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. Which structure controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell?

• A. Vacuole
• B. Cell Membrane
• C. Nuclear Membrane
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Cell Membrane. The cell membrane acts as a barrier that controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable, allowing only certain molecules to pass through. Vacuole (Choice A), Nuclear Membrane (Choice C), and Cytoplasm (Choice D) do not primarily regulate the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Vacuoles are responsible for storage, the nuclear membrane surrounds the nucleus providing protection, and the cytoplasm is the fluid where organelles are suspended.

3. Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?

• A. RNA
• B. Virus
• C. Blue-green alga
• D. Saprophyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.

4. What is the primary function of the endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?

• A. Energy production
• B. Protein synthesis
• C. Waste removal
• D. Transport of materials

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum's primary function is the transport of materials within the cell. It acts as a network of membranes to assist in the transportation of proteins and other substances throughout the cell. Choice A, 'Energy production,' is incorrect because the endoplasmic reticulum is not directly involved in energy production. Choice B, 'Protein synthesis,' is incorrect as protein synthesis mainly occurs in ribosomes, although the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in modifying and transporting proteins. Choice C, 'Waste removal,' is also incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by other organelles like lysosomes and peroxisomes.

5. What is the process by which cells divide to form two identical daughter cells?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Binary Fission
• D. Cellular Division

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Mitosis. Mitosis is the process in which a cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. Choice B, Meiosis, is a type of cell division that results in four non-identical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes. Choice C, Binary Fission, is a form of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotic organisms. Choice D, Cellular Division, is a general term that encompasses various processes of cell division, but specifically, mitosis refers to the division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

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