Nursing Elites

1. What is the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, a key molecule in cellular respiration, called?

• A. Beta-oxidation
• B. Lipolysis
• C. Carbohydrate catabolism
• D. Nucleic acid catabolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beta-oxidation is the correct term for the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA molecules. This essential process takes place in the mitochondria and is a pivotal step in fatty acid metabolism for energy production. Lipolysis, however, refers to the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol but does not specifically involve the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA. Carbohydrate catabolism focuses on breaking down carbohydrates into glucose for energy production and is not directly linked to the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA. Nucleic acid catabolism involves the breakdown of nucleic acids into nucleotides and is not associated with the conversion of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA.

2. What is the smallest bone in the human body?

• A. Stapes (Middle ear bone)
• B. Patella (Kneecap)
• C. Phalanges (Finger bones)
• D. Ribs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stapes (Middle ear bone). The stapes, located in the middle ear, is indeed the smallest bone in the human body. Despite its small size, the stapes is vital for hearing as it transmits and amplifies sound vibrations, contributing significantly to auditory perception. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The patella (kneecap) is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body, not the smallest bone. Phalanges are the bones in fingers and toes, not the smallest bone overall. Ribs are long bones that protect the chest cavity, not the smallest bone in the body.

3. How many chromosomes must a normal human sperm cell contain?

• A. An X chromosome.
• B. A Y chromosome.
• C. 23 chromosomes.
• D. Both an X and Y chromosome.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A normal human sperm cell contains a total of 23 chromosomes, half the number found in a typical human cell which has 46 chromosomes. This includes 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome, which can be either an X or a Y chromosome. Therefore, the correct answer is that a normal human sperm cell must contain 23 chromosomes. Choices A and B are incorrect because a single sex chromosome alone does not represent the total number of chromosomes in a sperm cell. Choice D is incorrect because a sperm cell carries only one sex chromosome, either X or Y, not both.

4. What is the role of RNA in protein synthesis?

• A. Stores genetic information
• B. Decodes genetic information
• C. Provides energy for the process
• D. Transports amino acids to the ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by decoding the genetic information stored in DNA and carrying it to the ribosomes where proteins are synthesized. This process involves transcription, where RNA is synthesized from DNA, and translation, where the information in RNA is used to assemble amino acids into proteins. RNA acts as a messenger between DNA and the ribosomes, ensuring that the correct sequence of amino acids is used to build proteins according to the genetic code. Option A is incorrect because DNA, not RNA, stores genetic information. Option C is incorrect because RNA does not provide energy for protein synthesis; energy is usually provided by ATP molecules. Option D is incorrect because tRNA (transfer RNA) is responsible for transporting amino acids to the ribosomes, not RNA in general. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it accurately describes the role of RNA in protein synthesis.

5. What are the three layers of the skin?

• A. Epidermis, dermis, subdermis
• B. Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
• C. Dermis, subdermis, hypodermis
• D. Epidermis, dermis, adipose layer

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis. The three layers of the skin are the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (inner layer of fat and connective tissue). The hypodermis is also known as the subcutaneous tissue and is primarily composed of adipose (fat) tissue, providing insulation and padding to the body. Choice A is incorrect as 'subdermis' is not a recognized layer of the skin. Choice C is incorrect as 'dermis' is the middle layer, not the outer layer. Choice D is incorrect as the layer below the dermis is the hypodermis, not specifically an 'adipose layer.'

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