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. Why is the nucleus important in a cell?

• A. It stores the DNA
• B. It supports the cell
• C. It makes protein
• D. It makes energy out of food

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nucleus is important in a cell because it stores the DNA, which contains the genetic information necessary for the cell's function and replication. This genetic material controls the cell's activities and characteristics. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because supporting the cell, making proteins, and producing energy are functions typically associated with other cell organelles like the cytoskeleton, ribosomes, and mitochondria, respectively.

3. Which cellular structure is largely protective in function?

• A. Mitochondrion
• B. Vacuole
• C. Cell membrane
• D. Ribosome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell membrane. The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is largely protective in function as it serves as a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, providing structural support and helping to maintain cell integrity. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thus protecting the cell from harmful external factors while allowing essential nutrients to enter. Mitochondrion (choice A) is responsible for energy production, not primarily protective. Vacuole (choice B) is mainly involved in storage and transport. Ribosome (choice D) is involved in protein synthesis, not protective functions.

4. What is another name for the light-independent reaction in plants?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Calvin cycle
• C. Germination
• D. Phosphorus cycle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The light-independent reaction in plants is also known as the Calvin cycle. This biochemical pathway, named after Melvin Calvin who discovered it, takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and is responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle does not directly require light to function, hence the alternative name as the light-independent reaction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Photosynthesis is the overall process of converting light energy into chemical energy, which includes both light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Germination is the process where a seed sprouts into a new plant. The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

5. Where is the genetic information of a eukaryotic cell stored?

• A. Mitochondria
• B. Nucleus
• C. Golgi Apparatus
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nucleus. In eukaryotic cells, genetic information (DNA) is stored in the nucleus. This organelle acts as the control center of the cell, housing the DNA and regulating gene expression. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the genetic information is not stored in the mitochondria, Golgi Apparatus, or cytoplasm. The mitochondria are responsible for energy production, the Golgi Apparatus is involved in protein processing and packaging, and the cytoplasm is where various cellular activities take place, but none of these organelles store the genetic information.

Similar Questions