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 impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?

• A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
• B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
• C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
• D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

3. To which of the following bone types do the spine and hips belong?

• A. Curved bones
• B. Irregular bones
• C. Flat bones
• D. Long bones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Irregular bones. The spine and hips belong to the category of irregular bones. Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit into other bone type categories. These bones serve functions such as support and protection, and their shapes vary depending on their specific roles in the body. Choice A, curved bones, is incorrect because bones like ribs are typically described as curved, not the spine and hips. Choice C, flat bones, is incorrect as flat bones include the skull and ribs, but not the spine and hips. Choice D, long bones, is also incorrect because long bones include bones like the femur and humerus, which are elongated with a shaft and distinct ends, unlike the spine and hips.

4. What does the term 'electron configuration' refer to in relation to an atom?

• A. The arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals.
• B. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• C. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
• D. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron configuration of an atom refers to the arrangement of electrons in the atom's orbitals. This arrangement determines the atom's chemical properties and behavior. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus (option B) is known as the atomic number, which defines the element. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus (option C) contributes to the atom's mass number. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell (option D) is important for understanding the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, but the electron configuration specifically refers to how electrons are distributed among the different orbitals in an atom.

5. What is the periodic law?

• A. The statement that the properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers.
• B. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where elements with similar properties are grouped together.
• C. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where the atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.
• D. The statement that elements can be arranged in a table where the atomic mass of an element is equal to the number of neutrons in its nucleus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The periodic law states that the properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers. This means that when elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, there is a periodic repetition of their properties. This forms the basis for the modern periodic table. Option B describes the organization of elements in the periodic table, which is related to the periodic law but not the definition of it. Options C and D are incorrect as they describe concepts related to atomic structure (atomic number and atomic mass) rather than the periodic law itself.

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