Nursing Elites

1. What is the endoplasmic reticulum?

• A. A network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell
• B. A sac-like structure that stores water and nutrients
• C. The site of protein synthesis
• D. The site of cellular respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of tubules that are involved in the transport of proteins and lipids throughout the cell. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, folding, and transport within the cell. The ER can be further divided into rough ER, which has ribosomes attached to its surface and is involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Therefore, option A is the most accurate description of the endoplasmic reticulum compared to the other options provided. B) A sac-like structure that stores water and nutrients does not accurately describe the endoplasmic reticulum. While some organelles like vacuoles or vesicles may store water and nutrients, the ER's primary function is not storage. C) The site of protein synthesis is partially

2. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

3. What is kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease, characterized by?

• A. Muscle wasting
• B. Night blindness
• C. Scurvy
• D. Rickets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Kwashiorkor is a severe acute malnutrition condition resulting from insufficient dietary protein intake. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and notably, muscle wasting. Muscle wasting occurs as the body breaks down muscle tissue to obtain essential amino acids for vital functions. Night blindness (option B) is associated with vitamin A deficiency, scurvy (option C) results from a lack of vitamin C, and rickets (option D) is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

4. What is the function of a cell wall?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cell wall is a rigid layer that surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria. Its main function is to provide structural support and protection for the cell, helping maintain the cell's shape and preventing it from bursting or collapsing. The cell wall also allows for the passage of water, ions, and other molecules in and out of the cell. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because those functions are typically carried out by other cellular structures. Option B is performed by the cell membrane, option C by ribosomes, and option D by the nucleus, which stores genetic material.

5. How do organisms maintain homeostasis?

• A. By increasing their body temperature, blood pH, and fluid balance.
• B. By undergoing biochemical processes and absorbing energy to increase entropy.
• C. By undergoing biochemical processes to maintain the order of their external environment.
• D. By using free energy and matter via biochemical processes to work against entropy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Organisms maintain homeostasis by utilizing free energy and matter through biochemical processes to counteract entropy, which helps in preserving internal stability. This process involves maintaining a balance within the organism's internal environment despite external changes, ensuring proper functioning and survival. Choice A is incorrect because increasing body temperature, blood pH, and fluid balance alone do not define the comprehensive process of maintaining homeostasis. Choice B is incorrect as absorbing energy to increase entropy goes against the concept of maintaining internal stability. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining the order of the external environment does not directly contribute to the organism's internal stability and balance.

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