Biology Quiz: Ecology and Genetics

NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Review - Science Section

• Review materials are for one person's use only.
• Copyright ©2023 National League for Nursing. All rights reserved.
• Review guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
• The guide is designed to supplement existing high school/college-level science knowledge.
• The document covers topics in Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, and Health, as required by the NLN NEX exam.

General Biology

• General biology encompasses the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
• Topics include cell structure and function, evolution, ecology, microbiology, genetics, organizational levels and taxonomies, research and laboratory procedures, and plant and photosynthesis concepts.

Cell Structure and Function

• Cells are the smallest functional units of living things.
• Cells vary in size and shape depending on their function.
• Key cell components and their functions are listed in the text.
• DNA is genetic information contained within the cell nucleus.

Levels of Organization

• Cells form tissues, tissues form organs, organs form organ systems, and organ systems form organisms.
• Tissues include muscle, epithelial, nervous, and connective tissues.
• The human body is an example of an organism.

Diffusion and Osmosis

• Diffusion is the movement of particles from high concentration areas to low concentration areas until an equilibrium is achieved.
• Osmosis is the specific movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.
• Osmotic pressure refers to the movement of water from an area with high concentration to low concentration (and depends on the solute concentration of the outside/inside of the cell).
• Solutions are defined according to the amount of solute in relation to the amount of water (isotonic, hypertonic, or hypotonic).

Evolution

• Evolution is the process which present species evolved from ancestral ones.
• Evidence for evolution includes fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology and molecular biology.

Microbiology

• Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa.
• Microorganisms, while many are harmless, some cause disease (pathogens).
• Bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa are single-celled organisms.

Ecology: Interrelationships and Problems

• Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.

• Levels of organization include autotrophs (producers), heterotrophs (consumers), primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers, trophic levels, food chains, food webs, biotic factors, abiotic factors, and ecosystems; among others.

• Biomes are large areas characterized by climate and the types of organisms that live there. Some examples include deserts, tropical rain forests, deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and tundra biomes.

• Symbiotic relationships between organisms exist; examples include parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism.

Plants and Photosynthesis

• Plants employ photosynthesis to create their own organic molecules.
• Chlorophyll plays a key role in absorbing light energy.
• Plants have different structures enabling them to function in various environments.

Genetics

• Genetics focuses on the characteristics of organisms as determined by their genes and how these characteristics are passed onto their offspring.
• Genes are located on chromosomes, which exist in pairs (homologous pairs).
• Alleles, forms of a gene, determine the trait appearance (phenotype) and are passed on to offspring through segregation, independent assortment or co-dominance.
• Mendel's experiments provide evidence of the laws of segregation, independent assortment, and the concept of dominance in inheritance.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Includes details in various organ systems
• Covers detailed topics (with diagrams) for each organ system. This includes:
  • Digestive system
  • Circulatory and lymphatic system
  • Respiratory system
  • Nervous system
  • Endocrine system
  • Musculoskeletal system
  • Urinary system
  • Reproductive system
  • Integumentary system
  • Senses

Basic Chemistry

• The study of matter and its interactions focuses on atomic structure, isotopes, ions, the periodic table, bonding, mixtures, and physical/chemical changes.
• Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
• Pure substances are elements or compounds.
• Mixtures are combinations of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded (solutions, tinctures, and emulsions).
• Chemical reactions involve changes from reactants to products.

Health

• Health is more than the absence of disease or injury; it encompasses a holistic view of well-being, including physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Factors may include rest, diet, exercise, hygiene, avoiding certain substances, and environmental influence.
• Prevention and intervention strategies to reduce the likelihood and impact of diseases and injuries are also discussed.
• Screening and vaccination procedures are covered, with related health risks and outcomes.