Nursing Elites

1. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cell membrane
• C. Endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.

2. What type of cells possess a cell membrane?

• A. Prokaryotic cells only
• B. Eukaryotic cells only
• C. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cell membranes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cell membrane serves as a barrier that encloses the cell contents and regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell. It is a fundamental structure found in all types of cells, regardless of whether they are prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus) or eukaryotic (containing a nucleus). Choice A is incorrect because eukaryotic cells also possess cell membranes. Choice B is incorrect as prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, also have cell membranes. Choice D is incorrect as both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have cell membranes.

3. Which of the following is true of the Krebs cycle?

• A. It is a redox reaction involving proteins produced during glycolysis
• B. It is a redox reaction involving sugars produced during glycolysis
• C. Protons are passed along a gradient to produce ATP
• D. It is also known as the glycolic acid cycle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, involves a series of redox reactions that occur in the mitochondria. The cycle begins with the oxidation of acetyl CoA, which is derived from the breakdown of sugars produced during glycolysis. These sugars are broken down further in the Krebs cycle to produce ATP and reduce electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2. The cycle does not involve proteins produced during glycolysis. Protons are not passed along a gradient to produce ATP directly in the Krebs cycle; rather, they are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP. The Krebs cycle is not known as the glycolic acid cycle; glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that produces pyruvate from glucose.

4. Which cells in the human body lack nuclei?

• A. Nerve cells
• B. Red blood cells
• C. Liver cells
• D. Connective tissue cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, lack nuclei in humans. This absence of a nucleus allows more space for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, making red blood cells efficient at their function of oxygen transport in the body. Nerve cells (Choice A), liver cells (Choice C), and connective tissue cells (Choice D) all possess nuclei as they require genetic material for their functions, such as cell signaling, protein synthesis, and structural support.

5. During which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes align in the center of the cell?

• A. Prophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Telophase
• D. Anaphase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Metaphase. During Metaphase, the chromosomes line up along the center of the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate. This alignment ensures that during the subsequent phase, Anaphase, the sister chromatids can separate and move towards opposite poles. Prophase is the initial phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Telophase is the final phase of mitosis where two new nuclei form.

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