Nursing Elites

1. Vacuoles are large sacs for storage in plant cells. What is their main function in animal cells?

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. Waste storage and disposal
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Cellular respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vacuoles in animal cells primarily function in waste storage and disposal, helping to maintain cellular homeostasis by storing waste products and aiding in their removal from the cell. Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not typically use vacuoles for storage purposes such as water, nutrients, or pigments. Instead, animal cells rely on other organelles like lysosomes for waste management and maintaining cellular balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts (absent in animal cells), and cellular respiration mainly occurs in mitochondria, respectively. Vacuoles in animal cells serve a different purpose compared to plant cells.

2. 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.

3. Which type of capillary is the most common and least permeable?

• A. Fenestrated capillaries
• B. Sinusoidal capillaries
• C. Continuous capillaries
• D. Discontinuous capillaries

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, continuous capillaries. Continuous capillaries are the most common and least permeable type of capillary. They are found in most tissues, including muscle and the nervous system. Continuous capillaries have a continuous endothelium without fenestrations or large gaps, which limits the movement of substances across their walls. Choice A, fenestrated capillaries, have pores (fenestrations) in their endothelial cells, making them more permeable than continuous capillaries. Choice B, sinusoidal capillaries, have a discontinuous endothelium with large gaps between cells, making them more permeable and allowing larger molecules and cells to pass through compared to continuous capillaries. Choice D, discontinuous capillaries, are similar to sinusoidal capillaries with a discontinuous endothelium, allowing for enhanced permeability compared to continuous capillaries.

4. Which of these organisms belongs to the kingdom Protista?

• A. Coral
• B. Yeast
• C. Euglena
• D. Mushroom

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Coral belongs to the kingdom Animalia, specifically in the phylum Cnidaria. B) Yeast belongs to the kingdom Fungi. C) Euglena is a unicellular organism that belongs to the kingdom Protista. It is a type of protist that has characteristics of both plants and animals. D) Mushroom belongs to the kingdom Fungi. Therefore, among the options provided, only Euglena belongs to the kingdom Protista.

5. Memory B cells and memory T cells are crucial for immunological memory. How does immunological memory enhance the immune response upon re-exposure to a pathogen?

• A. It increases the production of the same ineffective antibodies.
• B. It allows for a quicker and more robust immune response.
• C. It suppresses the immune system to prevent overreaction.
• D. It triggers a completely different immune response.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Immunological memory enhances the immune response upon re-exposure to a pathogen by allowing for a quicker and more robust immune response. Memory B cells and memory T cells are primed to recognize the pathogen quickly and mount a faster and more effective response, leading to a more efficient clearance of the pathogen. Choice A is incorrect because immunological memory does not increase the production of ineffective antibodies but rather promotes the production of specific antibodies that are effective against the pathogen. Choice C is incorrect as immunological memory does not suppress the immune system; instead, it enhances the response. Choice D is incorrect because immunological memory leads to a recall of the specific immune response mounted during the initial exposure, not a completely different response.

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