Nursing Elites

1. What cell structure is responsible for efficiently packaging DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence?

• A. Golgi apparatus
• B. Chromatin
• C. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Mitochondria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromatin is the correct answer. Chromatin is responsible for packaging DNA into a more compact, dense structure to fit into the nucleus and protect the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, not DNA. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell responsible for energy production, not DNA packaging.

2. Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction. Which of the following occurs during the binary fission process?

• A. The chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane
• B. The chromosomes attach to the spindle formed along the axis
• C. The chromosomes gather in the center of the cell
• D. The chromosomes begin to separate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In binary fission, the chromosomes bind to the plasma membrane before the cell splits into two. This initial step ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. Choice B is incorrect because the spindle apparatus is characteristic of eukaryotic cell division (mitosis), not prokaryotic binary fission. Choice C is incorrect as chromosomes do not necessarily gather in the center of the cell during binary fission. Choice D is incorrect because the chromosomes do not begin to separate in binary fission; they replicate and then move to opposite ends of the cell before division.

3. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and steroid hormones?

• A. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
• B. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Golgi apparatus
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the correct organelle responsible for the synthesis of lipids, including phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is primarily involved in protein synthesis and processing, making choice A incorrect. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transportation, so it is not directly involved in lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, making choice C incorrect. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and are not involved in lipid or steroid hormone synthesis, making choice D incorrect.

4. Water is held together by which of the following bonds?

• A. Electrostatic attraction
• B. Van der Waals forces
• C. Hydrogen
• D. Oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are weak bonds formed between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another. Choice A, electrostatic attraction, is a general term for the attraction between opposite charges but does not specifically describe the bonds in water. Choice B, Van der Waals forces, are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, not the primary bonds in water. Choice D, oxygen, is incorrect as oxygen is part of the water molecule but not the bond holding water molecules together.

5. What is the composition of the cellular membrane?

• A. A bilayer of phospholipid molecules
• B. A single layer of phospholipid molecules
• C. Proteins that act as transport highways
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cellular membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which consists of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, creating a barrier that separates the internal cellular environment from the external surroundings. While proteins are embedded within this bilayer and act as transport channels, receptors, and structural support, carbohydrates are found on the outer surface of the membrane for cell recognition and signaling purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a bilayer of phospholipid molecules.

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