Nursing Elites

1. What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?

• A. It attaches to a ribosome.
• B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
• C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
• D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. When mRNA reaches the cytoplasm, it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome functions as the site for protein synthesis through translation, where the genetic code carried by mRNA is read and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because mRNA does not unzip, expose nitrogen bases, pair with DNA bases, or pull free of the DNA strand in the cytoplasm. The primary function of mRNA in the cytoplasm is to serve as a template for protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.

2. Why is polarity the most important characteristic of water?

• A. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
• B. the results of the polarity are covalent bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
• C. the results of the polarity are ionic bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties
• D. the results of the polarity are hydrogen bonding, a low specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Polarity is the most important characteristic of water because it results in hydrogen bonding, a high specific heat value, and its versatile solvent properties. These unique properties enable water to form hydrogen bonds with other substances, resist temperature changes, and dissolve a wide variety of solutes, making it essential for life processes. Choice B is incorrect because water exhibits hydrogen bonding, not covalent bonding. Choice C is incorrect as water does not form ionic bonds. Choice D is incorrect because water has a high, not low, specific heat value, which is vital for its role in temperature regulation.

3. Why can animal cells use a contractile ring but plant cells cannot?

• A. Plant cells can use both methods to divide
• B. Animal cells divide faster, requiring them to pinch apart
• C. Plant cells are too rigid to use a contractile ring
• D. N/A

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall surrounding them, which prevents them from using a contractile ring for cell division. The rigid cell wall requires plant cells to form a cell plate during cell division instead of pinching apart like animal cells with a contractile ring. Choice A is incorrect because plant cells cannot use a contractile ring due to their rigid cell wall. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of cell division is not the primary reason for the difference in cell division mechanisms between plant and animal cells. Choice D is not applicable as plant cells indeed have a specific limitation in using a contractile ring for cell division.

4. The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids with proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins. What does this bilayer create?

• A. Impermeable
• B. Permeable
• C. Selectively permeable
• D. Selectively impermeable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Selectively permeable.' The cell membrane's bilayer structure allows it to be selectively permeable, meaning it can control the passage of substances. This property enables the membrane to regulate the entry and exit of specific molecules, ions, and other substances. Choice A, 'Impermeable,' is incorrect as the cell membrane is not completely impermeable and does allow certain substances to pass through. Choice B, 'Permeable,' is also incorrect as it does not address the selective nature of the membrane. Choice D, 'Selectively impermeable,' is a contradictory term and does not accurately describe the cell membrane's function.

5. Anaerobic respiration happens in _ because _ .

• A. Animals; they need energy
• B. Plants; they use sunlight
• C. Bacteria; they live in environments with low oxygen
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Anaerobic respiration happens in bacteria because they live in environments with low oxygen. Bacteria, unlike animals and plants, do not have easy access to oxygen for aerobic respiration and must find alternative ways to produce energy to survive. This makes anaerobic respiration essential for their metabolic processes. Choice A is incorrect because although animals need energy, they generally rely on aerobic respiration when oxygen is available. Choice B is incorrect because plants primarily perform photosynthesis using sunlight to produce energy. Choice D is incorrect as anaerobic respiration does occur in specific organisms like bacteria when oxygen is scarce.

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