Nursing Elites

1. Vacuoles are large sacs for storage in plant cells. What is their main function in animal cells?

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. Waste storage and disposal
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Cellular respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vacuoles in animal cells primarily function in waste storage and disposal, helping to maintain cellular homeostasis by storing waste products and aiding in their removal from the cell. Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not typically use vacuoles for storage purposes such as water, nutrients, or pigments. Instead, animal cells rely on other organelles like lysosomes for waste management and maintaining cellular balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts (absent in animal cells), and cellular respiration mainly occurs in mitochondria, respectively. Vacuoles in animal cells serve a different purpose compared to plant cells.

2. What is the role of the diaphragm in respiration?

• A. To regulate air pressure in the lungs
• B. To contract and expand the lungs
• C. To store oxygen
• D. To break down carbon dioxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and expanding the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand. This expansion leads to a decrease in pressure inside the lungs, causing air to rush in. When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back up, decreasing the space in the chest cavity and causing the lungs to deflate. This action increases the pressure in the lungs, leading to air being pushed out. Therefore, the diaphragm's main function is to facilitate the inhalation and exhalation of air by contracting and expanding the lungs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the diaphragm's primary function is not to regulate air pressure in the lungs, store oxygen, or break down carbon dioxide. Instead, its main purpose is to aid in the mechanical process of breathing.

3. What happens to the speed of a sound wave when it travels from air to water?

• A. It increases because water is denser.
• B. It decreases because water is denser.
• C. It remains the same.
• D. Speed depends on the frequency, not the medium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a sound wave travels from air to water, the speed of sound decreases because sound travels faster in denser mediums. Water, being denser than air, causes the speed of sound to slow down. Choice A is incorrect because sound travels faster in denser mediums, so the speed would not increase. Choice C is incorrect because the speed of sound changes when transitioning between different mediums. Choice D is incorrect because while frequency does affect sound, the medium it travels through also plays a significant role in determining the speed of sound.

4. During which phase of meiosis do chiasmata structures form?

• A. Prophase I
• B. Prophase II
• C. Metaphase I
• D. Metaphase II

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Chiasmata structures, where crossing over occurs, form during Prophase I of meiosis. This phase is characterized by homologous chromosomes pairing up and crossing over, leading to the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids. Chiasmata are visible points of contact where genetic material has been exchanged, and they play a critical role in genetic diversity. Prophase II is the phase where chromosomes condense again in the second meiotic division, but chiasmata formation occurs in Prophase I. Metaphase I is the phase where homologous chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, not where chiasmata form. Metaphase II is the phase where replicated chromosomes align at the metaphase plate in the second meiotic division, but chiasmata formation occurs earlier in Prophase I.

5. A rocket engine expels hot gases backwards. What principle explains the rocket's forward motion?

• A. Newton's first law of motion
• B. Newton's second law of motion
• C. Newton's third law of motion
• D. Law of conservation of energy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of a rocket engine expelling hot gases backwards, the action is the expulsion of gases, and the reaction is the forward motion of the rocket. The hot gases being expelled act as the action force, propelling the rocket in the opposite direction as the reaction force, resulting in the rocket's forward motion. Newton's first law of motion (Choice A) pertains to inertia, stating that an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Newton's second law of motion (Choice B) relates force, mass, and acceleration, which is not directly applicable to the scenario of a rocket engine propulsion. The law of conservation of energy (Choice D) is a fundamental principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only be transformed, which does not directly explain the forward motion of the rocket in this context.

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