Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of the pancreas?

• A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
• B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
• C. To produce enzymes that help digest food
• D. To regulate blood sugar levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the pancreas is to produce digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food. These enzymes are essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. While the pancreas also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin and glucagon, its primary function is to produce enzymes for food digestion. Options A and B are incorrect as the pancreas is not involved in storing food or absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream.

2. The framework of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that provides structure, support, and facilitates movement is part of the:

• A. Muscular system
• B. Skeletal system
• C. Nervous system
• D. Endocrine system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The skeletal system consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that work together to provide structure, support, protection for internal organs, and facilitate movement. It is responsible for supporting the body's framework and protecting vital organs. The muscular system (option A) consists of muscles that work with the skeletal system to produce movement but does not include bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The nervous system (option C) is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body to control movement and other functions. The endocrine system (option D) is a collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate various bodily functions but is not primarily involved in structure, support, and movement as the skeletal system is.

3. What are Merkel cells, located in the epidermis, specialized for?

• A. Melanin production
• B. Temperature sensation
• C. Touch perception
• D. Immune defense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Merkel cells are specialized touch receptors located in the epidermis of the skin. Their primary function is to perceive light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sensory perception of touch stimuli. Option A, melanin production, is incorrect because Merkel cells are not involved in producing melanin. Option B, temperature sensation, is incorrect as Merkel cells are not specialized for sensing temperature. Option D, immune defense, is also incorrect as Merkel cells do not have a role in immune defense mechanisms.

4. What is the independent variable in the botanist's experiment?

• A. Temperature
• B. Root tissue
• C. Light exposure
• D. Root length

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an experiment, the independent variable is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher. The botanist is likely altering the temperature to observe its effect on the plants. Therefore, temperature is the independent variable in the botanist's experiment. Choice B, root tissue, is not the independent variable as it is not the factor being intentionally changed in the experiment. Choice C, light exposure, and choice D, root length, are also not the independent variables as they are not the factors being purposely manipulated by the researcher in this scenario.

5. Enzymes are ________ molecules that serve as _______ for certain biological reactions.

• A. Enzymes are irrelevant molecules that serve as suppressors for certain biological reactions.
• B. Enzymes are acidic molecules that serve as catalysts for certain biological reactions.
• C. Enzymes are lipid molecules that serve as catalysts for certain biological reactions.
• D. Enzymes are protein molecules that serve as catalysts for certain biological reactions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Enzymes are protein molecules that serve as catalysts for certain biological reactions. Enzymes are biological molecules that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reactions to occur. They are typically proteins that have specific shapes and active sites that allow them to interact with specific substrates and facilitate reactions without being consumed themselves. The other choices are incorrect because enzymes are not irrelevant, acidic, or lipid molecules; they are primarily proteins known for their catalytic properties.

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