Nursing Elites

1. Genes control heredity in man and other organisms. This gene is ___

• A. A segment of DNA
• B. A bead-like structure on the chromosomes
• C. A protein molecule
• D. A segment of RNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Genes are sections of DNA that contain instructions for building and operating living organisms. These sections of DNA contain the genetic information that is passed on from one generation to the next. Genes are composed of specific sequences of nucleotides within the DNA molecule. Therefore, genes are best described as segments of DNA. Choice A is correct. Choice B is incorrect because genes are not bead-like structures on chromosomes but specific sequences of DNA. Choice C is incorrect because genes are not protein molecules but rather sequences of nucleotides. Choice D is incorrect because genes are not segments of RNA but DNA.

2. What is the binding membrane of an animal cell called?

• A. Biological membrane
• B. Cell coat
• C. Unit membrane
• D. Plasma membrane

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Plasma membrane. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and acts as an interface between the living interior of the cell and the nonliving exterior. It plays a vital role in maintaining the cell's integrity, regulating the passage of substances in and out of the cell, and facilitating communication with other cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the term 'plasma membrane' specifically refers to the binding membrane of an animal cell, distinguishing it from other types of membranes or coatings found in cells.

3. Physical factors such as temperature and pH can alter enzyme activity because they have an effect on the enzyme's ___________.

• A. acidity
• B. shape
• C. chemistry
• D. substrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Physical factors such as temperature and pH can alter enzyme activity by affecting the enzyme's shape. Enzymes rely on their specific shapes to function properly and catalyze reactions. Any changes in temperature or pH can disrupt these shapes, causing the enzyme to become denatured and lose its functionality. Therefore, alterations in temperature and pH can impact enzyme activity by directly affecting their shapes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while pH can affect acidity and chemical properties of the enzyme, and temperature can influence the enzyme-substrate interaction, the primary reason for enzyme activity alteration due to temperature and pH is the change in the enzyme's shape.

4. What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?

• A. It attaches to a ribosome.
• B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
• C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
• D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. When mRNA reaches the cytoplasm, it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome functions as the site for protein synthesis through translation, where the genetic code carried by mRNA is read and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because mRNA does not unzip, expose nitrogen bases, pair with DNA bases, or pull free of the DNA strand in the cytoplasm. The primary function of mRNA in the cytoplasm is to serve as a template for protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.

5. What helps the cell maintain its shape and allows it to adapt?

• A. Microfilaments
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Cytoskeleton
• D. Centrioles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The cytoskeleton is the correct answer. It provides structural support to the cell, helps maintain its shape, and enables it to adapt to different environments. Microfilaments are part of the cytoskeleton, but they alone do not encompass the entire cytoskeleton's functions. Cytoplasm is the fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended and is not directly responsible for maintaining cell shape. Centrioles are involved in cell division and do not primarily contribute to maintaining the cell's shape and adaptation.

Similar Questions