Nursing Elites

1. Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?

• A. Schwann cell
• B. ganglion
• C. synapse
• D. axon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons. Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons. Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons. Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.

2. Which of the following is a major factor influencing the distribution of organisms geographically?

• A. The availability of specific types of food sources
• B. Tolerance of organisms to different temperature ranges
• C. Competition for mates within the same species
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The distribution of organisms geographically is influenced by various factors. The availability of specific types of food sources is crucial as organisms need suitable food sources to survive and thrive in an area. Tolerance of organisms to different temperature ranges is also important, as temperature impacts where species can live. Organisms must withstand temperature conditions to survive. Competition for mates within the same species affects population sizes and dynamics in different areas. Therefore, all these factors collectively influence the distribution of organisms geographically. Choice D, 'All of the above,' is the correct answer because each of the factors mentioned (availability of food sources, tolerance to temperature ranges, and competition for mates) plays a significant role in determining the distribution of organisms in different geographical locations. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they each only represent one specific factor that influences distribution, whereas the correct answer encompasses all the major factors mentioned.

3. A light ray travels from air (refractive index 1.00) into water (refractive index 1.33). What happens to its speed and direction?

• A. Speed increases, direction bends towards the normal.
• B. Speed increases, direction bends away from the normal.
• C. Speed decreases, direction bends towards the normal.
• D. Speed and direction remain unchanged.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a light ray travels from air (lower refractive index) to water (higher refractive index), its speed decreases due to the change in the medium. This is because light travels slower in denser mediums. As the light ray enters the denser medium, water in this case, it bends towards the normal (the line perpendicular to the surface of the water). This phenomenon is known as refraction. Choice A is incorrect as the speed of light decreases when entering a denser medium. Choice B is incorrect as the direction bends towards the normal, not away from it. Choice D is incorrect as the speed and direction of the light ray do change when moving from air to water.

4. What is a characteristic property of acids?

• A. Bitter taste
• B. Sour taste
• C. Slippery feel
• D. Sweet taste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct characteristic property of acids is a sour taste. Acids release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water, giving them a sour taste. Bitter taste is a property associated with bases, not acids. Slippery feel is a characteristic property of bases, due to their soap-like nature. Sweet taste does not accurately describe the characteristic property of acids, as they are known for their sour taste.

5. What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. DNA replication
• C. Cell division
• D. Lipid synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protein synthesis. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and translate the genetic information into specific proteins. This process is essential for building and maintaining the structures and functions of the cell. Choice B, DNA replication, is incorrect because ribosomes are not involved in replicating DNA; that process occurs in the nucleus. Choice C, cell division, is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in cell division but rather in protein synthesis. Choice D, lipid synthesis, is also incorrect as ribosomes are not responsible for synthesizing lipids, which primarily occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles.

Similar Questions