Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the liver?

• A. To produce bile, which aids in the digestion of fats
• B. To store energy in the form of glycogen
• C. To produce proteins that assist in blood clotting
• D. To detoxify harmful substances in the body

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the body. While the liver does produce bile to aid in the digestion of fats, this is not its primary function. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine for fat digestion. Storing energy in the form of glycogen is a function of the liver, but not its primary one. Glycogen serves as a reserve of glucose. Although the liver produces proteins that assist in blood clotting, such as fibrinogen and prothrombin, this is not its main function. These proteins play a crucial role in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Therefore, the primary role of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances by processing and removing toxins, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, thereby reducing their harmful effects.

2. Which of the following macromolecules will always contain nitrogen?

• A. Fatty acids
• B. Proteins
• C. Lipids
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proteins. Proteins are the only macromolecules that always contain nitrogen in their amino acid structure. Nitrogen is a key element found in the amino groups of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Fatty acids (Choice A), lipids (Choice C), and carbohydrates (Choice D) do not always contain nitrogen in their structure. Fatty acids are composed of long hydrocarbon chains and do not contain nitrogen. Lipids consist mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with some classes of lipids containing phosphorus but not nitrogen. Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, forming structures like sugars and starches, but they do not contain nitrogen.

3. What is the term for the particles moving within a substance?

• A. Ions
• B. Atoms
• C. Molecules
• D. Kinetic energy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term for the particles moving within a substance is typically 'molecules' or 'atoms,' depending on the state of matter. In this context, 'molecules' represent the particles moving around within a substance, especially in the liquid and gas states, while 'atoms' are the fundamental building blocks of matter. 'Ions' are charged particles that can be present in a substance but are not necessarily the primary particles in motion. 'Kinetic energy' is not a term used to describe the particles themselves but rather the energy associated with their motion.

4. Molecular clocks utilize the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences to estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. This method relies on the assumption that:

• A. The rate of mutation is constant across all genes and all species.
• B. Species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently.
• C. Mutations are always beneficial and contribute to increased fitness.
• D. The fossil record provides the most accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A molecular clock is a method used to estimate the time of divergence between species by measuring the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. This method relies on the assumption that mutations occur at a relatively constant rate over time. If the rate of mutation were not constant, it would be challenging to accurately estimate the evolutionary divergence time between species. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the fundamental principle underlying the molecular clock hypothesis. Option B is incorrect because the assumption that species with more morphological similarities diverged more recently does not directly relate to the concept of molecular clocks and the accumulation of mutations in DNA sequences. Option C is incorrect because mutations are not always beneficial and do not always contribute to increased fitness. Mutations can be neutral or deleterious as well, and their accumulation is what is used to estimate evolutionary di

5. How does the respiratory system facilitate gas exchange between air and blood?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Exhalation
• C. Inspiration
• D. Ventilation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Diffusion.' Diffusion is the process by which gases are exchanged between air in the alveoli and blood in the capillaries. Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli through diffusion. Exhalation is the process of expelling air from the lungs, inspiration is the process of inhaling air into the lungs, and ventilation refers to the overall movement of air in and out of the lungs. While these processes are essential for the respiratory system to function, they are not directly responsible for the gas exchange between air and blood, which is primarily achieved through diffusion.

Similar Questions