Nursing Elites

1. Why is biodiversity important for healthy ecosystems?

• A. Increases stability and resilience to disturbances
• B. Provides stability and resilience to disturbances
• C. Slows down nutrient cycling
• D. Reduces the number of decomposers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Choice A is incorrect because biodiversity doesn't increase competition for resources but rather helps in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. Choice C is incorrect as biodiversity does not slow down nutrient cycling; in fact, it enhances nutrient cycling by ensuring a variety of species involved in the process. Choice D is incorrect as biodiversity does not reduce the number of decomposers but instead supports a diverse community of decomposers that are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

2. Which of the following units is used to express concentration as a mass of solute per unit volume of solution?

• A. Molality (m)
• B. Molarity (M)
• C. Weight percent (%)
• D. Parts per million (ppm)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Molality (m) is the unit used to express concentration as a mass of solute per unit volume of solution. It is calculated by dividing the mass of solute in grams by the mass of the solvent in kilograms. Molality is preferred over molarity when there are large temperature variations as it is temperature-independent, making it a more accurate measure of concentration. Molarity (B) is the unit used to express concentration as moles of solute per liter of solution, weight percent (C) is the mass of solute per 100 parts of the total mass of the solution, and parts per million (D) is used to express very small concentrations where 1 ppm is equivalent to 1 mg of solute per liter of solution.

3. Mesosomes are the internal extensions of which of the following?

• A. Capsule
• B. Cell membranes
• C. Cell wall
• D. Chromatin body

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mesosomes are the internal extensions of the cell membrane, not the capsule, cell wall, or chromatin body. They play a crucial role in cell division and are essential for various cellular processes such as respiration and cell wall formation. Mesosomes are not associated with the capsule (choice A), cell wall (choice C), or chromatin body (choice D), making these options incorrect.

4. Which of the following describes an experiment?

• A. The final math grades for a group of students passing through each year of elementary school are examined.
• B. The health trends of smokers in a small random sample are examined.
• C. Citizens in a local community are surveyed to determine concerns related to the next election.
• D. The effects of a new drug are tested on a group of participants.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D describes an experiment because it involves testing the effects of a new drug on a group of participants. In an experiment, researchers intentionally manipulate an independent variable (in this case, the new drug) to observe its effects on a dependent variable (the participants' health outcomes). This method allows for establishing cause-and-effect relationships between variables, which is a key characteristic of experimental research design. Choices A, B, and C do not represent experiments. Choice A involves observational analysis of math grades, choice B involves observational analysis of health trends, and choice C involves a survey, none of which involve manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

5. 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.

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