Nursing Elites

1. In which step of cellular respiration is the most adenosine triphosphate (ATP) created?

• A. Electron transport chain
• B. Glycolysis
• C. Citric acid cycle (the Krebs cycle)
• D. All of these produce equal amounts of ATP

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron transport chain is the step in cellular respiration that generates the most ATP. During this step, up to 34 ATP molecules can be produced from a single glucose molecule. Choice B, Glycolysis, produces a smaller amount of ATP (2 ATP molecules per glucose), and choice C, Citric acid cycle, produces some ATP but not as much as the electron transport chain. Choice D is incorrect because different steps of cellular respiration produce varying amounts of ATP, with the electron transport chain being the most efficient in ATP generation.

2. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?

• A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
• B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
• C. Proteins that act as transport highways
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.

3. In DNA, the nucleotide base adenine always binds with which of the following?

• A. Guanine
• B. Uracil
• C. Thymine
• D. Cytosine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thymine. In DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine, forming a base pair held together by hydrogen bonds. Guanine pairs with cytosine. Uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. Cytosine pairs with guanine. Therefore, option C is the correct pairing for adenine in DNA.

4. What is the main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis?

• A. To produce amino acids
• B. To produce nucleotides
• C. To produce fatty acids
• D. To produce proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main objective of the translation stage of protein synthesis is to produce proteins. During translation, ribosomes decode mRNA sequences to synthesize proteins by linking amino acids together. Choice A, 'To produce amino acids,' is incorrect as amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are not produced during translation. Choices B and C, 'To produce nucleotides' and 'To produce fatty acids,' are also incorrect as these molecules are not the direct products of the translation stage of protein synthesis.

5. Water is a polar molecule that can be:

• A. cohesive and corrosive
• B. cohesive and adhesive
• C. electrostatic and ionic
• D. repellent and attractive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water is a polar molecule due to an uneven distribution of electrons, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds. This property makes water both cohesive (attracted to itself) and adhesive (attracted to other substances). Choice A is incorrect because water is not corrosive; rather, it is a solvent. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not describe the cohesive and adhesive properties of water.

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