Nursing Elites

1. What is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride?

• A. Na + Cl2 -> NaCl
• B. 2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl
• C. Na2 + Cl -> 2NaCl
• D. Na + 2Cl -> NaCl2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. When sodium (Na) reacts with chlorine (Cl2) to form sodium chloride (NaCl), we need to ensure the equation is balanced. There are 2 chlorine atoms in Cl2; hence, we need 2 sodium atoms on the left side to balance it. Therefore, the balanced chemical equation is 2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl. Choice A is incorrect because it does not have the correct coefficients to balance the equation. Choice C is incorrect as it incorrectly represents the formula of sodium. Choice D is incorrect as it forms NaCl2, which is not the correct compound formed in this reaction.

2. What is the function of ribosomes?

• A. Packaging and transporting proteins
• B. Storing genetic material
• C. Controlling cell division
• D. Synthesizing proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Synthesizing proteins. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and utilize the information to assemble amino acids into proteins through a process known as translation. Choice A, packaging and transporting proteins, is incorrect as this function is typically performed by the Golgi apparatus and vesicles. Choice B, storing genetic material, is incorrect as genetic material is usually stored in the nucleus in the form of DNA. Choice C, controlling cell division, is incorrect as this function is primarily regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and specific proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

3. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

4. Are red hair and a height of six feet part of an individual's genotype or phenotype?

• A. Red hair is part of the phenotype; height is part of the genotype.
• B. Red hair is part of the genotype; height is part of the phenotype.
• C. Both characteristics describe his genotype.
• D. Both characteristics describe his phenotype.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of genetics, genotype refers to an individual's genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of the genotype with the environment. Red hair and a height of six feet are observable characteristics, making them part of the individual's phenotype. Therefore, both red hair and height are aspects of the individual's phenotype. Choices A and B are incorrect as they incorrectly assign one characteristic to the genotype and the other to the phenotype, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both characteristics describe the genotype, which is inaccurate as they are observable traits. The correct answer is D, as both red hair and height are observable traits or characteristics, falling under the definition of phenotype in genetics.

5. Which organelle in the cell is responsible for protein synthesis?

• A. Ribosome
• B. Nucleus
• C. Mitochondrion
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ribosome. Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They are the cellular machinery where translation, the process of assembling proteins from amino acids based on mRNA sequences, occurs. Ribosomes can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The nucleus (choice B) houses DNA but is not directly involved in protein synthesis. Mitochondria (choice C) are responsible for energy production through cellular respiration, not protein synthesis. The Golgi apparatus (choice D) is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not in the synthesis of proteins.

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