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. Select the strand of DNA that would match this segment: ACTTGCA

• A. TGAACGT
• B. GACCATG
• C. ACTTGCA
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct match for the DNA segment ACTTGCA is TGAACGT. In DNA, adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G). Therefore, the complementary strand to ACTTGCA should be TGAACGT, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B (GACCATG) does not follow the base pairing rules; hence, it is incorrect. Choice C (ACTTGCA) is the original segment, not its complementary strand. Choice D is incorrect as well because a matching strand does exist.

3. Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing ATP in cells?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Mitochondrion
• C. Chloroplast
• D. Lysosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mitochondrion.' Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material and controlling cell activities, not for ATP production. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, not ATP production. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, not ATP production.

4. The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:

• A. product
• B. respiration
• C. metabolism
• D. synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.

5. Which is not part of a nucleic acid?

• A. Sulfate
• B. Phosphate
• C. Carbon
• D. Nitrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sulfate is not part of a nucleic acid. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of nucleotide units, which consist of a phosphate group, a sugar molecule (ribose in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base. Carbon and nitrogen are essential elements found in nucleic acids, while sulfate is not a component of nucleic acid structure. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Sulfate.

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