Nursing Elites

1. Which process allows for the movement of large molecules, such as proteins and polysaccharides, across the cell membrane?

• A. Endocytosis
• B. Exocytosis
• C. Active transport
• D. Facilitated diffusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf large molecules or particles by wrapping the cell membrane around them to form a vesicle that is brought into the cell. This mechanism facilitates the movement of large molecules like proteins and polysaccharides across the cell membrane. Exocytosis involves the release of large molecules or particles from the cell, opposite to the scenario described in the question. Active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient and is not primarily used for transporting proteins and polysaccharides. Facilitated diffusion entails the movement of molecules aided by transport proteins but is not the primary mechanism for transporting large molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides.

2. Which of the following colligative properties refers to the elevation of the boiling point of a solution?

• A. Freezing point depression
• B. Vapor pressure lowering
• C. Osmotic pressure
• D. Boiling point elevation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Boiling point elevation.' Boiling point elevation is a colligative property that describes the increase in the boiling point of a solvent when a non-volatile solute is added to it. This occurs because the presence of solute particles in the solvent lowers the vapor pressure of the solution, requiring a higher temperature to reach the same vapor pressure as the pure solvent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Freezing point depression refers to the lowering of the freezing point of a solution, vapor pressure lowering is the reduction in vapor pressure due to the presence of solute particles, and osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of solvent molecules across a semipermeable membrane in osmosis.

3. Which type of glial cell provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system?

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Oligodendrocytes
• D. Microglia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system by forming myelin sheaths around axons. Schwann cells (option A) perform a similar function but in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes (option B) are involved in providing nutrients to neurons, maintaining the chemical environment, and repairing damage. Microglia (option D) are primarily responsible for immune defense in the central nervous system, not for providing structural support and insulation for neurons.

4. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, regulates calcium levels in the blood by enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines and reducing calcium loss in the kidneys?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates calcium levels in the blood. It enhances calcium absorption in the intestines and reduces calcium loss in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) operates oppositely to calcitonin by increasing calcium levels in the blood. Thyroxine is a thyroid gland hormone that primarily regulates metabolism, not calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for controlling blood sugar levels, not calcium levels. Therefore, the correct answer is Calcitonin as it specifically targets calcium regulation in the body.

5. What is the process by which a cell divides into two or more new cells?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Both mitosis and meiosis
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This type of cell division is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis does not directly result in the formation of new cells, as it is specifically geared towards the production of reproductive cells. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Option C, stating both mitosis and meiosis, is incorrect because meiosis is not involved in the general process of cell division to produce new cells; it is specialized for gamete formation. Option D is incorrect because mitosis is indeed the process responsible for cell division in which one cell divides into two daughter cells, making it the accurate choice for this question.

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