Nursing Elites

1. Which organelle is the site of energy production?

• A. Mitochondrion
• B. Vacuole
• C. Cell membrane
• D. Ribosome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitochondrion. The mitochondrion is the site of energy production in a cell. It is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because it is where cellular respiration occurs, generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through processes like the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The other organelles listed play different roles in the cell - vacuoles store materials, the cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.

2. Tonicity refers to the movement of:

• A. Water
• B. Solute
• C. Cells
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tonicity refers to the movement of water across a membrane in response to differences in solute concentration. In a hypertonic solution, where there is a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell, water will move out of the cell to try to reach equilibrium. In a hypotonic solution, where there is a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell, water will move into the cell to balance the concentrations. Cells and solutes themselves do not actively move in response to tonicity; it is the movement of water that helps achieve equilibrium. Therefore, the correct answer is water (Choice A). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as tonicity specifically refers to water movement and not the movement of solutes, cells, or none of the above.

3. Ocean waves may tear sponges into pieces, each of which may grow into a new sponge. What is this form of reproduction called?

• A. Budding
• B. Vegetative propagation
• C. Binary fission
• D. Fragmentation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.

4. Which molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?

• A. Lipids and proteins
• B. Carbohydrates and lipids
• C. Proteins and carbohydrates
• D. Nucleic acids and proteins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbohydrates and lipids are the molecules that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates such as sugars and starches are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1:2:1, while lipids such as fats and oils are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as well. Lipids typically contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms compared to oxygen atoms. Proteins contain nitrogen in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, while nucleic acids contain phosphorus in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they include molecules that contain elements other than carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

5. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cell membrane
• C. Endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.

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