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. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Atomic weight
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.

3. What are Mendel's laws?

• A. Law of inheritance, law of expression
• B. Law of segregation, law of independent assortment
• C. Law of dominance, law of recessiveness
• D. Law of mutation, law of crossing over

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Mendel's laws consist of the law of segregation, which states that each parent passes one allele for each trait, and the law of independent assortment, which explains that genes for different traits are inherited independently. Choice A is incorrect because 'law of expression' is not one of Mendel's laws. Choice C is incorrect because 'law of dominance' and 'law of recessiveness' do not represent the two main laws proposed by Mendel. Choice D is incorrect because 'law of mutation' and 'law of crossing over' are not part of Mendel's original laws.

4. Which type of carbohydrate is the main component of the cell wall in plant cells?

• A. Starch
• B. Glucose
• C. Cellulose
• D. Chitin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Cellulose.' Cellulose is the main component of the cell wall in plant cells, providing structural support and rigidity. Starch, while a carbohydrate, is a storage form of glucose in plants and not a component of the cell wall. Glucose is a simple sugar that can be used as an energy source but is not the main component of the cell wall. Chitin is a structural carbohydrate found in the exoskeleton of arthropods and fungi, not in plant cell walls.

5. What is a submicroscopic entity that is considered nonliving because it lacks cellular structure and consists of nucleic acids encapsulated in a protein coat called a capsid?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Fungus
• C. Virus
• D. Protozoa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Virus. Viruses are not considered living organisms because they lack cellular structure. Instead, they are composed of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. Bacteria (choice A), fungus (choice B), and protozoa (choice D) are all living organisms with cellular structures, unlike viruses. Therefore, they are incorrect choices for this question.

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