Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a lipid that is a membrane component and a precursor to significant hormones?

• A. Nucleic acids
• B. Proteins
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Steroids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Steroids. Steroids are a type of lipid that function as essential components of cell membranes and serve as precursors for significant hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Nucleic acids (choice A) are not lipids but are molecules like DNA and RNA that store genetic information. Proteins (choice B) and carbohydrates (choice C) are biomolecules but are not lipids and do not serve as precursors for hormones or membrane components.

2. What is located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

• A. Microvilli
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Lysosomes
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis. Ribosomes are the correct answer because they are the organelles directly associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Microvilli (choice A), mitochondria (choice B), and lysosomes (choice C) are not typically located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Microvilli are found on the surface of cells to increase surface area, mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell responsible for energy production, and lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes.

3. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and steroid hormones?

• A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
• B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Golgi apparatus
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the correct organelle responsible for the synthesis of lipids, including phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is primarily involved in protein synthesis and processing, making choice A incorrect. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transportation, so it is not directly involved in lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, making choice C incorrect. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and are not involved in lipid or steroid hormone synthesis, making choice D incorrect.

4. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?

• A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
• B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
• C. Proteins that act as transport highways
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.

5. Water is held together by which of the following bonds?

• A. Electrostatic attraction
• B. Van der Waals forces
• C. Hydrogen
• D. Oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are weak bonds formed between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another. Choice A, electrostatic attraction, is a general term for the attraction between opposite charges but does not specifically describe the bonds in water. Choice B, Van der Waals forces, are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, not the primary bonds in water. Choice D, oxygen, is incorrect as oxygen is part of the water molecule but not the bond holding water molecules together.

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