Nursing Elites

1. During which phase of cell division do the chromosomes replicate?

• A. Prophase
• B. Interphase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromosomes replicate during the interphase of the cell cycle. Interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division by undergoing various activities such as growth, DNA replication, and protein synthesis. During DNA replication in interphase, each chromosome in the cell is duplicated to form two sister chromatids, which are then separated during cell division. Prophase is the phase where the chromosomes condense, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. Telophase is the phase where the nuclear envelope reforms, and chromosomes begin to decondense.

2. 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.

3. Why is yeast used to make bread rise?

• A. It engages in photosynthesis, which produces oxygen gas.
• B. Carbon dioxide forms while yeast carries out photosynthesis.
• C. Yeast carries out fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
• D. Yeast breathes in oxygen and produces carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Yeast is used to make bread rise because it carries out fermentation, producing carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and create a fluffy texture in the bread. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because yeast does not engage in photosynthesis, so it does not produce oxygen gas, does not carry out photosynthesis to form carbon dioxide, and does not produce carbon dioxide through aerobic respiration. Yeast's fermentation process is essential for bread rising.

4. The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids with proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins. What does this bilayer create?

• A. Impermeable
• B. Permeable
• C. Selectively permeable
• D. Selectively impermeable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Selectively permeable.' The cell membrane's bilayer structure allows it to be selectively permeable, meaning it can control the passage of substances. This property enables the membrane to regulate the entry and exit of specific molecules, ions, and other substances. Choice A, 'Impermeable,' is incorrect as the cell membrane is not completely impermeable and does allow certain substances to pass through. Choice B, 'Permeable,' is also incorrect as it does not address the selective nature of the membrane. Choice D, 'Selectively impermeable,' is a contradictory term and does not accurately describe the cell membrane's function.

5. During protein synthesis, what process uses an RNA strand to produce a complementary strand of DNA?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Transfer synthesis
• D. Codon synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During transcription, an RNA strand is used to produce a complementary strand of DNA. This process is essential for converting the genetic information stored in DNA into RNA. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it involves the synthesis of proteins from mRNA. Choice C, 'Transfer synthesis,' is not a recognized term in molecular biology. Choice D, 'Codon synthesis,' is also incorrect as it does not refer to the process of using an RNA strand to produce a complementary DNA strand.

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