Nursing Elites

1. Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?

• A. RNA
• B. Virus
• C. Blue-green alga
• D. Saprophyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.

2. Whose energy efficiency is greater?

• A. Herbivore
• B. Carnivore
• C. Omnivore
• D. Decomposer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decomposers have the greatest efficiency of energy among the given options. Decomposers break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. This breakdown process results in the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem, making energy more readily available for other organisms to use. In contrast, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores all derive their energy from the consumption of other living organisms, making their energy efficiency lower than that of decomposers. Herbivores consume plants for energy, which involves energy loss due to inefficiencies in converting plant matter into usable energy. Carnivores consume herbivores or other carnivores, leading to further energy loss through each trophic level. Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, but their energy efficiency is still lower than decomposers because of the energy loss associated with consuming living organisms. Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and energy in ecosystems, making them highly efficient in the utilization of energy.

3. Which, if any, of the following statements about the biosphere is correct?

• A. The biosphere is the part of the Earth that supports life.
• B. The biosphere encompasses the entire surface of the Earth.
• C. A and B are correct.
• D. None of these statements is correct.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statement A is correct. The biosphere refers to the part of the Earth where life exists, including the land, water bodies, and atmosphere. It is the zone where living organisms and ecosystems exist. Statement B is incorrect because the biosphere covers various ecosystems on Earth but does not encompass the entire surface of the planet. The biosphere includes regions such as the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water bodies), and atmosphere, but not every part of the Earth's surface. Therefore, option C, stating both A and B are correct, is inaccurate. The correct answer is option A, as it accurately defines the biosphere.

4. In a phospholipid molecule, the head:

• A. Is hydrophilic
• B. Is hydrophobic
• C. Is on the inner side of the layer
• D. Both A and C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic (water-loving) and is located on the outer side of the lipid bilayer, interacting with water molecules. This arrangement positions the hydrophobic tails inward, away from water. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the head is hydrophilic, not hydrophobic. Choice B is incorrect as the head is on the outer side, not the inner side of the layer.

5. Which organelle is found in protists but not in monerans?

• A. Golgi apparatus
• B. Chromosome
• C. Cytoplasm
• D. Cell membrane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Golgi apparatus is the correct answer. The Golgi apparatus is a cellular organelle responsible for processing and packaging proteins before they are transported to their final destination. Protists, being eukaryotic organisms, have membrane-bound organelles including the Golgi apparatus, which are absent in monerans. Monerans are prokaryotic organisms that lack membrane-bound structures such as the Golgi apparatus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as chromosomes, cytoplasm, and cell membranes are present in both protists and monerans.

Similar Questions