Nursing Elites

1. Which enzyme is secreted by the salivary glands?

• A. Pepsin.
• B. Trypsin.
• C. Sucrase.
• D. Amylase.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, amylase. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands that initiates the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Pepsin (choice A) is produced in the stomach to digest proteins, trypsin (choice B) is produced in the pancreas to digest proteins, and sucrase (choice C) is produced in the small intestine to break down sucrose. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of an enzyme secreted by the salivary glands.

2. 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.

3. At what pH does the digestion of protein by pepsin in the stomach require?

• A. 1.8 and 3.5.
• B. 4.8 and 7.0.
• C. 6.8 and 8.5.
• D. 7.8 and 10.0.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 1.8 and 3.5. Pepsin, an enzyme involved in protein digestion, functions optimally in an acidic environment, specifically between pH 1.8 and 3.5. This low pH is necessary for pepsin to break down proteins effectively. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because pepsin requires a highly acidic environment, ruling out the pH ranges listed in those options.

4. Proteins from plant sources such as grains, nuts, and legumes are classified as:

• A. incomplete.
• B. complete.
• C. indispensable.
• D. dispensable.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'incomplete.' Proteins from plant sources like grains, nuts, and legumes are considered incomplete because they often lack one or more essential amino acids required by the body. Choice B, 'complete,' is incorrect because complete proteins contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Choice C, 'indispensable,' is incorrect as it refers to essential amino acids rather than the classification of plant proteins. Choice D, 'dispensable,' is also incorrect as it implies that these proteins are not necessary, which is not the case.

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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