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. When animals eat, insulin is released from the pancreas, stimulating glucose uptake by the liver. When glucose levels drop, the pancreas reduces insulin release. This is an example of which mechanism for maintaining homeostasis?

• A. Negative feedback.
• B. Positive feedback.
• C. Stress response.
• D. Parasympathetic regulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This mechanism is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback systems work to counteract changes in the body and maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis). In this case, the release of insulin in response to high glucose levels is followed by a reduction in insulin release when glucose levels drop. This response helps regulate glucose levels and return them to a normal range, demonstrating the characteristic of negative feedback where the body's response opposes the initial stimulus to maintain equilibrium. Positive feedback would amplify the initial change rather than counteract it, so it is not the correct choice. Stress response and parasympathetic regulation are not directly involved in this glucose regulation process, making them incorrect choices.

3. Which of the following structures is found in the nucleus of a cell?

• A. Mitochondria
• B. Endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Chromosomes
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chromosomes, which contain genetic information, are found in the nucleus of a cell. They play a crucial role in cell division, gene expression, and inheritance. Mitochondria, responsible for energy production, are located in the cytoplasm, not the nucleus. The endoplasmic reticulum is mainly involved in protein and lipid synthesis and is not a component of the nucleus. Ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis, are found in the cytoplasm and on the endoplasmic reticulum, but not in the nucleus.

4. The control center of the cell, containing genetic information (DNA), is the:

• A. Golgi apparatus
• B. Ribosome
• C. Nucleus
• D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the nucleus. The nucleus is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic information in the form of DNA. The Golgi apparatus (choice A) is responsible for packaging and processing proteins, the ribosome (choice B) is involved in protein synthesis, and the endoplasmic reticulum (choice D) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the correct answers as they do not house the genetic information or serve as the control center of the cell.

5. How does an increase in temperature generally affect the solubility of most solid solutes in a liquid solvent?

• A. It increases solubility
• B. It decreases solubility
• C. It has no effect on solubility
• D. It depends on the nature of the solute

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In general, increasing temperature tends to increase the solubility of most solid solutes in liquid solvents. This occurs because higher temperatures provide more energy for the solvent molecules to break the solute-solvent attractive forces and allow more solute to dissolve. The increase in temperature facilitates the dissolution process by overcoming the intermolecular forces that hold the solute particles together. Choice B is incorrect because higher temperatures typically lead to greater solubility. Choice C is incorrect as temperature changes usually impact solubility. Choice D is incorrect because although the nature of the solute can influence solubility, the general trend is that higher temperatures enhance solubility for most solid solutes in liquid solvents.

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