Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of vacuoles in plant cells?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store water, enzymes, and waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vacuoles in plant cells primarily function as storage organelles. They store water, enzymes, pigments, and waste products, helping to maintain turgor pressure within the cell. This turgor pressure provides structural support for the plant cell. While vacuoles can also participate in transporting substances within the cell, their main role is storage. The synthesis of proteins and lipids is mainly handled by other organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Choice A is incorrect because while vacuoles indirectly contribute to structural support by maintaining turgor pressure, their primary function is storage. Choice B is incorrect as vacuoles are not primarily responsible for transporting substances in and out of the cell. Choice C is incorrect as vacuoles do not synthesize proteins and lipids; this function is carried out by other organelles.

2. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. What is the most common location for an ectopic pregnancy?

• A. Ovary
• B. Fallopian tube
• C. Cervix
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube. This occurs when the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies in other locations such as the ovary, cervix, or vagina are much rarer. The fallopian tube is the correct answer because it is the site where the fertilized egg may get stuck during its journey to the uterus, leading to implantation and growth outside the uterus. The ovary is not a common site for ectopic pregnancy, and implantation there can be life-threatening due to the risk of severe bleeding. The cervix and vagina are not typical sites for implantation of a fertilized egg, making them less likely locations for an ectopic pregnancy.

3. What is the role of the spindle apparatus in cell division?

• A. To separate sister chromatids
• B. To move chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell
• C. To form a new nuclear envelope around each daughter cell
• D. To synthesize new DNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The spindle apparatus, composed of microtubules, plays a crucial role in cell division (mitosis and meiosis) by ensuring proper chromosome separation and distribution to opposite poles of the cell. This segregation is vital for creating two genetically identical daughter cells in mitosis or four haploid daughter cells in meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because the separation of sister chromatids is specifically carried out by kinetochore fibers within the spindle apparatus. Choice C is inaccurate as the formation of a new nuclear envelope occurs post chromosome segregation. Choice D is incorrect as DNA synthesis does not occur within the spindle apparatus; it takes place during the S phase of the cell cycle.

4. Which muscle type is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Cardiac muscle
• D. Connective tissue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system. Skeletal muscle is primarily under voluntary control, smooth muscle is primarily under involuntary control, and connective tissue is not a muscle type, but rather provides support and structure to the body.

5. How does the human eye focus light?

• A. Cornea
• B. Iris
• C. Lens
• D. Retina

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The human eye focuses light by adjusting the shape of its lens. The lens changes shape to allow the eye to focus on objects at different distances, a process known as accommodation. The cornea is the transparent outer covering of the eye that helps to focus light but does not change shape like the lens. The iris controls the size of the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that receives and processes images but does not adjust the focus of light.

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