Nursing Elites

1. What checkpoint mechanism ensures all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins?

• A. Prometaphase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Cyclin degradation
• D. Sister chromatid cohesion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Prometaphase is the correct answer because it is the stage of mitosis where all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins. During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope breaks down, allowing the spindle fibers to attach to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. This attachment is necessary for proper chromosome alignment and segregation during anaphase. B) Metaphase is incorrect because it is the stage where chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate but do not necessarily have all spindle fibers attached. C) Cyclin degradation is incorrect because it is a regulatory mechanism that controls the progression of the cell cycle but is not specifically related to ensuring all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers. D) Sister chromatid cohesion is incorrect because it refers to the physical connection between sister chromatids that is maintained until anaphase, but it does not ensure that all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers.

2. 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.

3. Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body and toward other neurons or muscles?

• A. Axon
• B. Dendrite
• C. Synapse
• D. Myelin sheath

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The axon is the part of the neuron responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body and toward other neurons or muscles. It is a long, slender projection covered by the myelin sheath, which speeds up signal transmission. Dendrites, on the other hand, receive signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body. The synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs, but it is not responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body.

4. Which of the following terms refers to the process of breaking large molecules into smaller molecules to provide energy?

• A. Metabolism
• B. Bioenergetics
• C. Anabolism
• D. Catabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Catabolism.' Catabolism specifically involves breaking down large molecules into smaller ones to release energy. It is the opposite of anabolism, which is the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones. 'Metabolism' (choice A) is a broader term that encompasses all chemical processes in an organism, including anabolism and catabolism. 'Bioenergetics' (choice B) refers to the flow and transformation of energy in a biological system, not specifically the breakdown of molecules for energy.

5. What type of joint is found in the shoulder and hip, allowing for a wide range of motion?

• A. Hinge joint
• B. Ball-and-socket joint
• C. Pivot joint
• D. Saddle joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ball-and-socket joint. A ball-and-socket joint, like those in the shoulder and hip, allows for a wide range of motion. In a ball-and-socket joint, the rounded end of one bone fits into the cup-like socket of another bone, enabling movement in multiple directions. Choice A, Hinge joint, is incorrect because hinge joints allow movement only in one plane, like a door hinge. Choice C, Pivot joint, is incorrect as it allows rotational movement around a single axis, not the wide range of motion seen in the shoulder and hip. Choice D, Saddle joint, is also incorrect as it allows movement in multiple directions but to a lesser extent compared to the ball-and-socket joint.

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