Nursing Elites

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a key factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, leading to an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. Stable nuclei, on the other hand, are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they have a balanced number of protons and neutrons.

2. What is the process by which muscles convert chemical energy (ATP) into mechanical energy (movement)?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Cellular respiration
• C. Muscle contraction
• D. The sliding filament theory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the sliding filament theory. This theory explains how muscle contraction occurs at a molecular level. During muscle contraction, actin and myosin filaments slide past each other, causing the muscle to shorten and generate movement. This process requires the conversion of chemical energy stored in ATP into mechanical energy to power muscle contractions. Options A and B, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, involve energy production in plants and cells but are not directly related to muscle movement. Option C, muscle contraction, is a broad term that encompasses the entire process of muscle movement, while option D specifically addresses the molecular mechanism behind muscle contraction.

3. Neon (Ne). Both He and Ne belong to Group 18 (Noble Gases) due to their complete and stable outer electron shells.

• A. Electromagnetism
• B. Gravity
• C. Strong nuclear force
• D. Weak nuclear force

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Strong nuclear force. This incredibly powerful force overcomes the repulsive electrostatic force between protons and binds the nucleus together.

4. The innate immune system provides:

• A. Nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens
• B. Specific, long-term immune response through memory cells
• C. Both (a) and (b)
• D. Neither (a) nor (b)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens.' The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and provides a rapid, nonspecific response. It includes physical barriers like the skin, chemical barriers like stomach acid, and cellular responses like inflammation. This system does not involve memory cells or provide long-term immunity, which are characteristics of the adaptive immune system. Therefore, option A accurately describes the function of the innate immune system as a quick and nonspecific defense mechanism.

5. The theory of evolution by natural selection suggests that:

• A. Organisms evolve towards perfection
• B. Traits are acquired through use and disuse
• C. Individuals with favorable traits survive and reproduce more
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A) Organisms evolve towards perfection - This statement is incorrect. Evolution by natural selection does not suggest that organisms evolve towards perfection. Instead, it emphasizes the adaptation of organisms to their environment over time. B) Traits are acquired through use and disuse - This statement reflects Lamarck's theory of evolution, not Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Lamarck proposed that organisms could acquire traits during their lifetime and pass them on to their offspring, which has been largely discredited. C) Individuals with favorable traits survive and reproduce more - This statement accurately reflects the central concept of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Individuals with traits that are advantageous in their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. D) All of the above - This option is incorrect because not all of the statements are true. Only option C a

6. Which type of carbohydrate is the main component of the cell wall in plant cells?

• A. Starch
• B. Glucose
• C. Cellulose
• D. Chitin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cellulose. Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide and the main component of the cell wall in plant cells. Starch, option A, is a storage polysaccharide found in plants, while glucose, option B, is a simple sugar and a basic unit of carbohydrates, not the main component of plant cell walls. Chitin, option D, is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and fungal cell walls, not in plant cell walls. Understanding the unique composition of plant cell walls helps in differentiating the types of carbohydrates present in various cellular structures.

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