Nursing Elites

1. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

2. What tool helps scientists identify and classify organisms based on their shared characteristics?

• A. Binomial nomenclature
• B. Cladistics
• C. Dichotomous key
• D. Domain-based classification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Binomial nomenclature is a system used to give each organism a two-part scientific name (genus and species) but does not help in identifying or classifying organisms based on shared characteristics. B) Cladistics is a method of classification based on evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics, but it is not a tool used for identifying organisms. C) A dichotomous key is a tool that helps scientists identify and classify organisms based on their shared characteristics by presenting a series of choices leading the user to the correct identification. D) Domain-based classification is a system of grouping organisms into three domains (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya) based on molecular and genetic similarities, but it is not a tool used for identifying organisms based on shared characteristics.

3. Which level of protein structure is defined by the folds and coils of the protein's polypeptide backbone?

• A. Primary
• B. Secondary
• C. Tertiary
• D. Quaternary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Secondary. The secondary structure of a protein is defined by the folding and coiling of the polypeptide backbone into structures like alpha helices and beta sheets. Secondary structure primarily involves interactions such as hydrogen bonding within the backbone. This level of protein structure is distinct from primary structure (A) which refers to the linear sequence of amino acids, tertiary structure (C) which involves the overall 3D arrangement of a single polypeptide chain, and quaternary structure (D) which pertains to the interaction between multiple polypeptide chains in a protein complex.

4. Which term refers to a position toward the feet? For example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity.

• A. Anterior
• B. Posterior
• C. Superior
• D. Inferior

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Inferior.' 'Inferior' refers to a position located towards the feet or lower part of the body. This is the opposite of 'superior,' which indicates a position towards the head or upper part of the body. 'Anterior' refers to the front of the body, 'posterior' refers to the back of the body, making them incorrect choices in this context.

5. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

• A. To digest food
• B. To absorb water and form feces
• C. To absorb proteins
• D. To regulate blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from digested food and form feces for elimination. It does not primarily digest food, absorb proteins, or regulate blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because the large intestine does not digest food but rather absorbs nutrients and water. Choice C is incorrect as the absorption of proteins primarily occurs in the small intestine. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure is not a primary function of the large intestine.

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