material during cell division.

4. Which of the following infectious diseases can be caused by a protozoan parasite?

• A. Measles
• B. Malaria
• C. Mumps
• D. Mononucleosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Malaria. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium, a protozoan parasite transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Measles and mumps are viral diseases caused by separate viruses. Mononucleosis, on the other hand, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is also a viral infection. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are caused by viruses, not protozoa.

5. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

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