Nursing Elites

1. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. What is produced during this process?

• A. A codon
• B. A DNA helix
• C. A DNA strand
• D. An RNA strand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: An RNA strand. During transcription, the DNA template is used to produce an RNA strand, not a codon, DNA helix, or another DNA strand. A codon is a sequence of nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid during translation, not produced during transcription. A DNA helix refers to the double-stranded structure of DNA, which is not produced during transcription. Another DNA strand is not produced during transcription since the process involves creating an RNA copy of a specific gene.

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. In DNA, the nucleotide base adenine always binds with which of the following?

• A. Guanine
• B. Uracil
• C. Thymine
• D. Cytosine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thymine. In DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine, forming a base pair held together by hydrogen bonds. Guanine pairs with cytosine. Uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. Cytosine pairs with guanine. Therefore, option C is the correct pairing for adenine in DNA.

4. 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.

5. In which step of cellular respiration is the most adenosine triphosphate (ATP) created?

• A. Electron transport chain
• B. Glycolysis
• C. Citric acid cycle (the Krebs cycle)
• D. All of these produce equal amounts of ATP

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron transport chain is the step in cellular respiration that generates the most ATP. During this step, up to 34 ATP molecules can be produced from a single glucose molecule. Choice B, Glycolysis, produces a smaller amount of ATP (2 ATP molecules per glucose), and choice C, Citric acid cycle, produces some ATP but not as much as the electron transport chain. Choice D is incorrect because different steps of cellular respiration produce varying amounts of ATP, with the electron transport chain being the most efficient in ATP generation.

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