Nursing Elites

1. What do isotopes of the same element have in common?

• A. Identical number of protons and neutrons.
• B. Identical chemical properties.
• C. Identical number of electrons.
• D. Identical mass number.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines the element, but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count results in isotopes of the same element having different mass numbers. Chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in an atom, so isotopes of the same element may exhibit slightly different chemical behaviors due to different neutron numbers. The number of electrons can vary in isotopes, affecting their charge. However, the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons, is the same for isotopes of the same element. Therefore, the correct answer is that isotopes of the same element share an identical mass number.

2. Which type of RNA carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes?

• A. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
• B. Transfer RNA (tRNA)
• C. Messenger RNA (mRNA)
• D. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: - Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from DNA in the cell's nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs. - Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of the ribosomes where protein synthesis takes place. - Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. - Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic material that contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. DNA is transcribed into mRNA before being translated into proteins.

3. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

• A. Packaging DNA
• B. Replicating DNA
• C. Transcribing DNA
• D. Translating mRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Replicating DNA. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the template provided by the existing DNA strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Option A, Packaging DNA, refers to the coiling and organization of DNA into chromatin, a process involving histones and other proteins. Option C, Transcribing DNA, involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, a process carried out by RNA polymerase. Option D, Translating mRNA, refers to the process of protein synthesis where the information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

4. What macromolecules are formed from amino acids, and what are their roles?

• A. Lipids; store energy
• B. Carbohydrates; provide energy
• C. Proteins; perform various functions like catalysis, transport, and structural support
• D. Nucleic acids; store genetic information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Proteins are macromolecules formed from amino acids and have diverse roles, such as serving as enzymes, transport molecules, and providing structural support. They are essential for catalysis, cellular communication, immune response, and many other functions in living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Lipids are not formed from amino acids but from fatty acids and glycerol, mainly serving as energy storage molecules. Carbohydrates are composed of sugars and provide energy to the body. Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are made up of nucleotides and store genetic information in cells.

5. Elements tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve stable electron configurations like those of noble gases. Their group number often indicates the number of electrons gained/lost and the resulting ionic charge, providing a good starting point for prediction.

• A. Ionic bonds involve electron sharing, while metallic bonds involve electron transfer.
• B. Ionic bonds are weak and directional, while metallic bonds are strong and non-directional.
• C. Ionic bonds exist between metals and non-metals, while metallic bonds exist only between metals.
• D. Ionic bonds form discrete molecules, while metallic bonds form extended structures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals, where one atom donates electrons (cation) and the other accepts electrons (anion). This results in the transfer of electrons. Metallic bonds, on the other hand, occur between metal atoms where electrons are shared among a sea of delocalized electrons, leading to the characteristic properties of metals like malleability and conductivity. Choice A is incorrect because ionic bonds involve electron transfer, not sharing. Choice B is incorrect as ionic bonds are strong, not weak, and are non-directional, while metallic bonds are strong and non-directional. Choice D is incorrect as ionic bonds do not form discrete molecules but rather a lattice structure, whereas metallic bonds form extended structures.

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