Nursing Elites

1. Which indicator is commonly used to distinguish between acidic and basic solutions?

• A. Methyl orange
• B. Phenolphthalein
• C. Universal indicator
• D. All of the above are common indicators.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phenolphthalein is commonly used to differentiate between acidic and basic solutions. It changes color, turning pink in basic solutions and remaining colorless in acidic solutions due to a specific pH range. While methyl orange and universal indicator are also indicators used for pH testing, phenolphthalein is especially known for its distinctive color change in response to acidic and basic solutions, making it the correct choice. Methyl orange is typically used in titrations for a sharp color change at a specific pH, and the universal indicator is a mixture of indicators displaying a range of colors depending on the pH value, not specifically tailored to acidic and basic distinctions.

2. What is the shape of the DNA molecule?

• A. Linear
• B. Circular
• C. Double helix
• D. Straight chain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Double helix. The shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix, a structure first described by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This shape consists of two strands twisted around each other in a spiral. The double helix structure allows DNA to be compactly stored within the cell nucleus and provides stability to the molecule. Options (A) Linear, (B) Circular, and (D) Straight chain are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the shape of the DNA molecule. DNA is not linear but rather forms a twisted double helix; it is not circular like a ring but has a spiral structure, and it is not a straight chain but a twisted ladder-like structure.

3. What is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli, such as chemicals, temperature, or touch, called?

• A. Signal transduction
• B. Homeostasis
• C. Adaptation
• D. Metabolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Signal transduction is the correct answer. It is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli like chemicals, temperature, or touch. When a cell receives a signal from its environment, it triggers a series of molecular events leading to a specific cellular response. This process involves transmitting signals from the cell surface to the interior, triggering various cellular activities. Homeostasis, on the other hand, refers to an organism's ability to maintain internal stability in response to external changes. Adaptation involves an organism adjusting to its environment over time through genetic changes or behavioral modifications, which is distinct from the process of cells responding to immediate external stimuli. Metabolism, although essential for cellular functions, is not specifically about cells responding to external stimuli but rather the biochemical processes involved in energy production, storage, and utilization within cells.

4. During nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create:

• A. A heavier isotope of the same element
• B. A lighter isotope of the same element
• C. An entirely new element
• D. A chain reaction of nuclear fission

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create an entirely new element. This process involves changing the number of protons in the nucleus, resulting in the creation of a different element. Options A and B are incorrect because nuclear transmutation leads to the formation of a new element, not a heavier or lighter isotope of the same element. Option D, a chain reaction of nuclear fission, is incorrect as nuclear transmutation involves the direct conversion of one element into another through bombardment with particles, not the initiation of a fission chain reaction.

5. What function do ribosomes serve within the cell?

• A. Ribosomes are responsible for cell movement.
• B. Ribosomes aid in protein synthesis.
• C. Ribosomes help protect the cell from its environment.
• D. Ribosomes have enzymes that help with digestion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ribosomes serve a crucial role in protein synthesis by translating mRNA into proteins. They are not involved in cell movement, protecting the cell from the environment, or aiding in digestion. Choice A is incorrect because ribosomes are not responsible for cell movement. Choice C is incorrect because ribosomes do not primarily protect the cell from its environment. Choice D is incorrect because ribosomes do not have enzymes that aid in digestion.

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