Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes a difference between cytosol and the mitochondrion?

• A. Cytosol is a membrane-bound organelle, but the mitochondrion is not
• B. Cytosol is part of the cytoplasm, but the mitochondrion is not
• C. The mitochondrion is a membrane-bound organelle, but cytosol is not
• D. The mitochondrion is part of the cytoplasm, but cytosol is not

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The mitochondrion is a membrane-bound organelle, while cytosol is the fluid part of the cytoplasm. This differentiation highlights that the mitochondrion has its own membrane structure separating it from the cytoplasm, whereas cytosol is not membrane-bound and represents the liquid portion of the cytoplasm. Choice A is incorrect because cytosol is not a membrane-bound organelle, and the mitochondrion is also not described accurately. Choice B is incorrect as cytosol is indeed part of the cytoplasm. Choice D is incorrect because both the mitochondrion and cytosol are part of the cytoplasm, but the mitochondrion is a membrane-bound organelle unlike cytosol.

2. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

3. Which structure of the nervous system carries an action potential in the direction of a synapse?

• A. Cell body
• B. Axon
• C. Neuron
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the axon. The axon is the elongated, threadlike part of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells, such as muscles or glands, in the direction of a synapse. Action potentials travel along the axon as electrical signals to communicate with neighboring cells. The cell body (choice A) contains the nucleus and organelles but does not transmit action potentials. Neuron (choice C) is a broad term that includes the entire nerve cell, not a specific structure. Myelin (choice D) is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, aiding in the conduction of nerve impulses, but it does not directly carry the action potential towards a synapse.

4. Which type of tissue connects muscles to bones?

• A. Ligaments
• B. Tendons
• C. Cartilage
• D. Muscles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tendons. Tendons connect muscles to bones, not bones to muscles. They play a crucial role in transmitting the force generated by muscles to move bones, enabling movement. Ligaments (choice A) connect bones to bones, providing stability to joints. Cartilage (choice C) is a connective tissue found in joints, providing cushioning and flexibility. Muscles (choice D) are responsible for generating force through contraction but do not directly connect muscles to bones.

5. Which of the following enzymes is responsible for adding a nucleotide to a growing DNA chain?

• A. Helicase
• B. Ligase
• C. Nuclease
• D. Polymerase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Polymerase. Polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain during DNA replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix to separate the DNA strands for replication, Ligase joins DNA fragments together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between them, and Nuclease cuts or degrades DNA strands. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain.

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