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. Which type of energy is associated with the random motion of particles in a substance?

• A. Potential energy
• B. Mechanical energy
• C. Thermal energy
• D. Chemical energy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thermal energy is the correct answer as it is associated with the random motion of particles in a substance. When particles move randomly, they generate heat energy, which is a form of thermal energy. Potential energy is stored energy that can be converted into other forms when released, such as kinetic energy. Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy in an object, which is not directly related to the random motion of particles. Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds and is not specifically related to the motion of particles.

3. How does RNA polymerase differ from DNA polymerase?

• A. Both enzymes are identical in function and structure.
• B. RNA polymerase does not require a primer to initiate RNA synthesis.
• C. RNA polymerase can synthesize both RNA and DNA.
• D. RNA polymerase can only synthesize RNA, unlike DNA polymerase.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) This statement is incorrect. RNA polymerase and DNA polymerase are not identical in function and structure. They have different roles in the cell. B) This statement is correct. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase does not require a primer to initiate RNA synthesis. RNA polymerase can start the synthesis of RNA de novo. C) This statement is incorrect. RNA polymerase is specialized for synthesizing RNA, not DNA. DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing DNA. D) This statement is correct. RNA polymerase can only synthesize RNA, while DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing DNA.

4. Where does gas exchange occur in the human body?

• A. Alveoli
• B. Bronchi
• C. Larynx
• D. Pharynx

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. Oxygen from the air we breathe diffuses into the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. The bronchi, larynx, and pharynx are all part of the respiratory system but are not directly involved in gas exchange. The bronchi are airways that lead to the lungs, the larynx is the voice box, and the pharynx is the throat. These structures are important for breathing and vocalization but do not participate in the exchange of gases between the respiratory system and the circulatory system.

5. What is the process by which a cell divides to produce two daughter cells?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Differentiation
• D. Transformation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer because it is the process of cell division that results in the production of two daughter cells with identical genetic material to the parent cell. Meiosis, while also involving cell division, leads to the formation of gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Differentiation is the specialization of cells for specific functions, not the process of cell division. Transformation involves a cell incorporating foreign DNA into its genome, which is unrelated to the division of a cell into two daughter cells.

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