Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following molecules is an important component of the plasma membrane?

• A. Phospholipids
• B. Steroids
• C. Sugars
• D. Amino acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Phospholipids are indeed a crucial component of the plasma membrane. They have a unique structure with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, which allows them to form the lipid bilayer of the membrane. Steroids, sugars, and amino acids are not primary components of the plasma membrane. Steroids are a different type of lipid, sugars are often found in glycoproteins on the membrane surface, and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, some of which are membrane proteins, but not the membrane itself.

2. Which of the following describes how a bacterium reproduces?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Binary fission
• D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bacteria reproduce through a process called 'binary fission.' During binary fission, a bacterium duplicates its DNA and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method is the primary way bacteria replicate. Choice A, 'Mitosis,' is incorrect because mitosis is a process specific to eukaryotic cells, where the nucleus divides to produce two identical nuclei. Choice B, 'Meiosis,' is incorrect as meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. Choice D, 'Cytokinesis,' is not the correct answer as cytokinesis is the physical process of cell division, which occurs after the genetic material has been divided in mitosis or meiosis.

3. During which phase of mitosis does the nuclear envelope disintegrate?

• A. Prophase
• B. Prophase
• C. Prometaphase
• D. Metaphase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the prometaphase stage of mitosis, the nuclear envelope disintegrates. This allows the condensed chromosomes to move towards the center of the cell, preparing for their alignment along the metaphase plate. The breakdown of the nuclear envelope is a crucial step in mitosis to ensure the proper segregation of genetic material into daughter cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the nuclear envelope disintegration specifically occurs during the prometaphase stage, not in prophase or metaphase.

4. Which is not a step in the water cycle?

• A. Condensation
• B. Transpiration
• C. Nitrification
• D. Absorption

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nitrification is a biological process in the nitrogen cycle where ammonia is converted into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria. It is not a step in the water cycle. The water cycle involves processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration that are related to the movement and transformation of water in the environment. Choices A, B, and D are all part of the water cycle: condensation is the process where water vapor turns into liquid water, transpiration is the release of water vapor by plants, and absorption refers to the process of water being taken in by soil or other materials.

5. Epithelial cells are:

• A. Polarized
• B. Neutral
• C. Larger than other cells
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Epithelial cells have a distinct top (apical) and bottom (basal) side, demonstrating polarity. This polarity is essential for their specialized functions, such as secretion, absorption, and barrier formation. Choice B, 'Neutral,' is incorrect as epithelial cells exhibit polarity. Choice C, 'Larger than other cells,' is incorrect as epithelial cells come in various sizes and are not specifically larger than other cell types. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as epithelial cells are indeed polarized.

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