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 cellular structure is largely protective in function?

• A. Mitochondrion
• B. Vacuole
• C. Cell membrane
• D. Ribosome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is largely protective in function as it serves as a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, providing structural support and helping to maintain cell integrity. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thus protecting the cell from harmful external factors while allowing essential nutrients to enter. Mitochondrion (choice A) is responsible for energy production, not primarily protective. Vacuole (choice B) is mainly involved in storage and transport. Ribosome (choice D) is involved in protein synthesis, not protective functions.

3. Where is the slide typically placed on a microscope?

• A. Eyepiece
• B. Stage
• C. Focus knob
• D. Objective lens

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The slide is typically placed on the stage of a microscope. The stage is the platform where the slide containing the specimen is positioned for viewing. The eyepiece is where you look through to view the specimen, the focus knob is used to sharpen the image, and the objective lens is responsible for magnification. Therefore, the correct answer is the stage.

4. What takes place in a lysosome?

• A. Ribosomes are made.
• B. Food is produced.
• C. Water is stored.
• D. Food is digested.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a lysosome, food particles are digested through the action of enzymes. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down large molecules into smaller ones, allowing the cell to utilize the nutrients for energy and other processes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ribosomes are not made in lysosomes, food is not produced in lysosomes, and lysosomes do not store water.

5. Why is polarity the most important characteristic of water?

• A. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
• B. the results of the polarity are covalent bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
• C. the results of the polarity are ionic bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
• D. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Polarity is the most important characteristic of water because it results in hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties. These unique properties enable water to form hydrogen bonds with other substances, resist temperature changes, and dissolve a wide variety of solutes, making it essential for life processes. Choice B is incorrect because water exhibits hydrogen bonding, not covalent bonding. Choice C is incorrect as water does not form ionic bonds. Choice D is incorrect because water has a high, not low, specific heat value, which is vital for its role in temperature regulation.

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