Nursing Elites

1. A cell is in a solution in which the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside the cell. What would you expect to happen to the cell?

• A. It will swell and possibly burst.
• B. It will shrivel and shrink.
• C. It will maintain its current size.
• D. It will grow a supportive cell wall.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a cell is in a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, it is in a hypertonic environment. In this situation, water will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane through the process of osmosis. As a result, the cell will swell as it takes in more water, potentially leading to bursting or cell lysis. Choice B is incorrect because a cell in a hypertonic solution will not shrivel and shrink due to water moving into the cell. Choice C is incorrect because the cell will not maintain its current size; it will swell. Choice D is incorrect because growing a supportive cell wall is not the immediate response to being in a hypertonic environment.

2. Why is DNA important for metabolic activities of the cell?

• A. It controls the synthesis of enzymes.
• B. It stabilizes the cell wall.
• C. It initiates cell division.
• D. It prevents diffusion of nutrients.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. DNA plays a crucial role in metabolic activities by controlling the synthesis of enzymes. Enzymes are the biological catalysts that regulate and facilitate metabolic reactions within the cell. Choice B is incorrect because DNA is not involved in stabilizing the cell wall; that role is usually associated with other components like the cell membrane. Choice C is incorrect as cell division is primarily regulated by different processes and molecules, not directly by DNA. Choice D is incorrect because DNA is not related to preventing the diffusion of nutrients; instead, it is involved in coding for proteins that aid in various cellular functions.

3. Which of the following are considered the most important molecules in biology?

• A. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids
• B. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and calcium
• C. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and sulfur
• D. Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and iron

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and nucleic acids are considered the most important molecules in biology. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, lipids for storing energy and forming cell membranes, proteins for various structural and functional roles, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for storing genetic information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are crucial biomolecules, calcium, sulfur, and iron are not considered among the most important molecules in biology.

4. What is necessary for active transport through a membrane to take place?

• A. Glucose
• B. Oxygen
• C. Sodium
• D. ATP

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Active transport through a membrane requires energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides the necessary energy for the transport proteins to move molecules against the concentration gradient, from an area of lower concentration to higher concentration. This process is essential for maintaining cellular functions and regulating the internal environment of a cell. Glucose, oxygen, and sodium are important molecules involved in various cellular processes, but they are not the primary energy source required for active transport across membranes. Therefore, the correct answer is ATP.

5. What happens to glucose during glycolysis?

• A. Its energy is entirely lost.
• B. It splits into molecules of pyruvic acid.
• C. It is stored in NADH.
• D. It joins with molecules of citric acid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During glycolysis, glucose undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in its breakdown into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This process also generates ATP and NADH as energy carriers. Choice A is incorrect because glucose is not entirely lost, but rather converted into other molecules. Choice C is incorrect because NADH is a product of glycolysis, not a storage form for glucose. Choice D is incorrect as glucose does not join with molecules of citric acid during glycolysis, but rather in subsequent stages of cellular respiration.

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