Nursing Elites

1. The dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells are most likely:

• A. Ribosomes
• B. Flagella
• C. Endospores
• D. Capsules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Endospores are the correct answer. Endospores are dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells. They are highly resistant dormant structures formed by certain bacteria in response to harsh environmental conditions. Ribosomes are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells; they are responsible for protein synthesis. Flagella are long, whip-like appendages used for movement and are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells. Capsules are outer layers of polysaccharides that some bacteria produce for protection and adherence, not dark, round structures within bacterial cells.

2. What is the name for the change in enthalpy (heat) associated with a chemical reaction at constant pressure?

• A. Entropy
• B. Enthalpy
• C. Gibbs free energy
• D. Heat of reaction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Heat of reaction. The heat of reaction, also known as the enthalpy change, is the amount of heat absorbed or released during a chemical reaction at constant pressure. Entropy (A) is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system and is not specifically related to heat changes in a chemical reaction. Enthalpy (B) is the total heat content of a system and not just the change associated with a reaction. Gibbs free energy (C) is a measure of the energy available to do work in a system at constant temperature and pressure, but it is not the specific term for the heat change in a chemical reaction.

3. What is the function of ribosomes?

• A. Packaging and transporting proteins
• B. Storing genetic material
• C. Controlling cell division
• D. Synthesizing proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Synthesizing proteins. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and utilize the information to assemble amino acids into proteins through a process known as translation. Choice A, packaging and transporting proteins, is incorrect as this function is typically performed by the Golgi apparatus and vesicles. Choice B, storing genetic material, is incorrect as genetic material is usually stored in the nucleus in the form of DNA. Choice C, controlling cell division, is incorrect as this function is primarily regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and specific proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

4. During gas exchange in the alveoli, what happens to oxygen?

• A. Oxygen is released from the alveoli into the bloodstream.
• B. Oxygen is absorbed from the alveoli into the bloodstream.
• C. Oxygen is converted into carbon dioxide.
• D. Oxygen is stored in the alveoli for later use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During gas exchange in the alveoli, oxygen is absorbed from the alveoli into the bloodstream. This process occurs due to the difference in partial pressures of oxygen between the alveoli and the bloodstream, causing oxygen to move from an area of higher concentration (alveoli) to an area of lower concentration (bloodstream). Oxygen is then transported by red blood cells to tissues throughout the body for cellular respiration. Choice A is incorrect as oxygen moves from the alveoli into the bloodstream, not the other way around. Choice C is incorrect as oxygen is not converted into carbon dioxide during gas exchange. Choice D is incorrect as oxygen is not stored in the alveoli but rather continuously exchanged with carbon dioxide during respiration.

5. What is involved in the involuntary reflex arc that withdraws your hand from a hot object?

• A. Central nervous system only
• B. Peripheral nervous system only
• C. Both CNS and PNS
• D. Sensory neurons only

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The involuntary reflex arc that withdraws your hand from a hot object involves both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). When your hand touches a hot object, sensory neurons in the PNS detect the heat and send signals to the spinal cord in the CNS. The spinal cord processes this information and sends a signal back through motor neurons in the PNS to move your hand away from the hot object. This coordinated response requires the collaboration of both the CNS and PNS to protect the body from harm. Choice A is incorrect because the reflex arc involves more than just the central nervous system. Choice B is incorrect because the reflex arc involves more than just the peripheral nervous system. Choice D is incorrect because the reflex arc also involves motor neurons, not just sensory neurons.

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