Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production are:

• A. fermentation and protein synthesis
• B. cellular respiration and glycolysis
• C. fermentation and glycolysis
• D. cellular respiration and fermentation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: cellular respiration and fermentation. Cellular respiration involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, which is the primary source of energy for cells. Fermentation, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces ATP through glycolysis followed by specific fermentation pathways. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Protein synthesis is a biosynthetic process, not a catabolic pathway for energy production. Glycolysis is a common step in both cellular respiration and fermentation, so it is not a pair of distinct catabolic pathways. Therefore, the most accurate pairing of catabolic pathways for cellular energy production is cellular respiration and fermentation.

3. In nature, water vapor becomes liquid water through the process of ___________.

• A. condensation
• B. sublimation
• C. precipitation
• D. absorption

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In nature, water vapor becomes liquid water through the process of condensation. Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and changes its state from a gas to a liquid, forming droplets that we commonly see as water droplets on surfaces or clouds in the sky. Sublimation refers to the transition from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. Precipitation is the process where water in the atmosphere falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Absorption is the process of one substance being taken in by another.

4. What is the function of decomposition in the carbon cycle?

• A. To produce light energy
• B. To convert carbon to fuel
• C. To release carbon dioxide
• D. To store food for consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To release carbon dioxide.' Decomposition in the carbon cycle involves breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances. During this process, carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide is essential for recycling carbon and making it available for use by living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition does not produce light energy, convert carbon to fuel, or store food for consumers; its primary role is to recycle carbon through the release of carbon dioxide.

5. Ocean waves may tear sponges into pieces, each of which may grow into a new sponge. What is this form of reproduction called?

• A. Budding
• B. Vegetative propagation
• C. Binary fission
• D. Fragmentation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.

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