Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary source of energy entering most ecosystems?

• A. Chemical energy stored in bonds
• B. Thermal energy from the Earth's core
• C. Light energy from the sun
• D. Kinetic energy from wind and water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most ecosystems, the primary source of energy is sunlight. This energy is captured by plants and other photosynthetic organisms through the process of photosynthesis. These organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of organic molecules, such as glucose. This stored chemical energy is then passed on to other organisms in the ecosystem through the food chain, making sunlight the fundamental source of energy for most ecosystems. Thermal energy from the Earth's core (option B) is not a primary source of energy for ecosystems, as it is not readily accessible to most organisms. Kinetic energy from wind and water (option D) can play a role in some ecosystems, but it is not the primary source of energy. Chemical energy stored in bonds (option A) is a form of energy that is ultimately derived from the sun through photosynthesis, making it a product of the primary energy source rather than the primary source itself.

2. What is the name of the growth plates in children's bones where new bone tissue is formed?

• A. Epiphyses
• B. Diaphysis
• C. Periosteum
• D. Medullary cavity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epiphyses. Epiphyses are cartilaginous areas found at the ends of long bones, enabling growth and bone lengthening during childhood and adolescence. The diaphysis refers to the main shaft of a long bone. The periosteum is the outer bone layer responsible for nourishment and aiding in bone repair. The medullary cavity is the central cavity within the diaphysis that contains bone marrow but is not involved in new bone tissue formation.

3. What is the primary function of the small intestine?

• A. To absorb water
• B. To absorb nutrients
• C. To store waste
• D. To produce enzymes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "To absorb nutrients." The small intestine's primary function is to absorb nutrients from digested food. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for the body's functions and energy production. Choice A, "To absorb water," is incorrect because the absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine. Choice C, "To store waste," is incorrect as waste is stored in the large intestine before elimination. Choice D, "To produce enzymes," is incorrect because while the small intestine does receive enzymes from other organs to aid in digestion, its primary role is not enzyme production.

4. What is the electrical charge of the nucleus?

• A. A nucleus always has a positive charge.
• B. A stable nucleus has a positive charge, but a radioactive nucleus may have no charge and instead be neutral.
• C. A nucleus always has no charge and is instead neutral.
• D. A stable nucleus has no charge and is instead neutral, but a radioactive nucleus may have a charge.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A nucleus always has a positive charge. This is because the nucleus is composed of positively charged protons, along with neutral neutrons. The positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the surrounding electrons in an atom, resulting in an overall neutral charge for the atom as a whole. Therefore, choice A is correct as it accurately reflects the positive charge of the nucleus due to the presence of protons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the fundamental composition and charge distribution within an atom's nucleus. A stable nucleus consists of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, leading to an overall positive charge, and not a neutral charge as suggested in the incorrect choices.

5. What are Merkel cells, located in the epidermis, specialized for?

• A. Melanin production
• B. Temperature sensation
• C. Touch perception
• D. Immune defense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Merkel cells are specialized touch receptors located in the epidermis of the skin. Their primary function is to perceive light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sensory perception of touch stimuli. Option A, melanin production, is incorrect because Merkel cells are not involved in producing melanin. Option B, temperature sensation, is incorrect as Merkel cells are not specialized for sensing temperature. Option D, immune defense, is also incorrect as Merkel cells do not have a role in immune defense mechanisms.

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