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. Which of the following describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

• A. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells don't.
• B. Eukaryotic cells are simpler in structure than prokaryotic cells.
• C. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells don't.
• D. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells lack these.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus that contains the genetic material, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus. Eukaryotic cells also have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which are absent in prokaryotic cells.

3. How many electrons are typically found in each shell of a neutral aluminum atom with 13 electrons in its electron cloud?

• A. 6 in the first shell, 7 in the second shell
• B. 2 in the first shell, 11 in the second shell
• C. 2 in the first shell, 8 in the second shell, 3 in the third shell
• D. 3 in the first shell, 5 in the second shell, 5 in the third shell

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a neutral aluminum atom with 13 electrons, the electron distribution typically follows the electron shell filling order based on the Aufbau principle. The first shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, the second shell can hold up to 8 electrons, and the third shell can hold up to 8 electrons as well. Therefore, the distribution would be 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 electrons in the second shell, and 3 electrons in the third shell, totaling 13 electrons. Choice A is incorrect as it exceeds the maximum number of electrons the shells can hold. Choice B is incorrect as it does not distribute the electrons correctly among the shells. Choice D is incorrect as it also does not distribute the electrons correctly among the shells.

4. Which cells myelinate neurons in the CNS?

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Microglia
• D. Oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelinating neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Schwann cells, found in the peripheral nervous system, are responsible for myelinating neurons there. Astrocytes support and maintain the neuronal environment, while microglia function as immune cells in the CNS, participating in immune responses and cellular debris clearance. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for myelination of CNS neurons.

5. A rocket blasts off from Earth. What is the main force propelling the rocket upwards?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Air resistance
• C. Thrust from the rocket engine
• D. Normal force from the launchpad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main force propelling the rocket upwards is the thrust from the rocket engine. Thrust is the force produced by the rocket engine pushing exhaust gases in the opposite direction, following Newton's third law of motion (action and reaction). This thrust overcomes the force of gravity and allows the rocket to lift off and move upwards. Choice A, gravitational force, is incorrect as gravity pulls objects towards the Earth, and in this case, the rocket is moving against gravity. Choice B, air resistance, is incorrect because it opposes the motion of the rocket and is more relevant during descent rather than ascent. Choice D, normal force from the launchpad, is incorrect as this force acts perpendicular to the surface and does not propel the rocket upwards.

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