Nursing Elites

1. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. What enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Trypsin is the correct enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids. It is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine to facilitate protein digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme from the stomach that also breaks down proteins, amylase targets carbohydrates, and lipase works on fats. In this context, since the question specifies the pancreas and small intestine, the correct answer is Trypsin as it is the pancreatic enzyme responsible for protein breakdown in the small intestine.

2. What is the term for the mixture of reactants and products present during a chemical reaction?

• A. Solution
• B. Mixture
• C. Reaction mixture
• D. Precipitate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term 'reaction mixture' is used to describe the combination of both reactants and products that exist simultaneously during a chemical reaction. It encompasses not only the initial substances (reactants) but also the resulting compounds (products) formed throughout the reaction process. Choice A, 'Solution,' typically refers to a homogenous mixture where one substance is dissolved in another. Choice B, 'Mixture,' is a general term that does not specifically indicate the mix of reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Choice D, 'Precipitate,' specifically refers to the solid formed when two solutions react and a solid compound is produced.

3. What are organisms that break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the environment called?

• A. Producers
• B. Decomposers
• C. Consumers
• D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are essential organisms in the ecosystem as they break down dead organisms and organic matter, such as bacteria, fungi, and some insects. By decomposing complex organic materials into simpler forms, they release nutrients back into the environment for other organisms to utilize. Producers (option A) are organisms that generate their own food through photosynthesis; consumers (option C) are organisms that feed on other organisms for energy, and parasites (option D) are organisms that live on or in another organism, benefiting at the host's expense rather than breaking down dead organisms for nutrient recycling.

4. What type of bond holds water molecules together?

• A. Covalent bond
• B. Hydrogen bond
• C. Ionic bond
• D. Peptide bond

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bonds are responsible for holding water molecules together. In a water molecule, the oxygen atom is slightly negative, and the hydrogen atoms are slightly positive, creating a partial positive and negative charge. This polarity allows hydrogen bonds to form between adjacent water molecules. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons, ionic bonds involve transfer of electrons between ions, and peptide bonds are specific to linking amino acids in proteins, which are not relevant to water molecule interactions.

5. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the:

• A. Center of long bones
• B. Joints between bones
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Walls of blood vessels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the joints between bones. It provides cushioning and support for the bones, allowing smooth movement and reducing friction between them. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and helps maintain the structural integrity of the joints. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because cartilage is not typically found in the center of long bones, muscle tissue, or the walls of blood vessels. Cartilage primarily functions in providing structural support and flexibility in joints.

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