Nursing Elites

1. Which one of the following best describes the function of a cell membrane?

• A. It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell.
• B. It maintains the cell's shape.
• C. It controls the substances entering the cell.
• D. It supports the cell's structures.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The function of a cell membrane is to control the substances entering and leaving the cell. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing it to regulate the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell to maintain internal balance and proper function. Choice B is incorrect because while the cell membrane does provide some structural support, its primary function is not to maintain the cell's shape. Choice C is incorrect because the cell membrane controls both the substances entering and leaving the cell, not just those entering. Choice D is incorrect as the primary function of the cell membrane is not to support the cell's structures but to regulate the movement of substances.

2. The mixture of gases surrounding a planet is referred to as its ______.

• A. Atmosphere
• B. Stratosphere
• C. Biosphere
• D. Troposphere

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The mixture of gases surrounding a planet is referred to as its atmosphere. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth by providing oxygen, regulating carbon dioxide levels, and shielding the planet from harmful radiation. While the stratosphere, troposphere, and other layers are part of the atmosphere, the term 'atmosphere' encompasses the entire gaseous envelope surrounding a planet. The stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere are specific layers within the atmosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.

3. Which color of light is least effective at driving photosynthesis?

• A. Violet
• B. Green
• C. Orange
• D. Red

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Green light is the least effective at driving photosynthesis because chlorophyll, the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light in plants, does not absorb green light well. Instead, chlorophyll absorbs more effectively in the blue and red regions of the light spectrum. Therefore, green light is relatively less efficient in promoting photosynthesis compared to violet, orange, and red light. Violet light, although at the shorter wavelength end of the spectrum, can still drive photosynthesis better than green light. Orange and red light are more efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, making them more effective in driving the process of photosynthesis.

4. The difference between diploid and haploid is as follows:

• A. Diploid organisms are multicellular
• B. Diploid cells are somatic
• C. Diploid cells have two sets of homologous chromosomes
• D. More than one of the above is true

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option B correctly states that diploid cells are somatic cells that make up the body tissues and organs in an organism, while haploid cells are gametes involved in sexual reproduction. Option C accurately differentiates diploid and haploid cells based on their chromosome sets – diploid cells have two sets of homologous chromosomes (one from each parent), whereas haploid cells have one set of unpaired chromosomes. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as both statements in options B and C are accurate descriptions of the differences between diploid and haploid cells. Option A is incorrect because diploid and haploid refer to the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell, not whether the organism is multicellular or not.

5. How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?

• A. 23
• B. 46
• C. 25
• D. 50

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During meiosis, sperm and egg cells produce half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each contributes 23 chromosomes, which combine to form a zygote with a total of 46 chromosomes. Choice B (46) is incorrect because this is the number of chromosomes produced in mitosis, not meiosis. Choices C (25) and D (50) are also incorrect as they do not align with the chromosome count in sex cells during meiosis.

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