Nursing Elites

1. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?

• A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
• B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
• C. Proteins that act as transport highways
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.

2. A molecule's specific heat is the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram of that molecule by:

• A. One degree Celsius
• B. Five degrees Celsius
• C. Two degrees Celsius
• D. Four degrees Celsius

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'One degree Celsius.' Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius. This property is specific to each substance and is used in various calculations involving heat and temperature changes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because specific heat is always measured per one degree Celsius increase in temperature for one gram of the substance, not five degrees, two degrees, or four degrees.

3. Protein synthesis begins with a process known as transcription. Where does this process occur?

• A. In the cytoplasm
• B. In the nuclear envelope
• C. In the ribosome unit
• D. In the nucleus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: In the nucleus. Transcription, the initial step of protein synthesis, takes place in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm where translation occurs on the ribosomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transcription specifically occurs in the nucleus, not in the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, or ribosome unit.

4. Which of the following is the term used to represent alternative versions of a gene?

• A. Alleles
• B. Binary fission
• C. Heterozygous
• D. Homozygous

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alleles. Alleles are different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. This term specifically refers to the different forms of a gene that can exist. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent alternative versions of a gene. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms, while heterozygous and homozygous refer to the genetic makeup of an individual rather than alternative versions of a gene.

5. Which of the following is a group of three RNA nucleotides?

• A. A stop codon
• B. A codon
• C. An anticodon
• D. tRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - A codon. A codon is a sequence of three RNA nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Choice A, a stop codon, is a sequence of three nucleotides that signals the termination of protein synthesis. Choice C, an anticodon, is a group of three nucleotides found in tRNA that pairs with the complementary codon in mRNA. Choice D, tRNA, stands for transfer RNA, which is a type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

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