,NSG5003/NSG 5003 Advanced Pathophysiology Week 3
Knowledge Checks | South University | 26/27 (PDF)
1. Which statement accurately describes the structural relationship between genes, chromosomes,
and DNA?
A) Genes are structures within chromosomes of each cell that contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
B) Genes are messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) molecules that carry genetic information
C) Genes are cells that determine gender during fertilization
D) Genes are antibodies that promote disease through immune mechanisms
Correct Answer: Genes are structures within chromosomes of each cell that contain deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA)
Rationale: Genes are segments of DNA located within chromosomes, serving as the fundamental units
of heredity. They contain the instructions for protein synthesis and are passed from parents to
offspring. mRNA carries genetic information but is not a gene itself, gender determination involves
chromosomal combinations, and antibodies are immune proteins unrelated to genetic structure.
2. Which of the following is the major cause of death from cancer?
A) Infection
B) Hemorrhage
C) Pain
D) Metastasis
Correct Answer: Metastasis
Rationale: Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs, is the major
cause of cancer-related death. It accounts for approximately 90% of cancer mortality. Infection,
hemorrhage, and pain are complications that may occur but are not the primary cause of death from
malignancy.
3. Which statement is true regarding the stages of cancer?
,A) Stage 1 represents a poor prognosis
B) Localized cancer is a stage 4
C) Benign tumors are stage 2
D) Cancer that has spread regionally is a stage 3
Correct Answer: Cancer that has spread regionally is a stage 3
Rationale: Cancer staging follows the TNM system, where stage 3 indicates regional spread to lymph
nodes or adjacent structures. Stage 1 represents localized disease with a good prognosis, stage 4
indicates distant metastasis, and benign tumors are not staged using the cancer staging system.
Understanding staging guides treatment decisions and prognosis.
4. Mutations in which type of gene can result in uncontrolled and increased cellular replication?
A) Tumor suppressor genes
B) DNA repair genes
C) Oncogenes
D) Apoptosis regulatory genes
Correct Answer: Oncogenes
Rationale: Oncogenes are mutated forms of proto-oncogenes that promote uncontrolled cell
proliferation by constitutively activating growth signaling pathways. Tumor suppressor genes
normally inhibit cell division, and their loss of function also contributes to cancer but through a
different mechanism. DNA repair genes and apoptosis regulatory genes contribute to genomic
instability but are not directly responsible for accelerated replication.
5. Leukopenia resulting from chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer causes which
complication?
A) Infection
B) Anemia
C) Blood clots
D) Cachexia
, Correct Answer: Infection
Rationale: Leukopenia is a decrease in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, which impairs the
immune response and increases susceptibility to infection. Anemia results from decreased red blood
cells, blood clots from hypercoagulability, and cachexia from metabolic changes. Recognizing
leukopenia as a risk factor for infection guides monitoring and prophylactic measures.
6. Inserting bone marrow cells into an individual who produces abnormal erythrocytes is an example
of what type of therapy?
A) Somatic cell therapy
B) Germline therapy
C) Gene therapy
D) Pharmacologic therapy
Correct Answer: Somatic cell therapy
Rationale: Somatic cell therapy involves the transfer of cells that are not destined to become germ
cells, meaning the genetic changes are not passed to offspring. Germline therapy would alter
reproductive cells and affect future generations. Gene therapy involves direct genetic modification,
and pharmacologic therapy uses medications. Understanding these distinctions is essential for genetic
therapeutics.
7. DNA replication requires the enzyme DNA polymerase to perform which function?
A) Travel along the single DNA strand, adding the correct nucleotide to the new strand
B) Synthesize RNA from a DNA template
C) Proofread and repair damaged DNA sequences
D) Unwind the double helix before replication begins
Correct Answer: Travel along the single DNA strand, adding the correct nucleotide to the new strand
Knowledge Checks | South University | 26/27 (PDF)
1. Which statement accurately describes the structural relationship between genes, chromosomes,
and DNA?
A) Genes are structures within chromosomes of each cell that contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
B) Genes are messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) molecules that carry genetic information
C) Genes are cells that determine gender during fertilization
D) Genes are antibodies that promote disease through immune mechanisms
Correct Answer: Genes are structures within chromosomes of each cell that contain deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA)
Rationale: Genes are segments of DNA located within chromosomes, serving as the fundamental units
of heredity. They contain the instructions for protein synthesis and are passed from parents to
offspring. mRNA carries genetic information but is not a gene itself, gender determination involves
chromosomal combinations, and antibodies are immune proteins unrelated to genetic structure.
2. Which of the following is the major cause of death from cancer?
A) Infection
B) Hemorrhage
C) Pain
D) Metastasis
Correct Answer: Metastasis
Rationale: Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs, is the major
cause of cancer-related death. It accounts for approximately 90% of cancer mortality. Infection,
hemorrhage, and pain are complications that may occur but are not the primary cause of death from
malignancy.
3. Which statement is true regarding the stages of cancer?
,A) Stage 1 represents a poor prognosis
B) Localized cancer is a stage 4
C) Benign tumors are stage 2
D) Cancer that has spread regionally is a stage 3
Correct Answer: Cancer that has spread regionally is a stage 3
Rationale: Cancer staging follows the TNM system, where stage 3 indicates regional spread to lymph
nodes or adjacent structures. Stage 1 represents localized disease with a good prognosis, stage 4
indicates distant metastasis, and benign tumors are not staged using the cancer staging system.
Understanding staging guides treatment decisions and prognosis.
4. Mutations in which type of gene can result in uncontrolled and increased cellular replication?
A) Tumor suppressor genes
B) DNA repair genes
C) Oncogenes
D) Apoptosis regulatory genes
Correct Answer: Oncogenes
Rationale: Oncogenes are mutated forms of proto-oncogenes that promote uncontrolled cell
proliferation by constitutively activating growth signaling pathways. Tumor suppressor genes
normally inhibit cell division, and their loss of function also contributes to cancer but through a
different mechanism. DNA repair genes and apoptosis regulatory genes contribute to genomic
instability but are not directly responsible for accelerated replication.
5. Leukopenia resulting from chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer causes which
complication?
A) Infection
B) Anemia
C) Blood clots
D) Cachexia
, Correct Answer: Infection
Rationale: Leukopenia is a decrease in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, which impairs the
immune response and increases susceptibility to infection. Anemia results from decreased red blood
cells, blood clots from hypercoagulability, and cachexia from metabolic changes. Recognizing
leukopenia as a risk factor for infection guides monitoring and prophylactic measures.
6. Inserting bone marrow cells into an individual who produces abnormal erythrocytes is an example
of what type of therapy?
A) Somatic cell therapy
B) Germline therapy
C) Gene therapy
D) Pharmacologic therapy
Correct Answer: Somatic cell therapy
Rationale: Somatic cell therapy involves the transfer of cells that are not destined to become germ
cells, meaning the genetic changes are not passed to offspring. Germline therapy would alter
reproductive cells and affect future generations. Gene therapy involves direct genetic modification,
and pharmacologic therapy uses medications. Understanding these distinctions is essential for genetic
therapeutics.
7. DNA replication requires the enzyme DNA polymerase to perform which function?
A) Travel along the single DNA strand, adding the correct nucleotide to the new strand
B) Synthesize RNA from a DNA template
C) Proofread and repair damaged DNA sequences
D) Unwind the double helix before replication begins
Correct Answer: Travel along the single DNA strand, adding the correct nucleotide to the new strand
