Nursing Elites

1. The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:

• A. product
• B. respiration
• C. metabolism
• D. synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.

2. What is another name for the light-independent reaction in plants?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Calvin cycle
• C. Germination
• D. Phosphorus cycle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The light-independent reaction in plants is also known as the Calvin cycle. This biochemical pathway, named after Melvin Calvin who discovered it, takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and is responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle does not directly require light to function, hence the alternative name as the light-independent reaction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Photosynthesis is the overall process of converting light energy into chemical energy, which includes both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Germination is the process where a seed sprouts into a new plant. The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

3. During which phase is the chromosome number reduced from diploid to haploid?

• A. S phase
• B. interphase
• C. mitosis
• D. meiosis I

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'meiosis I.' During meiosis I, the chromosome number is reduced from diploid to haploid through two rounds of division. Choice A ('S phase') is incorrect as the S phase is part of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated. Choice B ('interphase') is also incorrect as interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division. Choice C ('mitosis') is incorrect as mitosis is a process where a diploid cell divides to produce two identical diploid daughter cells, maintaining the chromosome number.

4. What is the function of water in photosynthesis?

• A. Combine with carbon dioxide
• B. Absorb light energy
• C. Supply electrons in the light reactions
• D. Transport hydrogen ions in the dark reactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Supply electrons in the light reactions.' In photosynthesis, water is split during the light reactions of photosynthesis, releasing electrons that are used in the formation of ATP and NADPH, crucial for the synthesis of glucose. Choice A is incorrect because water does not combine with carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Choice B is incorrect as water does not absorb light energy directly. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of hydrogen ions mainly occurs in the electron transport chain, which is part of the light reactions, not the dark reactions.

5. How does water affect the temperature of a living thing?

• A. Water increases temperature.
• B. Water keeps temperature stable.
• C. Water decreases temperature.
• D. Water does not affect temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change. This property helps water regulate the temperature of living things by maintaining a stable environment. Choice A is incorrect because water does not consistently increase temperature, but rather helps in temperature regulation. Choice C is incorrect as water doesn't typically decrease temperature in living organisms. Choice D is incorrect since water does play a crucial role in regulating temperature.

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