Nursing Elites

1. What enzymes do lysosomes contain, leading to their nickname as the cell's 'suicide bags'?

• A. Hydrolytic enzymes
• B. Ligases (bonding enzymes)
• C. Transferases (molecule transfer)
• D. Oxidoreductases (redox reactions)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lysosomes are organelles filled with hydrolytic enzymes that break down proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. These enzymes aid in digesting cellular waste and foreign substances, hence the term 'suicide bags' due to their involvement in cell degradation and recycling. Ligases are enzymes that catalyze the joining of two large molecules by forming a new chemical bond, not present in lysosomes. Transferases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of functional groups from one molecule to another, not found in lysosomes. Oxidoreductases are enzymes involved in oxidation-reduction reactions, which are not the primary function of lysosomes.

2. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, helps regulate the body's response to stress, including increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cortisol is the correct answer. It is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the body's response to stress. Cortisol plays a crucial role in increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system during stressful situations. Aldosterone, another hormone from the adrenal glands, primarily regulates salt and water balance in the body, not the stress response. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, but its effects are more immediate and short-lived compared to cortisol. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the body's response to stress.

3. What is the term for the first exposure to a specific pathogen, leading to the development of an initial immune response?

• A. Primary immune response
• B. Secondary immune response
• C. Hypersensitivity reaction
• D. Immunological tolerance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Primary immune response. The primary immune response refers to the initial encounter with a specific pathogen, which triggers the development of the first immune response by the immune system. This response involves activating immune cells like B cells and T cells to produce antibodies and memory cells specific to that pathogen. On the other hand, the secondary immune response occurs upon re-exposure to the same pathogen and is characterized by a faster, stronger, and more effective immune response due to the presence of memory cells from the primary response. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The secondary immune response is the response upon re-exposure, hypersensitivity reactions are exaggerated immune responses to antigens, and immunological tolerance is the immune system's ability to recognize and tolerate self-antigens without mounting an immune response.

4. Which hormone is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress?

• A. Insulin
• B. Cortisol
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Glucagon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Adrenaline is the correct answer. It is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress to prepare the body for the 'fight or flight' response. Adrenaline increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores to help the body deal with the perceived threat. Insulin (Choice A) is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, not in response to stress. Cortisol (Choice B) is another hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, but it primarily helps regulate metabolism and immune response. Glucagon (Choice D) is also produced by the pancreas to increase blood sugar levels when they are low, not by the adrenal glands in response to stress.

5. What is the main function of peroxisomes in the cell?

• A. To break down hydrogen peroxide
• B. To synthesize lipids and other cellular components
• C. To package and transport proteins
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Peroxisomes are membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells that contain enzymes involved in various metabolic processes. One of the main functions of peroxisomes is to break down hydrogen peroxide, a toxic byproduct of metabolism, into water and oxygen through the action of the enzyme catalase. This process helps protect the cell from oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. While peroxisomes are involved in other metabolic functions such as lipid metabolism and the synthesis of bile acids, their primary role is the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because peroxisomes are not primarily responsible for synthesizing lipids, packaging and transporting proteins, or storing genetic material within the cell.

Similar Questions