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 product of the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)?

• A. NaCl + H2O
• B. NaOH + HCl
• C. Na2Cl + H2O
• D. NaClO3 + H2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O) according to the following chemical equation: HCl + NaOH -> NaCl + H2O. Therefore, the correct answer is NaCl + H2O (Choice A). This reaction is a classic acid-base neutralization reaction where the acid (HCl) reacts with the base (NaOH) to form a salt (NaCl) and water (H2O). Choice B (NaOH + HCl) is incorrect because the order of the reactants matters in a chemical reaction, and in this case, HCl is the acid reacting with NaOH. Choices C (Na2Cl + H2O) and D (NaClO3 + H2) are incorrect because they do not represent the products of the reaction between HCl and NaOH as per the balanced chemical equation.

3. In a study evaluating which type of road salt deices a road most quickly, what is the independent variable?

• A. Deicing time period
• B. Road used for deicing
• C. Type of road salt used
• D. Amount of road salt used

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Type of road salt used.' In an experiment, the independent variable is the one manipulated by the researcher to observe its impact on the dependent variable. In this study, the researchers are altering the type of road salt used to determine its influence on the deicing speed, thus making it the independent variable. The other choices are not the independent variable as they are not deliberately manipulated in the experiment: A - 'Deicing time period' is an outcome measure dependent on the type of salt used; B - 'Road used for deicing' is not controlled or manipulated; D - 'Amount of road salt used' would be a potential confounding variable rather than the independent variable as it could affect the outcome along with the type of salt.

4. 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.

5. What is the basic unit of heredity?

• A. Chromosome
• B. Cell
• C. Gene
• D. Organ

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A gene is the basic unit of heredity that carries the instructions for making proteins, which determine an organism's traits. Genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes within the cell. While chromosomes contain many genes, a gene itself is the fundamental unit of heredity responsible for passing on genetic information from one generation to the next. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms, but genes specifically carry genetic information. Organs are composed of tissues and serve specific functions within an organism, but they are not the basic unit of heredity.

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