Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following distinguishes the isotopes of an element?

• A. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different ionic charges.
• B. Isotopes are atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table.
• C. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
• D. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different electron configurations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their nucleus but different numbers of neutrons. This leads to variations in atomic mass for isotopes of an element. The different number of neutrons in isotopes results in differences in their atomic mass and properties while still belonging to the same element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do not have different ionic charges, they have the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes are not atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table; they are variants of the same element. Choice D is incorrect because isotopes of an element have the same electron configuration, differing only in the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

2. Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

• A. Speed
• B. Distance
• C. Mass
• D. Velocity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Velocity is a vector quantity as it encompasses both magnitude (speed) and direction. When describing the motion of an object, it is crucial to consider both aspects. Speed (option A) is a scalar quantity, representing only the magnitude of motion without indicating direction. Distance (option B) is also a scalar quantity, indicating the extent of an object's motion without considering direction. Mass (option C) is a scalar quantity, measuring the amount of matter in an object and not involving direction.

3. Which type of waves exhibit both longitudinal and transverse motion?

• A. Electromagnetic waves
• B. Surface waves
• C. Mechanical waves
• D. Sound waves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surface waves exhibit both longitudinal and transverse motion. These waves travel along the boundary between two different mediums, such as water and air, causing particles to move both parallel (longitudinal) and perpendicular (transverse) to the wave's direction of travel. This unique characteristic distinguishes surface waves from other types of waves, making them the correct answer in this context. Electromagnetic waves, like light and radio waves, are purely transverse in nature, propagating through vacuum or different media through oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. Mechanical waves, including both transverse (e.g., water waves) and longitudinal (e.g., sound waves in air) waves, do not typically exhibit both types of motion simultaneously, unlike surface waves.

4. Which of the following is directly transcribed from DNA and represents the first step in protein synthesis?

• A. siRNA
• B. rRNA
• C. mRNA
• D. tRNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: mRNA (messenger RNA) is directly transcribed from DNA in the nucleus during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation in the cytoplasm. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Thus, mRNA represents the first step in protein synthesis as it carries the code from the DNA to be translated into a protein. Choice A, siRNA (small interfering RNA), is involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing and does not play a role in protein synthesis. Choice B, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of the ribosome and plays a structural and functional role in protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA. Choice D, tRNA (transfer RNA), is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA.

5. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

• A. They are small and soluble.
• B. They are large and soluble.
• C. They are small and insoluble.
• D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

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