Nursing Elites

1. What is the most significant contributor to cellular function?

• A. Proteins
• B. Phospholipids
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Fatty acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Proteins. Proteins are the most significant contributor to cellular function as they play crucial roles in almost all biological processes. They act as enzymes that catalyze reactions, are involved in cell signaling pathways, and provide structural support to cells. Phospholipids (Choice B), while important for cell membrane structure, do not have the same diverse functions as proteins in cellular processes. Carbohydrates (Choice C) primarily serve as an energy source and structural components but are not as versatile in cellular functions as proteins. Fatty acids (Choice D) are essential components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules but do not have the same broad range of functions as proteins in cellular processes.

2. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and steroid hormones?

• A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
• B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Golgi apparatus
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the correct organelle responsible for the synthesis of lipids, including phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is primarily involved in protein synthesis and processing, making choice A incorrect. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transportation, so it is not directly involved in lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, making choice C incorrect. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and are not involved in lipid or steroid hormone synthesis, making choice D incorrect.

3. In which step of cellular respiration is the most adenosine triphosphate (ATP) created?

• A. Electron transport chain
• B. Glycolysis
• C. Citric acid cycle (the Krebs cycle)
• D. All of these produce equal amounts of ATP

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron transport chain is the step in cellular respiration that generates the most ATP. During this step, up to 34 ATP molecules can be produced from a single glucose molecule. Choice B, Glycolysis, produces a smaller amount of ATP (2 ATP molecules per glucose), and choice C, Citric acid cycle, produces some ATP but not as much as the electron transport chain. Choice D is incorrect because different steps of cellular respiration produce varying amounts of ATP, with the electron transport chain being the most efficient in ATP generation.

4. Which of the following is not found in a prokaryotic cell?

• A. Plasma membrane
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Nucleus
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Nucleus.' Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes are all components found in prokaryotic cells. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and exits, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

5. What is the smallest and most basic unit of matter?

• A. Micromolecule
• B. Atom
• C. Organelle
• D. Molecule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Atom. An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. Choice A, Micromolecule, is incorrect because molecules are composed of atoms bonded together, making them larger than individual atoms. Choice C, Organelle, is incorrect as organelles are structures within cells, not the basic unit of matter. Choice D, Molecule, is incorrect as molecules are made up of atoms bonded together, so they are not the smallest unit of matter.

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