Nursing Elites

1. Why are bacteria and blue-green algae often classified together?

• A. Both are gymnosperms.
• B. Both are prokaryotes.
• C. Both are autotrophs.
• D. Both are pathogens.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bacteria and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are often classified together because they are both prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This characteristic distinguishes them from eukaryotic organisms, which have these membrane-bound structures. Choice A is incorrect because gymnosperms are seed-producing plants with naked seeds, not bacteria or blue-green algae. Choice C is incorrect because being an autotroph (able to produce its own food) is not a reason for classifying them together. Choice D is incorrect because not all bacteria and blue-green algae are pathogens; many of them are beneficial or neutral to other organisms.

2. Which, if any, of the following statements are true?

• A. Water boils at approximately 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure
• B. The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure around the water
• C. Water boils at a lower temperature in areas of lower pressure
• D. A and C are true

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both statements A and C are true. Water indeed boils at approximately 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. However, water boils at a lower temperature in areas of lower pressure due to the decreased atmospheric pressure, which affects the vapor pressure and boiling point of water. Statement B is incorrect because the boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure equals the external pressure (atmospheric pressure in this case), not when it is higher.

3. Which two bases are purines?

• A. Adenine (A)
• B. Cytosine (C)
• C. Thymine (T)
• D. Guanine (G)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adenine (A) and guanine (G) are the two bases that are purines. Purines are characterized by a double-ring structure containing two carbon rings, distinguishing them from pyrimidines. Adenine and guanine are purines because they possess this unique double-ring structure. Therefore, choices A and D, adenine and guanine, respectively, are the correct answers. Choices B and C, cytosine and thymine, are pyrimidines and do not exhibit the double-ring structure characteristic of purines.

4. Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?

• A. RNA
• B. Virus
• C. Blue-green alga
• D. Saprophyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.

5. During protein synthesis, what process uses an RNA strand to produce a complementary strand of DNA?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Transfer synthesis
• D. Codon synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Transcription.' During transcription, an RNA strand is used to produce a complementary strand of DNA. This process is essential for converting the genetic information stored in DNA into RNA. Choice B, 'Translation,' is incorrect as it involves the synthesis of proteins from mRNA. Choice C, 'Transfer synthesis,' is not a recognized term in molecular biology. Choice D, 'Codon synthesis,' is also incorrect as it does not refer to the process of using an RNA strand to produce a complementary DNA strand.

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