Nursing Elites

1. Which types of molecules can move through a cell membrane by passive transport?

• A. Complex sugars
• B. Non-lipid soluble molecules
• C. Oxygen
• D. Molecules moving from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oxygen. Small, non-polar molecules like oxygen can easily pass through the cell membrane by passive transport as they move down their concentration gradient without the need for energy input. Complex sugars (choice A) are typically too large to pass through the membrane by passive transport. Non-lipid soluble molecules (choice B) may require active transport mechanisms. Choice D describes active transport, where molecules move against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input.

2. What is the Pauli exclusion principle?

• A. The principle that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy.
• B. The principle that electrons cannot occupy the same orbital with the same spin.
• C. The principle that the maximum number of electrons in an orbital is 2n^2, where n is the energy level of the orbital.
• D. The principle that the attractive force between an electron and the nucleus is inversely proportional to the distance between them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. This principle leads to the rule that electrons must have opposite spins when occupying the same orbital. Therefore, electrons cannot occupy the same orbital with the same spin, as stated in option B. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the Aufbau principle, which describes the order in which electrons fill orbitals based on increasing energy. Option C is incorrect as it provides the formula for the maximum number of electrons in an orbital based on the energy level, not the Pauli exclusion principle. Option D is incorrect as it describes Coulomb's law, which deals with the electrostatic force between charged particles, not the Pauli exclusion principle.

3. Which of the following is the smallest unit of matter?

• A. Molecule
• B. Atom
• C. Compound
• D. Element

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An atom is the fundamental building block of matter, while molecules are formed by the combination of atoms.

4. How did life most likely arise on Earth?

• A. From simple organic molecules in a primordial soup
• B. By spontaneous generation from non-living matter
• C. Through the arrival of extraterrestrial life forms
• D. We still don't know for sure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most widely accepted scientific theory for the origin of life on Earth is abiogenesis, which suggests that life arose from simple organic molecules in a primordial soup. This theory is supported by experiments such as the Miller-Urey experiment, which demonstrated that the basic building blocks of life could have formed under early Earth conditions. While there are other hypotheses and ongoing research in this field, the primordial soup theory is currently the most plausible explanation for the origin of life on Earth. Option B, spontaneous generation from non-living matter, has been disproven and is not considered a valid explanation. Option C, the arrival of extraterrestrial life forms, lacks evidence and is not a widely accepted theory. Option D, stating that we still don't know for sure, is true to some extent as the origin of life is a complex topic, but current scientific understanding leans towards abiogenesis from simple organic molecules in a primordial soup.

5. What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. DNA replication
• C. Cell division
• D. Lipid synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protein synthesis. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and translate the genetic information into specific proteins. This process is essential for building and maintaining the structures and functions of the cell. Choice B, DNA replication, is incorrect because ribosomes are not involved in replicating DNA; that process occurs in the nucleus. Choice C, cell division, is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in cell division but rather in protein synthesis. Choice D, lipid synthesis, is also incorrect as ribosomes are not responsible for synthesizing lipids, which primarily occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles.

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