Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. As cattle graze, cattle egrets consume the insects they stir up. This is an example of ___________.

• A. Mutualism
• B. Parasitism
• C. Commensalism
• D. Competition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Commensalism is a relationship between two species in which one benefits without affecting the other species. In this scenario, the cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle while the cattle are not significantly impacted by the presence of the egrets. The egrets obtain food easily, and the cattle are neither harmed nor helped by the egrets' presence, making it an example of commensalism. Mutualism involves both species benefiting, parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of the other, and competition involves both species being negatively affected by their interactions, none of which apply to the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets in this context.

3. Beeswax is an example of what kind of molecule?

• A. Lipid
• B. Carbohydrate
• C. Protein
• D. Nucleic acid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beeswax is primarily composed of esters of long-chain aliphatic alcohols and fatty acids, making it a type of lipid. Lipids are a diverse group of molecules that are hydrophobic in nature and have important functions in energy storage, signaling, and forming cellular membranes. Beeswax's chemical composition and properties categorize it as a lipid rather than a carbohydrate, protein, or nucleic acid. Carbohydrates are composed of sugars, proteins are made up of amino acids, and nucleic acids consist of nucleotides; none of which match the chemical composition of beeswax.

4. What is necessary for active transport through a membrane to take place?

• A. Glucose
• B. Oxygen
• C. Sodium
• D. ATP

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Active transport through a membrane requires energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides the necessary energy for the transport proteins to move molecules against the concentration gradient, from an area of lower concentration to higher concentration. This process is essential for maintaining cellular functions and regulating the internal environment of a cell. Glucose, oxygen, and sodium are important molecules involved in various cellular processes, but they are not the primary energy source required for active transport across membranes. Therefore, the correct answer is ATP.

5. Cells reproduce by different processes, all of which fall into what two categories?

• A. Sexual reproduction and binary fission
• B. Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction
• C. Asexual reproduction and binary fission
• D. Asexual reproduction and mitosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cells reproduce through two main processes: 'sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.' Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes to produce offspring with genetic variation, while asexual reproduction involves the production of offspring genetically identical to the parent. Choice A is incorrect because binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction, not sexual reproduction. Choice C is incorrect because it combines two forms of asexual reproduction. Choice D is incorrect because mitosis is a specific type of cell division, not a form of reproduction involving the production of offspring.

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