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. Which of the following describes the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products?

• A. Cellular respiration
• B. Meiosis
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Mitosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process in cells that converts biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP and releases waste products. This process occurs in the mitochondria of the cell. Choice B, Meiosis, is a type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice C, Photosynthesis, is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose. Choice D, Mitosis, is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells with identical sets of chromosomes as the parent cell.

3. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?

• A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
• B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
• C. Proteins that act as transport highways
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.

4. Which of the following is the process that reduces cells originally classified as diploid to haploid?

• A. Meiosis
• B. Photosynthesis
• C. Mitosis
• D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Meiosis. Meiosis is the cell division process that reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid, which is essential for sexual reproduction. Choice B, Photosynthesis, is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll. Choice C, Mitosis, is a cell division process that results in two diploid daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Choice D, Cytokinesis, is the division of the cytoplasm following cell division.

5. What is the smallest and most basic unit of matter?

• A. Micromolecule
• B. Atom
• C. Organelle
• D. Molecule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Atom. An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. Choice A, Micromolecule, is incorrect because molecules are composed of atoms bonded together, making them larger than individual atoms. Choice C, Organelle, is incorrect as organelles are structures within cells, not the basic unit of matter. Choice D, Molecule, is incorrect as molecules are made up of atoms bonded together, so they are not the smallest unit of matter.

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