Nursing Elites

1. An important characteristic of amino acids is that they can:

• A. act as buffers.
• B. facilitate glucose storage.
• C. regulate heartbeat.
• D. control the level of blood cholesterol.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: act as buffers. Amino acids can act as buffers by helping to maintain the pH balance in the body. Choice B is incorrect because amino acids do not primarily facilitate glucose storage. Choice C is incorrect as amino acids do not regulate the heartbeat. Choice D is also incorrect because amino acids do not control the level of blood cholesterol.

2. Which enzyme is secreted by the salivary glands?

• A. Pepsin.
• B. Trypsin.
• C. Sucrase.
• D. Amylase.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, amylase. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands that initiates the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Pepsin (choice A) is produced in the stomach to digest proteins, trypsin (choice B) is produced in the pancreas to digest proteins, and sucrase (choice C) is produced in the small intestine to break down sucrose. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of an enzyme secreted by the salivary glands.

3. With respect to its effect on colon microflora, fiber is considered a:

• A. prebiotic.
• B. probiotic.
• C. functional food.
• D. protective agent.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prebiotic. Fiber acts as a prebiotic by providing a food source for beneficial bacteria in the colon, promoting their growth and activity. This helps maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the gut. Choice B, probiotic, is incorrect as fiber itself does not contain live beneficial bacteria but rather supports their growth. Choice C, functional food, is too broad and doesn't specifically address fiber's role in promoting beneficial bacteria. Choice D, protective agent, is vague and does not directly relate to fiber's specific function in colon microflora.

4. Which of the following foods is high in indispensable amino acids?

• A. Lentils
• B. Tofu
• C. Peanuts
• D. Eggs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, eggs. Eggs are considered a high-quality protein source as they are rich in indispensable amino acids. Lentils, tofu, and peanuts also contain protein but are not as high in indispensable amino acids as eggs, making them less complete protein sources.

5. What are oligosaccharides composed of?

• A. 3 to 10 monosaccharide units.
• B. large portions of partially digested starch.
• C. nonnutritive sweeteners.
• D. used for weight management.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates composed of 3 to 10 monosaccharide units, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect as oligosaccharides do not contain partially digested starch. Choice C is incorrect as nonnutritive sweeteners are a different category of compounds. Choice D is incorrect as oligosaccharides are not primarily used for weight management.

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