Nursing Elites

1. With respect to its effect on colon microflora, fiber is considered a:

• A. prebiotic.
• B. probiotic.
• C. functional food.
• D. protective agent.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prebiotic. Fiber acts as a prebiotic by providing a food source for beneficial bacteria in the colon, promoting their growth and activity. This helps maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the gut. Choice B, probiotic, is incorrect as fiber itself does not contain live beneficial bacteria but rather supports their growth. Choice C, functional food, is too broad and doesn't specifically address fiber's role in promoting beneficial bacteria. Choice D, protective agent, is vague and does not directly relate to fiber's specific function in colon microflora.

2. Two amino acids are chemically joined by a:

• A. double bond.
• B. hydrogen bond.
• C. carboxyl bond.
• D. peptide bond.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, peptide bond. A peptide bond is formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction between the amine group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid. This bond is crucial in protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A double bond involves sharing two pairs of electrons, a hydrogen bond is a weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, and a carboxyl bond is not a common term in biochemistry.

3. Carbohydrates are composed of a combination of carbon, hydrogen, and which other element?

• A. oxygen.
• B. nitrogen.
• C. water.
• D. glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These three elements combine to form the basic structure of carbohydrates. Oxygen is an essential element in carbohydrates, contributing to their chemical composition. Choice B (nitrogen) is incorrect as nitrogen is not a typical component of carbohydrates. Choice C (water) is incorrect as water is not an element but a compound composed of hydrogen and oxygen. Choice D (glucose) is incorrect as glucose is a specific type of sugar, not an element found in the composition of carbohydrates.

4. What substance acts as an emulsifier and helps absorb digested fat?

• A. bile
• B. trypsin
• C. lipase
• D. cholecystokinin (CCK)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: bile. Bile acts as an emulsifier, breaking down fats into smaller droplets to aid in digestion and absorption. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme that acts on proteins, not fats. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats, but it doesn't act as an emulsifier. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, including lipase, but it is not directly involved in emulsification.

5. The process of photosynthesis is responsible for the synthesis of:

• A. carbohydrates.
• B. proteins.
• C. fats.
• D. vitamins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: carbohydrates. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose (a type of carbohydrate). This glucose is used by the organisms for energy production and as a building block for other organic compounds. Choice B, proteins, is incorrect because proteins are synthesized through a different process involving amino acids. Choice C, fats, are not directly synthesized through photosynthesis; they are typically formed from excess carbohydrates. Choice D, vitamins, are organic compounds that are required in small amounts for various physiological functions but are not directly synthesized through photosynthesis.

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