Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which of the following is NOT a function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

• A. Synthesis of lipids (fats)
• B. Transport of materials within the cell
• C. Detoxification of harmful substances
• D. Breakdown of cellular waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not involved in the breakdown of cellular waste products; this function is primarily carried out by lysosomes. The ER is responsible for the synthesis of lipids (fats), transport of materials within the cell, and detoxification of harmful substances. Lysosomes are the organelles responsible for breaking down cellular waste products through processes like autophagy. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with the known functions of the endoplasmic reticulum.

3. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

• A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
• B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
• C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
• D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

4. A pediatrician notes that an infant's cartilage is disappearing and being replaced by bone. What process has the doctor observed?

• A. Mineralization
• B. Ossification
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Calcification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The doctor has observed the process of ossification. Ossification is the natural process where cartilage in the body is replaced by bone. This process takes place during fetal development, growth, and bone fracture healing. Ossification involves the formation of bone tissue by depositing minerals like calcium and phosphorus within the cartilage matrix, leading to the development of a bone structure. Choice A, mineralization, refers to the process of forming mineral deposits in tissues, but it does not involve the replacement of cartilage by bone. Choice C, osteoporosis, is a condition characterized by bone density loss and increased fragility, not the natural process of cartilage replacement by bone. Choice D, calcification, is the process of deposition of calcium salts in various tissues, but it does not specifically involve the replacement of cartilage by bone as in ossification.

5. Which organelle is responsible for packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space?

• A. Golgi apparatus
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Ribosomes
• D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins into vesicles for secretion outside the cell or for use within the cell. It acts as a distribution and shipping department for the cell, ensuring proteins are properly processed and sent to their correct destinations like the extracellular space. Golgi apparatus is the correct answer because it directly handles the packaging and secretion of proteins. B) Mitochondria: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. They are not involved in packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space. C) Ribosomes: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, where they translate mRNA into proteins. They are not involved in packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space. D) Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a role in protein synthesis and folding, but it is the rough ER specifically that is involved in synthesizing proteins that are then transported to the Golgi apparatus for further processing and packaging. The Golgi apparatus is primarily responsible for packaging and secreting proteins, making it the correct answer for this question.

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