Nursing Elites

1. Prophase is the first stage of mitosis. Which of the following best describes chromosomes during this stage?

• A. They are gathered on either side of the separating cell
• B. They are all aligned along the metaphase plate
• C. They are attached to the spindle
• D. They are visibly separate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible as distinct structures under a microscope. Choice A is incorrect as chromosomes are not gathered on either side of the separating cell during prophase. Choice B is incorrect because chromosomes align along the metaphase plate during the subsequent stage, metaphase. Choice C is incorrect as chromosomes become attached to the spindle fibers during prometaphase, the stage following prophase.

2. At the beginning of meiosis, how many chromosomes does the diploid parent cell have?

• A. 23
• B. 24
• C. 46
• D. 54

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 46. At the start of meiosis, the diploid parent cell contains 46 chromosomes. During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved, resulting in each gamete having 23 chromosomes. Choice A (23) is incorrect because that is the number of chromosomes in a human gamete, not the parent cell. Choice B (24) and Choice D (54) are also incorrect as they do not reflect the correct number of chromosomes in a diploid parent cell at the beginning of meiosis.

3. The bilayer of the cellular membrane consists of phospholipids with all except which of the following scattered throughout?

• A. Nucleic acids
• B. Cholesterol
• C. Proteins
• D. Glycoproteins

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with cholesterol, proteins, and glycoproteins distributed throughout. Nucleic acids are not found within the cellular membrane. Cholesterol helps maintain membrane fluidity, while proteins and glycoproteins play important roles in cell signaling, transport, and structural support.

4. Which of the following molecules acts as the genetic code's messenger?

• A. RNA
• B. Proteins
• C. DNA
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is RNA. RNA, particularly mRNA, serves as the messenger that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Proteins (choice B) are not the genetic code's messenger; they are synthesized based on the information carried by RNA. DNA (choice C) stores the genetic information but does not directly act as the messenger. Carbohydrates (choice D) are not involved in transmitting genetic information.

5. What function does cholesterol, a phospholipid, serve within the cell membrane?

• A. It builds up fats to make the structure more flexible
• B. It allows protein channels to form
• C. It makes the structure very rigid and impermeable
• D. It stabilizes the membrane structure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cholesterol helps to maintain the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane by fitting between the phospholipid molecules. Choice A is incorrect because cholesterol does not build up fats in the cell membrane. Choice B is incorrect as protein channels are formed by proteins, not cholesterol. Choice C is incorrect as cholesterol actually helps regulate the fluidity of the membrane, making it less rigid and more permeable.

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