Nursing Elites

1. If Silicon (Si) has an atomic mass of 28.1 AMU (atomic mass units), which of the following is the most likely number of neutrons an atom of Silicon would have?

• A. 28.1
• B. 14
• C. 28
• D. 14.2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Silicon has an atomic number of 14, indicating it has 14 protons. The atomic mass of 28.1 AMU accounts for both protons and neutrons in the nucleus. By subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass, we can estimate the number of neutrons in the atom. Thus, 28.1 - 14 = 14 neutrons. Choice A is incorrect as it represents the total atomic mass, not the number of neutrons. Choice C is incorrect; it is the atomic number (protons) rather than the number of neutrons. Choice D is incorrect as it is a value that does not reflect the number of neutrons in the silicon atom.

2. Which of the following enzymes unwinds the double-stranded DNA during replication?

• A. Helicase
• B. Ligase
• C. Nuclease
• D. Polymerase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA during replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. This process creates the replication fork where DNA polymerase can then synthesize new DNA strands. Ligase functions to join Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, not unwind DNA. Nuclease is involved in DNA repair by removing damaged DNA segments. Polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands based on the existing template strands, not for unwinding the DNA.

3. What are the building blocks of proteins?

• A. Sugars
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Amino acids
• D. Nucleotides

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proteins are macromolecules made up of long chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are linked together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into specific three-dimensional structures to carry out various functions in the body. Sugars (choice A) are the building blocks of carbohydrates, fatty acids (choice B) are the building blocks of lipids, and nucleotides (choice D) are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Therefore, the correct answer is amino acids (choice C), as they are specifically responsible for protein synthesis.

4. Which of the following factors does NOT affect the rate of dissolution of a solute in a solvent?

• A. Temperature
• B. Pressure
• C. Surface area
• D. Particle size

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pressure does not affect the rate of dissolution of a solute in a solvent. The factors that affect the rate of dissolution include temperature, surface area, and particle size. Temperature generally increases the rate of dissolution by providing more energy for the solute particles to break apart and mix with the solvent. Increasing the surface area of the solute by grinding it into smaller particles or increasing its contact area with the solvent can also speed up dissolution. Similarly, reducing the particle size of the solute can increase the rate of dissolution by providing more surface area for interaction with the solvent. Pressure, however, does not have a significant impact on the dissolution process and is not a factor that influences the rate at which a solute dissolves in a solvent.

5. Fluorescent microscopy utilizes which property of certain molecules to create a visible image?

• A. Staining properties
• B. Light absorption
• C. Fluorescence emission
• D. Refraction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fluorescent microscopy relies on the property of certain molecules to fluoresce when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. When these molecules absorb light energy, they become excited and then emit light at a longer wavelength, producing a visible image. This emitted light is what is used to create the image in fluorescent microscopy, making option C, fluorescence emission, the correct answer. Staining properties (option A) are used to enhance contrast in microscopy but are not the primary mechanism in fluorescent microscopy. Light absorption (option B) is involved in the excitation of fluorescent molecules but is not the property used to create the visible image. Refraction (option D) is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums and is not the property utilized in fluorescent microscopy.

Similar Questions