Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What are the moon-shaped white structures at the base of fingernails called?

• A. Lunulae
• B. Cuticle
• C. Hyponychium
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lunulae. The moon-shaped white structures at the base of fingernails are known as lunulae. They are most prominent on the thumb and are situated at the base of the nail matrix. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix, which is responsible for generating new nail cells. Choice B, Cuticle, is incorrect as it refers to the thin layer of skin at the base of the nail plate. Choice C, Hyponychium, is incorrect as it is the skin that lies beneath the free edge of the nail. Choice D, Matrix, is incorrect as it is the area where the nail is formed, located under the cuticle.

3. What is the 'lock-and-key' model?

• A. Protein folding
• B. Enzyme-substrate interaction
• C. Muscle contraction
• D. Blood clotting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 'lock-and-key' model describes the specificity of the interaction between enzymes and their substrates. In this model, the enzyme's active site acts like a lock that can only be opened by the specific substrate molecule, which serves as the key. This specific binding ensures that enzymes catalyze particular reactions and do not interact with other molecules indiscriminately. Protein folding (option A) is the process by which a protein attains its functional three-dimensional structure but is not directly related to the lock-and-key model. Muscle contraction (option C) and blood clotting (option D) are complex biological processes but are not directly associated with the lock-and-key model of enzyme-substrate interaction.

4. Why is warming up before exercise important?

• A. To prevent dehydration
• B. To prevent muscle soreness
• C. To prevent increased heart rate
• D. To prevent low blood sugar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Warming up before exercise is crucial to prevent muscle soreness. It helps by increasing blood flow to the muscles, improving flexibility, and preparing the body for physical activity. Dehydration, increased heart rate, and low blood sugar are not directly prevented by warming up before exercise. Dehydration is prevented by proper hydration before and during exercise; increased heart rate is a normal physiological response to exercise; and low blood sugar is managed through proper nutrition and timing of meals before physical activity.

5. Which of the following is a strong acid?

• A. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
• B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• C. Citric acid
• D. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions, leading to a high concentration of H⁺ ions in solution. This characteristic makes it a strong acid. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), citric acid, and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) are weak acids as they only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to strong acids. Therefore, hydrochloric acid is the correct choice as a strong acid.

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