Nursing Elites

1. Which gland, often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system and located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is correctly known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system. It is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in secreting a variety of hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and various other essential bodily functions. The other choices, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas, are incorrect as they do not serve as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system nor are located at the base of the brain like the pituitary gland.

2. In experimental design, which variable is measured as a possible effect and is plotted on the y-axis?

• A. Independent, x
• B. Independent, y
• C. Dependent, x
• D. Dependent, y

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Dependent, y.' In experimental design, the dependent variable is the outcome that is being measured or observed as a result of changes in the independent variable. It is typically plotted on the y-axis of a graph to represent the effect or response to the changes in the independent variable. Choice A 'Independent, x' is incorrect because the independent variable is the variable manipulated by the experimenter and is usually plotted on the x-axis. Choice B 'Independent, y' is incorrect as the independent variable is not plotted on the y-axis. Choice C 'Dependent, x' is incorrect because the dependent variable is not typically plotted on the x-axis in experimental design.

3. During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

• A. Interphase
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends the majority of its time and is characterized by three subphases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2). DNA replication specifically occurs during the S phase of interphase. This is a crucial step as it ensures that each daughter cell produced during cell division receives an exact copy of the genetic material. Mitosis is responsible for the equal distribution of the replicated DNA to the daughter cells during cell division. Meiosis is a specialized cell division process for gamete production in sexually reproducing organisms, involving two rounds of division to generate haploid cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of the cell cycle, where the cytoplasm divides to complete the formation of two separate daughter cells following nuclear division.

4. Which of the following is an example of a nonpolar solvent?

• A. Water
• B. Ethanol
• C. Acetone
• D. Hydrochloric acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Water (option A) is a polar solvent due to its uneven distribution of charge, with the oxygen atom being partially negative and the hydrogen atoms being partially positive. - Ethanol (option B) is a nonpolar solvent because it has a symmetrical molecular structure that does not result in significant charge separation. - Acetone (option C) is a polar solvent as it contains a carbonyl group that results in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. - Hydrochloric acid (option D) is a polar solvent due to the presence of the highly electronegative chlorine atom, which results in a partial negative charge.

5. What is the function of the cell membrane?

• A. To protect the cell and control what enters and exits
• B. To store energy
• C. To produce proteins
• D. To synthesize lipids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, serves as a protective barrier for the cell, separating the internal environment of the cell from the external environment. It is selectively permeable, meaning it controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell. This regulation of what enters and exits the cell is crucial for maintaining the cell's internal environment and ensuring proper functioning. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because storing energy, producing proteins, and synthesizing lipids are functions carried out by other cellular structures such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively, not the cell membrane.

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