Nursing Elites

1. What are fingernails and toenails primarily made of?

• A. Collagen (Collagen is found in the dermis)
• B. Keratin
• C. Melanin (Melanin provides pigment, not structure)
• D. Sebum (Sebum is an oily substance)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fingernails and toenails are primarily made of a protein called keratin. Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein that provides structure and strength to nails, hair, and the outer layer of skin. Collagen, as mentioned, is found in the dermis and is not the primary component of nails. Melanin provides pigment to the skin and hair, not the structure of nails. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands and is not a structural component of nails.

2. Which structure allows for the selective passage of materials into and out of the cell?

• A. DNA
• B. Protein
• C. Carbohydrate
• D. Phospholipid bilayer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The phospholipid bilayer is a crucial component of the cell membrane, surrounding the cell and regulating the passage of materials into and out of the cell. Its structure enables it to be selectively permeable, controlling which substances can pass through. DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates are essential molecules in the cell but do not directly govern the passage of materials like the phospholipid bilayer does. Therefore, the correct answer is the phospholipid bilayer.

3. What is the name of the strong acid produced by the stomach to help break down food?

• A. Hydrochloric acid
• B. Lactic acid
• C. Bile
• D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, hydrochloric acid. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to aid in the digestion process by breaking down food, particularly proteins. This acid is crucial for the proper absorption of nutrients in the stomach. Lactic acid is produced in muscles during intense exercise, not in the stomach. Bile is produced by the liver to assist in digestion, primarily in the small intestine, not in the stomach. Fatty acids are molecules found in fats with different functions in the body, but they are not the primary acid produced by the stomach for digestion.

4. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

• A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
• C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
• D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

5. According to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, which functional group has the highest priority?

• A. Alcohol (OH)
• B. Aldehyde (CHO)
• C. Carboxylic Acid (COOH)
• D. Amine (NH2)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, functional groups are prioritized based on the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the functional group. Carboxylic acid (COOH) holds the highest priority as the carbon atom is directly bonded to two oxygen atoms, which have higher atomic numbers compared to carbon, hydrogen, or nitrogen. The higher the atomic number of the attached atoms, the higher the priority of the functional group in the CIP ranking system. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they have lower atomic numbers in the atoms directly attached to them, making them lower in priority according to the CIP system.

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