Nursing Elites

1. When plants do not receive enough water, their photosynthetic rate drops. This is because:

• A. water is a raw material for the light reactions in photosynthesis
• B. carbon dioxide is not available
• C. water provides the carbon atoms used to make sugar
• D. not enough oxygen is produced to keep fermentation running

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When plants do not receive enough water, their photosynthetic rate drops because water is a raw material required for the light reactions in photosynthesis. In the light reactions, water is split to provide electrons, which are then utilized to produce energy carriers used in converting carbon dioxide into glucose during the Calvin cycle. Therefore, without sufficient water, the light reactions cannot proceed effectively, ultimately leading to a decrease in photosynthetic rate. Choice B is incorrect because carbon dioxide is a separate raw material needed for the Calvin cycle, not the light reactions. Choice C is incorrect as water provides electrons, not carbon atoms, for photosynthesis. Choice D is incorrect because fermentation is not directly related to photosynthesis; oxygen is produced during photosynthesis, not fermentation.

2. Which is not a step in the water cycle?

• A. Condensation
• B. Transpiration
• C. Nitrification
• D. Absorption

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nitrification is a biological process in the nitrogen cycle where ammonia is converted into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria. It is not a step in the water cycle. The water cycle involves processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration that are related to the movement and transformation of water in the environment. Choices A, B, and D are all part of the water cycle: condensation is the process where water vapor turns into liquid water, transpiration is the release of water vapor by plants, and absorption refers to the process of water being taken in by soil or other materials.

3. What process involves the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Osmosis
• C. Active Transport
• D. Facilitated Diffusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Osmosis is the process specifically involving the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane, from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. This process helps balance concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Choice A, Diffusion, refers to the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, not specific to water. Choice C, Active Transport, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, unlike osmosis. Choice D, Facilitated Diffusion, involves the use of transport proteins to move specific substances across membranes, not limited to water molecules.

4. Which cellular structure is largely protective in function?

• A. Mitochondrion
• B. Vacuole
• C. Cell membrane
• D. Ribosome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is largely protective in function as it serves as a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, providing structural support and helping to maintain cell integrity. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thus protecting the cell from harmful external factors while allowing essential nutrients to enter. Mitochondrion (choice A) is responsible for energy production, not primarily protective. Vacuole (choice B) is mainly involved in storage and transport. Ribosome (choice D) is involved in protein synthesis, not protective functions.

5. Imagine that two parents both carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis. Any homozygous recessive offspring will manifest the disease. What percentage of the offspring is predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease?

• A. 0%
• B. 25%
• C. 50%
• D. 100%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When both parents carry the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis (homozygous recessive), there is a 25% chance for each offspring to inherit two recessive alleles and, therefore, manifest the disease. There is also a 50% chance for each offspring to inherit one recessive allele and one dominant allele, making them carriers of the disease but not manifest it. Therefore, 25% of the offspring are predicted to be carriers but not manifest the disease. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a portion of offspring that will be carriers. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as this percentage corresponds to carriers who will not manifest the disease. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as not all offspring will be carriers and not manifest the disease.

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