Nursing Elites

1. What structure in plant cells provides rigidity and support?

• A. Cell membrane
• B. Golgi apparatus
• C. Plastid
• D. Cell wall

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the cell wall. The cell wall is the structure in plant cells that provides rigidity and support. It is a tough, rigid structure located outside the cell membrane. Composed primarily of cellulose, the cell wall offers structural support to the cell, helping it maintain its shape and protect it from damage. The other choices, such as the cell membrane (choice A), Golgi apparatus (choice B), and plastid (choice C) do not provide rigidity and support to plant cells. The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier, the Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, and plastids are organelles responsible for functions like photosynthesis and storage, but they do not provide the structural support that the cell wall does.

2. What is a benefit of a taxonomic system?

• A. Researchers can describe how living things behave.
• B. Researchers can develop names for new organisms.
• C. Living things can be distinguished from nonliving things.
• D. Living things can be classified based on their molecular traits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A taxonomic system allows scientists to classify living organisms based on their molecular and genetic traits. This classification helps in understanding the relationships and evolutionary history of different organisms, providing insights into their characteristics and behaviors. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the primary purpose and benefit of a taxonomic system, which is the systematic classification of organisms.

3. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

4. Why can optical fibers transmit light signals around bends?

• A. Reflection
• B. Refraction
• C. Diffraction
• D. Polarization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Optical fibers can transmit light signals around bends primarily due to refraction. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, such as from air to glass in an optical fiber. This bending allows the light signals to travel through the fiber even around bends, making optical fibers an efficient means of transmitting light signals over long distances. Reflection (Choice A) occurs when light bounces off a surface, which is not the primary mechanism allowing light to travel around bends in optical fibers. Diffraction (Choice C) refers to the bending of light waves around obstacles or openings, but it is not the main reason light signals can traverse bends in optical fibers. Polarization (Choice D) is the orientation of light waves in a specific plane, but it does not play a significant role in enabling light to navigate bends in optical fibers.

5. Which of the following minerals is important for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system?

• A. Iron
• B. Sodium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Calcium (Choice C). Calcium is essential for bone health and is stored in bones by the skeletal system. Bones act as a reservoir for calcium, playing a critical role in maintaining bone strength and density. Iron, sodium, and magnesium are important for various bodily functions but are not primarily stored in bones for bone health. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, sodium helps regulate fluid balance, and magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.

Similar Questions