Nursing Elites

1. Antigenic variation, a common strategy used by some viruses, allows them to:

• A. Produce toxins
• B. Evade the immune system
• C. Survive outside a host
• D. Replicate rapidly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antigenic variation is a strategy used by some viruses to evade the host's immune response. By constantly changing their surface antigens, viruses can avoid recognition and destruction by the immune system. This allows the virus to persist in the host and continue replicating, leading to prolonged infection and potential transmission to other hosts. Antigenic variation does not directly involve the production of toxins, survival outside a host, or rapid replication, making options A, C, and D incorrect in this context.

2. What is the primary function of tight junctions, specialized regions between animal cells?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Selective passage of materials. Tight junctions act as specialized structures between animal cells that create a barrier to the passage of materials. Their primary function is to prevent the leakage of extracellular fluid and control the selective passage of molecules between cells. This selective control is crucial in regulating the movement of substances across cell layers. Tight junctions do not directly facilitate communication between cells or provide anchorage between cells, as their main role is to regulate the passage of materials. Choices A and B are incorrect as tight junctions do not primarily serve for communication or anchorage between cells.

3. Which of the following structures is unique to eukaryotic cells?

• A. Cell walls
• B. Nuclei
• C. Cell membranes
• D. Vacuoles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nuclei are structures that are unique to eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus, and their genetic material floats freely in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells have nuclei that house the genetic material in the form of chromosomes, separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane. This distinct organelle is a key feature that sets eukaryotic cells apart from prokaryotic cells. Cell walls (Choice A) are found in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotes but are not unique to eukaryotic cells. Cell membranes (Choice C) are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, serving as a barrier that encloses the cell contents. Vacuoles (Choice D) are membrane-bound organelles found in both plant and animal cells, making them not unique to eukaryotic cells.

4. What is the breakdown product of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that provides energy for muscle contraction?

• A. Glucose
• B. Creatine phosphate
• C. ADP (adenosine diphosphate)
• D. Lactic acid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: ADP (adenosine diphosphate) is the correct breakdown product of ATP that provides energy for muscle contraction. When ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP, energy is released and utilized by the muscles for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction. Glucose serves as an energy source but is not the direct breakdown product of ATP for muscle contraction. Creatine phosphate plays a role in energy storage and transfer, but it is not the immediate breakdown product of ATP. Lactic acid is produced during anaerobic metabolism and is not the direct provider of energy for muscle contraction.

5. What is hemoglobin?

• A. an enzyme
• B. a protein
• C. a lipid
• D. an acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs in the body. It is composed of four protein subunits, each containing a heme group that binds to oxygen molecules. Choice A is incorrect as hemoglobin is not an enzyme, but rather a protein. Choice C is incorrect as hemoglobin is not a lipid, but a protein. Choice D is incorrect as hemoglobin is not an acid, but a protein.

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