Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which term best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures?

• A. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• B. Gradualism (slow and continuous change)
• C. Founder effect (genetic drift in a small population)
• D. Adaptive radiation (rapid diversification of a species)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by long periods of stability, rather than gradual change over time in response to environmental pressures. B) Gradualism is the process by which species evolve through slow and continuous changes over time in response to environmental pressures. This gradual change can lead to the development of new traits and adaptations. C) Founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation compared to the original population. It does not specifically describe the gradual change in a species over time. D) Adaptive radiation is the rapid diversification of a species into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, but it does not specifically refer to the gradual change in response to environmental pressures. Therefore, the term that best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is 'Gradualism.'

3. What type of muscle tissue is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end when you get a goosebump?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Cardiac muscle
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end when you get a goosebump. This type of muscle tissue is found in the skin attached to hair follicles and contracts in response to stimuli such as cold or fear, causing the hair to stand up. Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements, and cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is not directly involved in causing goosebumps. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the specific type of muscle tissue responsible for this physiological response.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the cerebellum. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture. It receives inputs from sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other brain regions to fine-tune motor movements. The cerebrum, choice A, is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making. The medulla oblongata, choice C, controls essential functions such as breathing and heart rate. The thalamus, choice D, serves as a relay center for sensory information but is not directly responsible for coordinating muscle movements, balance, or posture.

5. Which of the following hormones would cause skin color to become darker?

• A. Follicle-stimulating
• B. Growth-stimulating
• C. Thyroid-stimulating
• D. Melanocyte-stimulating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Melanocyte-stimulating. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) stimulates melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin, leading to darker skin pigmentation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates follicle growth in the reproductive system, Growth-stimulating hormone is a vague term not specific to any known hormone, and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, not affecting skin color pigmentation.

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