Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which level of protein structure is defined by the folds and coils of the protein's polypeptide backbone?

• A. Primary
• B. Secondary
• C. Tertiary
• D. Quaternary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Secondary. The secondary structure of a protein is defined by the folding and coiling of the polypeptide backbone into structures like alpha helices and beta sheets. Secondary structure primarily involves interactions such as hydrogen bonding within the backbone. This level of protein structure is distinct from primary structure (A) which refers to the linear sequence of amino acids, tertiary structure (C) which involves the overall 3D arrangement of a single polypeptide chain, and quaternary structure (D) which pertains to the interaction between multiple polypeptide chains in a protein complex.

3. What is the primary factor that determines whether a solute will dissolve in a solvent?

• A. Temperature
• B. Pressure
• C. Molecular structure
• D. Particle size

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary factor that determines whether a solute will dissolve in a solvent is the molecular structure. The compatibility of the solute's molecules with the solvent's molecules is crucial for dissolution to occur. While temperature, pressure, and particle size can influence the rate of dissolution, they are not the primary factors determining solubility. Molecular structure plays a key role in determining if a solute will form favorable interactions with the solvent, which is essential for dissolution to take place effectively. Temperature can affect solubility by changing the kinetic energy of molecules, pressure typically has a minor effect on solubility except for gases, and particle size influences the rate of dissolution by increasing surface area, but none of these factors are as fundamentally important as molecular structure in determining solubility.

4. Which of the following structures has the lowest blood pressure?

• A. Arteries
• B. Arterioles
• C. Venules
• D. Veins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Veins have the lowest blood pressure among the listed structures. Blood pressure decreases as blood flows from arteries to arterioles, then to venules, and finally to veins. Veins return blood to the heart under low pressure because they have thinner walls and larger lumens compared to arteries and arterioles. This anatomical difference allows veins to accommodate a greater volume of blood without a significant rise in pressure. Arteries have the highest blood pressure to propel blood away from the heart, followed by arterioles which regulate blood flow to capillaries. Venules collect blood from capillaries and connect to veins, which then carry blood back to the heart at a lower pressure.

5. How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?

• A. Transformation
• B. Transduction
• C. Conjugation
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information. Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

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