Nursing Elites

1. What is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system?

• A. Axon
• B. Neuron
• C. Dendrite
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neuron. Neurons are indeed the basic structural and functional units of the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system, enabling communication and coordination of various functions within the body. While axons, dendrites, and synapses are all essential components of neurons and neural function, the neuron as a whole is considered the fundamental building block responsible for signal transmission. Choice A, Axon, is incorrect because an axon is a part of a neuron responsible for transmitting electrical signals away from the cell body. Choice C, Dendrite, is incorrect because dendrites are extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. Choice D, Synapse, is incorrect because a synapse is the junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

2. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism?

• A. Adrenaline
• B. Thyroxine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism. It is essential for controlling the body's metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands, not the thyroid gland. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex, not the thyroid gland. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, not the thyroid gland. Therefore, the correct answer is Thyroxine (B).

3. What is the scientific name for the building blocks of proteins?

• A. Residues
• B. Monomers
• C. Macromolecules
• D. Peptides

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids. - Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are considered monomers. - Monomers are the individual units that can be linked together to form larger molecules called polymers. - In the context of proteins, amino acids are the monomers that are linked together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. - Residues refer to the specific amino acids within a protein after certain modifications or cleavages have occurred, so it is not the correct term for the building blocks of proteins. - Macromolecules are large molecules made up of smaller subunits, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, but they are not the specific building blocks of proteins. - Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, but they are not the fundamental building blocks of proteins.

4. If a biochemist isolates a large amount of pyruvate, which part of the cell is he working with?

• A. Chloroplasts
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cytoplasm. Pyruvate is a product of glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. Therefore, a biochemist isolating a large amount of pyruvate would be working with the cytoplasm of the cell. Choice A, Chloroplasts, is incorrect because pyruvate is not produced in chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Choice C, Mitochondria, is incorrect as pyruvate is produced in the cytoplasm before entering the mitochondria for further metabolism. Choice D, Nucleus, is incorrect as the nucleus is not involved in the production or isolation of pyruvate, which is a metabolic intermediate.

5. What is the term for the ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance?

• A. Solubility
• B. Miscibility
• C. Immiscibility
• D. Reactivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Solubility is the property that describes the ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance. When a substance is soluble in another, it means it can form a homogeneous solution by dispersing at a molecular level within the solvent. Miscibility, on the other hand, refers to the ability of two liquids to mix and form a homogeneous solution. Immiscibility indicates the inability of substances to mix to form a homogeneous solution. Reactivity pertains to the ability of a substance to undergo chemical reactions, which is distinct from the concept of solubility.

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