Nursing Elites

1. What are organisms that break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the environment called?

• A. Producers
• B. Decomposers
• C. Consumers
• D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are essential organisms in the ecosystem as they break down dead organisms and organic matter, such as bacteria, fungi, and some insects. By decomposing complex organic materials into simpler forms, they release nutrients back into the environment for other organisms to utilize. Producers (option A) are organisms that generate their own food through photosynthesis; consumers (option C) are organisms that feed on other organisms for energy, and parasites (option D) are organisms that live on or in another organism, benefiting at the host's expense rather than breaking down dead organisms for nutrient recycling.

2. What is the main function of the pancreas?

• A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
• B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
• C. To produce enzymes that help digest food
• D. To regulate blood sugar levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the pancreas is to produce digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food. These enzymes are essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. While the pancreas also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin and glucagon, its primary function is to produce enzymes for food digestion. Options A and B are incorrect as the pancreas is not involved in storing food or absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream.

3. In the reaction 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2, what is the limiting reactant when 3 moles of sodium react with 2 moles of water?

• A. Na
• B. H2O
• C. NaOH
• D. H2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation indicates that 2 moles of sodium react with 2 moles of water to yield 2 moles of sodium hydroxide and 1 mole of hydrogen gas. When 3 moles of sodium react with only 2 moles of water, sodium becomes the limiting reactant as it is present in excess compared to the available water molecules. This situation arises because not all sodium atoms can fully react with the limited amount of water, resulting in sodium being the limiting reactant in this specific case. Choice B (H2O), choice C (NaOH), and choice D (H2) are incorrect as they are not the limiting reactant in the given reaction scenario.

4. What is the structure that attaches to each chromosome during mitosis?

• A. Centromere
• B. Telomere
• C. Spindle apparatus
• D. Nucleolus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the centromere. It is the structure that attaches to each chromosome during mitosis. The centromere serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers during cell division, ensuring proper distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells. Telomeres are found at the ends of chromosomes, providing protection and stability. The spindle apparatus is responsible for separating chromosomes during cell division. The nucleolus, located within the nucleus, is involved in ribosomal RNA synthesis and not in chromosome attachment during mitosis.

5. Which of the following compounds often contains a carboxyl group?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Glycolipids
• C. Amino Acids
• D. DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Amino Acids. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, contain both an amine group and a carboxyl group. The carboxyl group (-COOH) is crucial for the structure and function of proteins as it participates in peptide bond formation. Carbohydrates and DNA do not typically contain carboxyl groups as a functional group. Glycolipids consist of a carbohydrate chain linked to a lipid, but they do not inherently contain a carboxyl group.

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