Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of a polymer?

• A. Methane
• B. Ethanol
• C. Polyethylene
• D. Acetic acid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Polyethylene. Polyethylene is a polymer composed of a large number of repeating ethylene units linked together, forming a long-chain molecule, characteristic of polymers. Methane, ethanol, and acetic acid are small organic molecules that do not demonstrate the repeating unit structure typical of polymers. Therefore, they are not examples of polymers.

2. 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.

3. What effect does a catalyst have on a chemical reaction?

• A. It speeds up the reaction.
• B. It slows down the reaction.
• C. It makes a reaction go in reverse.
• D. It prevents a reaction from taking place.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternate pathway for the reaction to occur, lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. As a result, more reactant molecules can overcome this energy barrier and participate in the reaction, leading to a faster overall reaction rate. This explanation contradicts choices B, C, and D as a catalyst does not slow down, reverse, or prevent a reaction; instead, it accelerates the reaction by facilitating a more efficient route for the reaction to take place. Therefore, the correct answer is that a catalyst speeds up the reaction.

4. Which of the following substances can donate a hydroxide ion (OH-) in solution?

• A. Salt
• B. Base
• C. Neutral compound
• D. Dehydrating agent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Base. A base is a substance that can donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. Bases increase the concentration of hydroxide ions by either accepting protons (H+) or donating hydroxide ions. Salts are ionic compounds made of cations and anions, which do not directly donate hydroxide ions. Neutral compounds do not significantly affect the concentration of hydroxide ions. Dehydrating agents are substances that remove water molecules from other compounds, unrelated to donating hydroxide ions.

5. Which of the following is produced by Natural Killer Cells to create pores for target cell rupture?

• A. Interferon
• B. Apoptosis
• C. Perforin
• D. Antibody

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Perforin. Natural Killer cells release perforin, which forms pores in the membrane of target cells, leading to their lysis. Interferon (choice A) is a protein released by cells in response to viral infections, apoptosis (choice B) is programmed cell death, and antibodies (choice D) are produced by B cells to neutralize pathogens but are not directly involved in creating pores for cell rupture like perforin.

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