Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

• A. Synthesis of lipids (fats)
• B. Transport of materials within the cell
• C. Detoxification of harmful substances
• D. Breakdown of cellular waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not involved in the breakdown of cellular waste products; this function is primarily carried out by lysosomes. The ER is responsible for the synthesis of lipids (fats), transport of materials within the cell, and detoxification of harmful substances. Lysosomes are the organelles responsible for breaking down cellular waste products through processes like autophagy. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with the known functions of the endoplasmic reticulum.

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. Which of the following is a common property of both acids and bases?

• A. React with metals to produce hydrogen gas
• B. Taste sour
• C. Turn blue litmus paper red
• D. Conduct electricity when dissolved in water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Both acids and bases can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Acids ionize in water to produce H+ ions, which can carry an electric current, while bases ionize to produce OH- ions, which also conduct electricity. The other options are not common properties of both acids and bases. Reacting with metals to produce hydrogen gas is characteristic of acids, tasting sour is a property of acids, and turning blue litmus paper red is a property of bases, not a common property shared by both.

4. The adaptive immune system develops a targeted response to specific pathogens. What type of immune cell is responsible for producing antibodies?

• A. Natural killer cells
• B. Phagocytes
• C. Helper T cells
• D. B cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: B cells are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. When activated by a specific antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to target and neutralize pathogens. Natural killer cells are primarily involved in killing infected or cancerous cells, phagocytes engulf pathogens, and helper T cells assist in activating other immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B cells because they play a crucial role in antibody production, a key component of the adaptive immune response.

5. Which term describes the resistance of a substance to flow?

• A. Density
• B. Viscosity
• C. Conductivity
• D. Malleability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Viscosity is the term used to describe the resistance of a substance to flow. It quantifies how thick or thin a fluid is and how easily it flows. Density (A) refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume and does not directly relate to resistance to flow. Conductivity (C) is the property of a material to conduct electricity or heat, not related to resistance to flow. Malleability (D) is the property of a material to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, which is not related to resistance to flow.

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