Nursing Elites

1. What cells compose the epidermis?

• A. Keratinocytes
• B. Epithelial cells
• C. Fibroblasts
• D. Melanocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A - Keratinocytes. The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes, which are a type of epithelial cell. Keratinocytes synthesize the protein keratin, providing protection against physical damage and water loss. While epithelial cells are correct, specifying keratinocytes is more precise. Fibroblasts are not the main cell type in the epidermis; they are found in the dermis, where they produce collagen and other extracellular matrix components. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin pigment in the skin and are also present in the epidermis, but they are not the predominant cell type like keratinocytes.

2. Which protein complex in the sarcomere is responsible for the thick filament?

• A. Actin
• B. Myosin
• C. Tropomyosin
• D. Troponin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Myosin is the protein complex responsible for the thick filament in the sarcomere. It interacts with actin, another protein in the sarcomere, to generate the sliding movement that results in muscle contraction. Actin is a thin filament protein that interacts with myosin to create the sliding filament mechanism. Tropomyosin and troponin are regulatory proteins that regulate muscle contraction by controlling the interaction between actin and myosin, rather than directly being responsible for the thick filament.

3. What is the primary function of white blood cells?

• A. To carry oxygen
• B. To fight infection
• C. To transport nutrients
• D. To transport waste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "To fight infection." White blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting infections and foreign invaders in the body, making them a critical component of the immune system. Choice A, "To carry oxygen," is incorrect as red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport. Choice C, "To transport nutrients," is incorrect as this function is mainly attributed to blood plasma and other specialized cells. Choice D, "To transport waste," is also incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by the kidneys and the lymphatic system, not white blood cells.

4. What generates action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons?

• A. Glucose
• B. Sodium and potassium ions
• C. Neurotransmitters
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons, are generated by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane. This movement creates changes in the membrane potential, leading to the propagation of the electrical signal along the neuron. Glucose is a source of energy for neurons but is not directly involved in generating action potentials. Neurotransmitters are involved in communication between neurons but do not directly generate action potentials. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates and speeds up the conduction of action potentials but does not generate them.

5. What is the process of converting DNA into a protein called?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Replication
• D. Mutation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Translation is the correct answer. It is the process of converting the information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein. Transcription (Choice A) is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. Replication (Choice C) is the process of making an identical copy of DNA. Mutation (Choice D) refers to a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in proteins, but it is not the process of converting DNA into a protein.

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