Nursing Elites

1. Microfilaments and microtubules are both components of the cytoskeleton, but they have different functions. Which of these describes microfilaments?

• A. Provide structural support and shape
• B. Facilitate cell movement and contraction
• C. Form the mitotic spindle during cell division
• D. Transport materials within the cell

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Microfilaments are thin, solid rods made of the protein actin and are primarily responsible for providing structural support to the cell and determining its shape. While they also play a role in cell movement, their main function is related to maintaining the structural integrity of the cell. Choice B, 'Facilitate cell movement and contraction,' describes microtubules, which are responsible for facilitating cell movement, providing structural support, and aiding in cell division. Choice C, 'Form the mitotic spindle during cell division,' specifically refers to the function of microtubules in forming the mitotic spindle. Choice D, 'Transport materials within the cell,' is characteristic of microtubules that are involved in intracellular transport of organelles and materials within the cell.

2. What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

• A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
• B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
• C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
• D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.

3. Which of the following is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection?

• A. mucus membranes
• B. stomach acid
• C. skin
• D. urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: skin.' The skin is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection. It acts as a protective shield that prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the body. The outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, acts as a tough physical barrier that blocks the entry of pathogens. Additionally, the skin has special immune cells that can help fight off invaders that manage to breach the physical barrier. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While mucous membranes, stomach acid, and urine play important roles in the body's defense against pathogens, the primary physical barrier is the skin, which covers the entire body and provides a robust protective barrier.

4. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

• A. To transport oxygen and nutrients
• B. To regulate blood pressure
• C. To digest food
• D. To filter waste products

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the cardiovascular system is indeed to transport oxygen and nutrients to various tissues in the body. Choice B, 'To regulate blood pressure,' is incorrect as blood pressure regulation is one of the functions of the cardiovascular system but not its primary function. Choice C, 'To digest food,' is incorrect as digestion is primarily a function of the digestive system, not the cardiovascular system. Choice D, 'To filter waste products,' is incorrect as waste product filtration is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not the cardiovascular system.

5. What is the periodic law?

• A. The statement that the properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers.
• B. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where elements with similar properties are grouped together.
• C. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where the atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
• D. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where the atomic mass of an element is equal to the number of neutrons in its nucleus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The periodic law states that the properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers. This means that when elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, there is a periodic repetition of their properties. This forms the basis for the modern periodic table. Option B describes the organization of elements in the periodic table, which is related to the periodic law but not the definition of it. Options C and D are incorrect as they describe concepts related to atomic structure (atomic number and atomic mass) rather than the periodic law itself.

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