Nursing Elites

1. During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

• A. Interphase
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends the majority of its time and is characterized by three subphases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2). DNA replication specifically occurs during the S phase of interphase. This is a crucial step as it ensures that each daughter cell produced during cell division receives an exact copy of the genetic material. Mitosis is responsible for the equal distribution of the replicated DNA to the daughter cells during cell division. Meiosis is a specialized cell division process for gamete production in sexually reproducing organisms, involving two rounds of division to generate haploid cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of the cell cycle, where the cytoplasm divides to complete the formation of two separate daughter cells following nuclear division.

2. What is the main target organ for insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Muscles
• D. Brain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main target organ for insulin is muscles. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism by promoting the uptake of glucose into muscle cells. This glucose can then be utilized for energy production or stored for later use. Therefore, muscles are the primary site where insulin exerts its effects on glucose uptake and utilization. The liver primarily responds to insulin by regulating glucose storage and release, but the main target for insulin-mediated glucose uptake is muscles. Kidneys are not a target organ for insulin action in glucose metabolism. The brain does not heavily rely on insulin for glucose uptake as it primarily uses glucose independently of insulin for energy production.

3. 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.

4. What is the small repeating unit in the contractile apparatus of skeletal muscle?

• A. Myofibril
• B. Actin
• C. Sarcomere
• D. Myosin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is the smallest repeating unit within myofibrils and is responsible for muscle contraction in skeletal muscle. It consists of overlapping actin and myosin filaments arranged in a highly organized structure that allows for the sliding of filaments during muscle contraction. 'Myofibril' (choice A) is incorrect because it is a larger structure composed of sarcomeres. 'Actin' (choice B) and 'Myosin' (choice D) are incorrect as they are individual proteins that are components of the sarcomere, not the smallest repeating unit itself.

5. Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?

• A. Axon
• B. Dendrite
• C. Synapse
• D. Myelin sheath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Dendrite. Dendrites are the part of the neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body. Axons transmit signals away from the cell body, synapse is the junction between neurons where neurotransmitters are released, and myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates and speeds up signal conduction along the axon. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect in the context of receiving signals from other neurons.

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