Nursing Elites

1. Which names a final step in protein synthesis?

• A. DNA unzips.
• B. Amino acids bond.
• C. Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA.
• D. Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final step in protein synthesis is when amino acids bond together to form a protein chain. This process occurs during translation, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, and the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids. This step ultimately leads to the synthesis of a complete protein based on the instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). Choice A ('DNA unzips') is incorrect as it refers to the initiation of transcription, not the final step of protein synthesis. Choice C ('Transfer RNA bonds to messenger RNA') is incorrect as it describes the process of translation initiation rather than the final step. Choice D ('Messenger RNA moves to ribosomes') is also incorrect as mRNA is already present at the ribosomes throughout the translation process, not just in the final step.

2. How is mitosis different from meiosis?

• A. Mitosis is the process by which body cells are formed.
• B. Meiosis creates cells with half the chromosomes of the parent cell.
• C. Telophase occurs in both mitosis and meiosis.
• D. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis occur via meiosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Meiosis is the type of cell division that creates cells with half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell. This is essential for sexual reproduction as it ensures that when the sex cells (sperm and egg) combine during fertilization, the resulting offspring has the correct number of chromosomes. In contrast, mitosis results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Choice A is incorrect because mitosis is responsible for the division of body cells, not sex cells. Choice C is incorrect because telophase is a phase that occurs in both mitosis and meiosis. Choice D is incorrect because spermatogenesis and oogenesis involve meiosis, not mitosis.

3. What is the most important component of the cell, contributing to protection, communication, and the passage of substances?

• A. Cytoplasm
• B. Cell Membrane
• C. Cytoskeleton
• D. Vacuole

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The cell membrane is the correct answer. It is the most important component of the cell as it provides protection, facilitates communication, and regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell. The cytoplasm (Choice A) is the gel-like substance within the cell that holds organelles, but it is not primarily responsible for the functions mentioned in the question. The cytoskeleton (Choice C) provides structural support to the cell but is not directly involved in protection, communication, or substance passage. Vacuoles (Choice D) are responsible for storage and maintaining turgor pressure but do not play a primary role in the functions specified in the question.

4. What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?

• A. It attaches to a ribosome.
• B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
• C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
• D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. When mRNA reaches the cytoplasm, it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome functions as the site for protein synthesis through translation, where the genetic code carried by mRNA is read and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because mRNA does not unzip, expose nitrogen bases, pair with DNA bases, or pull free of the DNA strand in the cytoplasm. The primary function of mRNA in the cytoplasm is to serve as a template for protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.

5. Which molecule is primarily responsible for storing energy in cells?

• A. Glucose
• B. ATP
• C. Fatty acids
• D. Starch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: ATP is the correct answer because it is the molecule responsible for storing and providing energy in cells. Glucose is a source of energy but not primarily for storage. Fatty acids are more involved in energy production through oxidation. Starch is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in plants.

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