Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following organelles is the site of cellular respiration?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Lysosomes
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of ATP through cellular respiration. The other organelles listed, such as the nucleus (choice A), lysosomes (choice C), and ribosomes (choice D), do not play a direct role in cellular respiration. The nucleus contains genetic material, lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

2. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?

• A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
• B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
• C. Proteins that act as transport highways
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.

3. The Punnett square shows that one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin (c) while the other parent does not. What percentage of the parents' offspring is predicted to have a cleft chin?

• A. 25%
• B. 50%
• C. 0%
• D. 75%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 0%. If one parent carries the recessive gene for a cleft chin while the other parent does not, none of the offspring will express the recessive phenotype. This is because in order for a child to have a cleft chin, they would need to inherit the recessive gene from both parents. Therefore, although the offspring could be carriers of the gene, none are predicted to have a cleft chin. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the presence of the recessive gene in one parent and its absence in the other would not result in any offspring showing the cleft chin trait.

4. What must first occur before a cell can be divided to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms?

• A. RNA replication
• B. DNA replication
• C. Gene replication
• D. Chromosome replication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: DNA replication. Before a cell can divide to grow, develop, and reproduce organisms, DNA replication must occur. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while RNA, genes, and chromosomes are essential components of cell division, DNA replication is the specific process that must first occur to ensure accurate transmission of genetic material.

5. Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction. Which of the following occurs during the binary fission process?

• A. The chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane
• B. The chromosomes attach to the spindle formed along the axis
• C. The chromosomes gather in the center of the cell
• D. The chromosomes begin to separate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In binary fission, the chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane before the cell splits into two. This initial step ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because the spindle apparatus is characteristic of eukaryotic cell division (mitosis), not prokaryotic binary fission. Choice C is incorrect as chromosomes do not necessarily gather in the center of the cell during binary fission. Choice D is incorrect because the chromosomes do not begin to separate in binary fission; they replicate and then move to opposite ends of the cell before division.

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