Nursing Elites

1. Most catalysts found in biological systems are which of the following?

• A. Special lipids called cofactors.
• B. Special proteins called enzymes.
• C. Special lipids called enzymes.
• D. Special proteins called cofactors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are special proteins that act as catalysts in biological systems. They accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes play a critical role in the regulation of metabolic pathways and are essential for various biological processes. While some enzymes may require cofactors for activity, the enzymes themselves are the catalysts in biological systems. Therefore, choice B, special proteins called enzymes, is the most suitable answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because enzymes, not lipids, are the primary catalysts in biological systems.

2. Which of the following does not describe a general trait of macromolecules?

• A. They can exist as single chains.
• B. They can be branched.
• C. They all contain carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus.
• D. They are all used by the body.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. While many macromolecules contain carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus, not all of them do. For example, lipids, a type of macromolecule, may not contain phosphorus. Choice A and B describe structural features that macromolecules can exhibit, whether as single chains or branched forms. Choice D is incorrect as not all macromolecules are used by the body, such as synthetic polymers or certain non-digestible fibers.

3. What determines the defining characteristic of an element?

• A. Neutrons in its nucleus
• B. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
• C. Protons in its nucleus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The defining characteristic of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is referred to as the atomic number. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. The correct answer is choice C because the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom defines its elemental identity, as different elements have a unique number of protons. Neutrons and electrons do play essential roles in the atom, but they do not determine the defining characteristic of an element. Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus and isotopes of an element, while electrons are involved in chemical bonding and the reactivity of an atom.

4. In a single displacement reaction, one element takes the place of another element in a compound. Which of the following is an example?

• A. 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O
• B. Zn + 2HCl -> ZnCl2 + H2
• C. CaCO3 -> CaO + CO2
• D. CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B demonstrates a single displacement reaction where zinc (Zn) displaces hydrogen (H) in hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2). This reaction exemplifies the concept of one element (Zn) replacing another element (H) in a compound (HCl), which is characteristic of single displacement reactions. Choices A, C, and D do not involve a single element displacing another in a compound, making them incorrect. In choice A, hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water, which is not a single displacement reaction. In choice C, calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide, not involving displacement of elements. In choice D, methane reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water, which is a combustion reaction, not a single displacement reaction.

5. What property of matter determines its resistance to changes in shape or size?

• A. Solid
• B. Liquid
• C. Gas
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Solid.' Solids have a definite shape and volume, providing them with a strong resistance to changes in shape or size. Liquids and gases do not have a definite shape, making them prone to changing shape or size easily. Plasmas, on the other hand, are ionized gases with high energy levels and lack a definite shape or volume, which does not contribute to resistance against changes in shape or size. Therefore, the properties of solids make them best suited for resisting changes in shape or size compared to liquids, gases, and plasmas.

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