Nursing Elites

1. What is the fundamental unit of life?

• A. Atom
• B. Cell
• C. Tissue
• D. Organ

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Cell.' Cells are indeed the fundamental unit of life as they are responsible for all living functions, including growth, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis. While atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, cells are the smallest structural and functional unit of living organisms. Choices C and D, tissue and organ respectively, are composed of multiple cells working together and are not considered the basic unit of life.

2. What cycle is the sequence of reactions by which most living cells generate energy during aerobic respiration?

• A. Calvin Cycle
• B. Krebs Cycle
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Fermentation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Krebs Cycle is the correct answer. It is a series of reactions occurring in the mitochondria and is a crucial part of aerobic respiration. The Calvin Cycle is a part of photosynthesis, not respiration, making choice A incorrect. Photosynthesis (choice C) is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. Fermentation (choice D) is an anaerobic process that does not require oxygen and is not the primary energy-generating pathway during aerobic respiration, so it is incorrect.

3. How does asexual reproduction differ from sexual reproduction?

• A. asexual reproduction results in all cells being identical to the original cell; sexual reproduction results in half of the cells being identical to the original cell
• B. asexual reproduction results in two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
• C. sexual reproduction involves two cells that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater variation
• D. sexual reproduction involves one cell that yields all cells produced to be identical

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sexual reproduction involves two cells (gametes) that contribute genetic material to daughter cells, resulting in significantly greater genetic variation in the offspring. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. In contrast, asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because sexual reproduction does not result in half of the cells being identical to the original cell; it involves two cells contributing genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because asexual reproduction does not result in significantly greater variation; it produces genetically identical offspring. Choice D is incorrect because sexual reproduction involves two cells contributing genetic material, not one cell yielding all identical cells.

4. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cell membrane
• C. Endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.

5. 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.

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