Nursing Elites

1. Why is the stratified squamous epithelium found in the skin adapted for?

• A. Absorption
• B. Secretion
• C. Protection
• D. Gas exchange

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The stratified squamous epithelium found in the skin is adapted for protection. This type of epithelium forms a tough, protective barrier against physical, chemical, and biological damage. Its multiple layers of cells help prevent the entry of pathogens and reduce water loss from the body, making it essential for shielding the underlying tissues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because stratified squamous epithelium is not specialized for absorption, secretion, or gas exchange. Instead, its primary function is to protect the underlying tissues and organs from external damage and dehydration.

2. Antigenic variation, a common strategy used by some viruses, allows them to:

• A. Produce toxins
• B. Evade the immune system
• C. Survive outside a host
• D. Replicate rapidly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antigenic variation is a strategy used by some viruses to evade the host's immune response. By constantly changing their surface antigens, viruses can avoid recognition and destruction by the immune system. This allows the virus to persist in the host and continue replicating, leading to prolonged infection and potential transmission to other hosts. Antigenic variation does not directly involve the production of toxins, survival outside a host, or rapid replication, making options A, C, and D incorrect in this context.

3. Which of the following functions corresponds to the parasympathetic nervous system?

• A. It stimulates the fight-or-flight response.
• B. It increases heart rate.
• C. It stimulates digestion.
• D. It increases bronchiole dilation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the 'rest and digest' system because it promotes activities that occur when the body is at rest, such as digestion. This system helps stimulate digestion by increasing gastrointestinal motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and blood flow to the digestive organs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are functions associated with the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, increasing heart rate, and dilating bronchioles to facilitate more oxygen intake during stressful situations.

4. Which of the following is the neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Positron

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Neutron. Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that have no charge. They have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus contributes to the mass number of the atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Choice A, Electron, is incorrect as electrons are negatively charged particles found outside the nucleus. Choice B, Proton, is incorrect as protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus. Choice D, Positron, is incorrect as positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons and are not typically found in the nucleus of an atom.

5. What is the role of the spindle apparatus in cell division?

• A. To separate sister chromatids
• B. To move chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell
• C. To form a new nuclear envelope around each daughter cell
• D. To synthesize new DNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The spindle apparatus, composed of microtubules, plays a crucial role in cell division (mitosis and meiosis) by ensuring proper chromosome separation and distribution to opposite poles of the cell. This segregation is vital for creating two genetically identical daughter cells in mitosis or four haploid daughter cells in meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because the separation of sister chromatids is specifically carried out by kinetochore fibers within the spindle apparatus. Choice C is inaccurate as the formation of a new nuclear envelope occurs post chromosome segregation. Choice D is incorrect as DNA synthesis does not occur within the spindle apparatus; it takes place during the S phase of the cell cycle.

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