Nursing Elites

1. Which enzyme found in saliva is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into smaller molecules like sugars?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Amylase
• C. Lipase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase, which specifically targets carbohydrates and breaks them down into smaller molecules like sugars. Pepsin, choice A, is an enzyme found in the stomach that breaks down proteins, not carbohydrates. Lipase, choice C, is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin, choice D, is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect for this question.

2. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Thalamus
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

3. Which of the following organs is NOT part of the circulatory system?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Heart
• C. Blood
• D. Blood vessels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys are not part of the circulatory system. While the circulatory system includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), the kidneys belong to the urinary system. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine. Choice B, the heart, is a vital organ in the circulatory system responsible for pumping blood. Choice C, blood, is a key component of the circulatory system that carries oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. Choice D, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), facilitate the circulation of blood throughout the body, playing a crucial role in the circulatory system.

4. Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes symptoms like:

• A. Fever and fatigue
• B. Runny nose and itchiness
• C. Muscle aches and joint pain
• D. Cough and shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. It is responsible for causing symptoms such as a runny nose, itchiness, sneezing, and watery eyes. These symptoms are commonly seen in allergies like hay fever. Fever and fatigue (option A) are not typically caused by histamine release during an allergic reaction. Muscle aches and joint pain (option C) are not common symptoms of histamine release in allergic reactions. Cough and shortness of breath (option D) are more commonly associated with asthma or respiratory allergies rather than histamine release.

5. What is the difference between a phylum and a class?

• A. Phylums are broader and more general
• B. Classes are broader and more general
• C. They are synonyms, used for the same groups
• D. Phylums are for plants, classes are for animals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In biological classification, a phylum is a higher taxonomic rank than a class. A phylum is a broader category that encompasses multiple classes within it. It represents a group of organisms sharing a common body plan or evolutionary history. On the other hand, a class is a more specific category within a phylum that includes organisms with similar characteristics. Therefore, phyla are broader and more general compared to classes. Choice B is incorrect because classes are more specific categories within phyla. Choice C is incorrect as phyla and classes are distinct hierarchical levels in taxonomy. Choice D is incorrect because phyla and classes are not restricted to specific types of organisms; they can apply to various organisms across the biological kingdom.

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