Nursing Elites

1. Tight junctions are specialized regions between animal cells that perform which function?

• A. Communication between cells
• B. Anchorage between cells
• C. Selective passage of materials
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Tight junctions are specialized structures between animal cells that serve multiple functions. They facilitate communication between cells by allowing signaling molecules to pass through. Additionally, tight junctions provide anchorage between cells, helping to maintain tissue structure and integrity. Moreover, tight junctions regulate the selective passage of materials across cell layers, acting as a barrier to prevent the free diffusion of substances. Therefore, all the functions mentioned in the options are performed by tight junctions, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.

2. An ancient Egyptian pyramid has a square base with side lengths of 20 meters and a remaining height (after erosion) of 10 meters. Its original height was 30 meters. What was the volume of the pyramid in its original state?

• A. 12000 cu m
• B. 6000 cu m
• C. 18000 cu m
• D. 24000 cu m

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Use the formula for the volume of a pyramid with the original height and base area.

3. The process of a gas changing into a liquid is called:

• A. Evaporation
• B. Boiling
• C. Condensation
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Condensation happens when gas particles lose energy and slow down, transitioning into the liquid state.

4. What is the function of arrector pili muscles?

• A. To control sweat production
• B. To contract and cause goosebumps
• C. To produce sebum
• D. To sense touch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To contract and cause goosebumps.' Arrector pili muscles are small muscles attached to hair follicles in the skin. When these muscles contract, they cause the hair to stand upright, resulting in the appearance of goosebumps. This physiological response is a remnant of our evolutionary past when our ancestors had more hair, and the raised hair helped to trap air for insulation or to make them look larger when threatened. Therefore, the function of arrector pili muscles is not to control sweat production (A), produce sebum (C), or sense touch (D), but rather to create the physical response of goosebumps.

5. Lysosomes are known as "suicide bags" of the cell. What enzymes do they contain?

• A. Hydrolytic enzymes
• B. Ligases (bonding enzymes)
• C. Transferases (molecule transfer)
• D. Oxidoreductases (redox reactions)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing hydrolytic enzymes responsible for breaking down various macromolecules, cellular waste, and foreign substances. These enzymes perform hydrolysis, a process where water molecules are used to break down larger molecules into smaller components. This function earned lysosomes the nickname 'suicide bags' as they can initiate cell death (apoptosis) by releasing their enzymes when needed. Ligases, transferases, and oxidoreductases are enzymes with different functions such as forming bonds, transferring molecules, and catalyzing redox reactions, respectively, which are not typically found in lysosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Hydrolytic enzymes.'

6. During normal breathing, which muscle is the primary driver of inhalation by contracting and flattening to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Abdominal muscles
• D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation during normal breathing. When the diaphragm contracts and flattens, it increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, creating a negative pressure that allows air to rush into the lungs. The intercostal muscles also play a role in expanding the ribcage to assist with inhalation. However, the diaphragm is the main driver of the breathing process by creating the necessary space for the lungs to expand and fill with air.

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