Nursing Elites

1. What are the tiny contractile units within muscle cells called?

• A. Myocytes
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Sarcomeres
• D. Tendons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the smallest contractile units within muscle cells. They consist of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which interact to produce muscle contractions. Myocytes are the entire muscle cells, myofibrils are bundles of protein filaments found within muscle cells, and tendons are tough connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Therefore, sarcomeres specifically represent the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction, making them the correct answer in this context.

2. What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

• A. Transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells
• B. Carrying waste products away from tissues
• C. Regulating body temperature
• D. Producing red blood cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to carry waste products away from tissues. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid, waste materials, and toxins from the body's tissues and transport them to the bloodstream for elimination. Choice A is incorrect because transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells is mainly the function of the circulatory system. Choice C is incorrect as regulating body temperature is primarily done by the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms. Choice D is incorrect because the production of red blood cells occurs in the bone marrow, not in the lymphatic system.

3. If an atom has 32 neutrons, 17 protons, and 19 electrons, what is its charge?

• A. Positive
• B. Negative
• C. Neutral
• D. Cannot be determined

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An atom's charge is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons. Since the atom has 17 protons and 19 electrons, the net charge is positive. The excess of two electrons compared to protons results in a positive charge. Choice B (Negative) is incorrect because the atom has more protons than electrons, leading to a positive charge. Choice C (Neutral) is incorrect because the atom has an imbalance between protons and electrons, resulting in a charge. Choice D (Cannot be determined) is incorrect as the charge can be determined based on the given information.

4. What impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?

• A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
• B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
• C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
• D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

5. What are the cellular functions of cilia and flagella?

• A. Cilia and flagella are responsible for cell movement.
• B. Cilia and flagella synthesize proteins.
• C. Cilia and flagella help protect the cell from its environment.
• D. Cilia and flagella have enzymes that help with digestion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cilia and flagella are microtubule-based structures found on the surface of many eukaryotic cells. Their primary function is to facilitate cell movement. Cilia are short, numerous, and move in coordinated waving motions to move substances along the cell's surface. Flagella are longer and usually limited to one or a few per cell, providing a propeller-like movement for the cell. Both cilia and flagella aid in cell motility and are essential for various cellular functions, primarily involved in cell movement rather than protein synthesis, protection, or digestion. Therefore, choice A is correct as it accurately describes the primary function of cilia and flagella. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as cilia and flagella are not involved in protein synthesis, cell protection, or digestion in cells.

Similar Questions