Nursing Elites

1. How many amino acids can make up a protein?

• A. 10-20
• B. 50-100
• C. 100-500
• D. 1000+

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and there are 20 standard amino acids commonly found in proteins. The sequence and arrangement of these amino acids determine the structure and function of a protein. While proteins can vary in size and complexity, the number of amino acids typically ranges from around 10 to 20 in smaller proteins to hundreds or even thousands in larger proteins. Therefore, the range of 10-20 amino acids is the most accurate representation of the number of amino acids that can make up a protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide ranges that are beyond the typical number of amino acids found in proteins and may lead to confusion. The correct answer is A (10-20).

2. An uncharged atom has an electron configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 and a mass number of 14. How many protons does it have?

• A. 14
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (6 protons). The electron configuration provided corresponds to the element carbon, which has 6 protons. The mass number does not affect the number of protons in an atom, so despite the mass number of 14, the atom still contains 6 protons. Choice A (14) is incorrect because the mass number does not determine the number of protons. Choices C (8) and D (12) are incorrect as they do not match the number of protons in a carbon atom.

3. Which of the following organs is responsible for filtering waste from the blood?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Pancreas
• D. Heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Kidneys. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. The liver is involved in detoxification and metabolism, while the pancreas aids in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and does not directly filter waste from the blood.

4. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

5. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

• A. To digest food
• B. To transport nutrients
• C. To exchange gases
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To exchange gases. The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body and the environment. This process is essential for cellular respiration, where oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is removed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Digesting food is primarily the function of the digestive system, transporting nutrients is the role of the circulatory system, and regulating body temperature is primarily managed by the integumentary system and the nervous system, not the respiratory system.

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