Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following compounds often contains a carboxyl group?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Glycolipids
• C. Amino Acids
• D. DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Amino Acids. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, contain both an amine group and a carboxyl group. The carboxyl group (-COOH) is crucial for the structure and function of proteins as it participates in peptide bond formation. Carbohydrates and DNA do not typically contain carboxyl groups as a functional group. Glycolipids consist of a carbohydrate chain linked to a lipid, but they do not inherently contain a carboxyl group.

2. What is the function of the pleurae?

• A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
• B. To facilitate the flow of air
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

3. In the reaction 4Al + 3O2 → 2Al2O3, what is the mole ratio of aluminum to oxygen?

• A. 4:3
• B. 2:3
• C. 3:2
• D. 3:4

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation shows that 4 moles of aluminum react with 3 moles of oxygen to produce 2 moles of aluminum oxide. Therefore, the mole ratio of aluminum to oxygen is 4:3. Choice B (2:3) is incorrect because it does not reflect the correct ratio based on the balanced equation. Choice C (3:2) and Choice D (3:4) are also incorrect as they do not represent the correct mole ratio of aluminum to oxygen according to the balanced chemical equation.

4. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

5. What is the name for the smallest amount of an element that can exist independently and retain its chemical properties?

• A. Atom
• B. Molecule
• C. Compound
• D. Mixture

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Atom.' An atom is the fundamental unit of an element that can exist independently and retain its unique chemical properties. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. Choice B, 'Molecule,' is incorrect because a molecule is a combination of two or more atoms bonded together. Choice C, 'Compound,' is incorrect as a compound is a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more different elements. Choice D, 'Mixture,' is incorrect since a mixture is a blend of two or more substances physically combined, but the individual components retain their properties.

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