Nursing Elites

1. As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.

• A. Mutualism
• B. Parasitism
• C. Commensalism
• D. Competition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.

2. Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?

• A. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids
• B. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and calcium
• C. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and sulfur
• D. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and iron

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids are considered the most important molecules in biology. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, lipids for storing energy and forming cell membranes, proteins for various structural and functional roles, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for storing genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are crucial biomolecules, calcium, sulfur, and iron are not considered among the most important molecules in biology.

3. How does yeast reproduce?

• A. Binary fission
• B. Spore formation
• C. Budding
• D. Cloning

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Yeast typically reproduces through a process called budding. During budding, a small outgrowth forms on the parent yeast cell, gradually enlarging in size until it separates to become a new, genetically identical daughter cell. This method of reproduction allows yeast to rapidly multiply and grow in favorable conditions. It is different from binary fission, spore formation, and cloning. Binary fission involves the division of a single organism into two genetically identical organisms. Spore formation is a method seen in certain fungi where specialized cells develop into spores for reproduction. Cloning involves producing genetically identical copies of an organism. Therefore, budding is the correct answer for how yeast reproduces.

4. Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?

• A. Plant cells can use both methods to divide
• B. Animal cells divide faster, requiring them to pinch apart
• C. Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring
• D. N/A

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall surrounding them, which prevents them from using a contractile ring for cell division. The rigid cell wall requires plant cells to form a cell plate during cell division instead of pinching apart like animal cells with a contractile ring. Choice A is incorrect because plant cells cannot use a contractile ring due to their rigid cell wall. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of cell division is not the primary reason for the difference in cell division mechanisms between plant and animal cells. Choice D is not applicable as plant cells indeed have a specific limitation in using a contractile ring for cell division.

5. What type of cells are involved in meiosis (sex cells)?

• A. Somatic Cells
• B. Gametes
• C. Zygote
• D. Diploid Cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Gametes. Gametes are the specialized sex cells involved in meiosis, such as sperm and eggs. Somatic cells (A) are non-reproductive cells found in the body, not involved in meiosis. Zygote (C) is the result of fertilization, formed when gametes unite. Diploid cells (D) have two sets of chromosomes, but in meiosis, gametes are produced through a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to haploid.

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