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. Which of the following is the smallest unit of matter?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An atom is the fundamental building block of matter, while molecules are formed by the combination of atoms.

3. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

• A. Calcitonin
• B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by decreasing blood calcium levels through two main mechanisms: promoting calcium uptake by bones and decreasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the other hand, increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Thyroxine, another thyroid hormone, primarily regulates metabolism and has no direct influence on calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and is not related to calcium homeostasis.

4. Which type of muscle is found in the heart?

• A. Smooth muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Voluntary muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Cardiac muscle.' Cardiac muscle is the specific type of muscle found in the heart. Unlike smooth muscle and skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle is involuntary and contracts rhythmically to pump blood throughout the body, making it essential for the heart's function. Smooth muscle (Choice A) is found in the walls of hollow organs and blood vessels, while skeletal muscle (Choice C) is attached to bones and responsible for movement. Voluntary muscle (Choice D) is another term for skeletal muscle, which is under conscious control.

5. Where is the cervix located?

• A. Top of the uterus
• B. Top of the ovaries
• C. Bottom of the vagina
• D. Bottom of the uterus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cervix is located at the bottom of the uterus, where it opens into the vagina. It serves as the passageway between the uterus and the vagina, playing a crucial role in childbirth and menstrual flow. Choice A ('Top of the uterus') is incorrect because the cervix is not located at the top of the uterus. Choice B ('Top of the ovaries') is incorrect as the cervix is not located near the ovaries. Choice C ('Bottom of the vagina') is incorrect as the cervix is not located at the bottom of the vagina, but rather at the bottom of the uterus.

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