Nursing Elites

1. When plants do not receive enough water, their photosynthetic rate drops. This is because:

• A. water is a raw material for the light reactions in photosynthesis
• B. carbon dioxide is not available
• C. water provides the carbon atoms used to make sugar
• D. not enough oxygen is produced to keep fermentation running

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When plants do not receive enough water, their photosynthetic rate drops because water is a raw material required for the light reactions in photosynthesis. In the light reactions, water is split to provide electrons, which are then utilized to produce energy carriers used in converting carbon dioxide into glucose during the Calvin cycle. Therefore, without sufficient water, the light reactions cannot proceed effectively, ultimately leading to a decrease in photosynthetic rate. Choice B is incorrect because carbon dioxide is a separate raw material needed for the Calvin cycle, not the light reactions. Choice C is incorrect as water provides electrons, not carbon atoms, for photosynthesis. Choice D is incorrect because fermentation is not directly related to photosynthesis; oxygen is produced during photosynthesis, not fermentation.

2. Which organelle would you expect to be present in a cell responsible for detoxifying multiple molecules?

• A. rough ER
• B. smooth ER
• C. lysosome
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the organelle responsible for detoxifying multiple molecules in a cell. It contains enzymes that help break down toxins and drugs, making it an essential organelle for detoxification processes. The rough ER, lysosome, and Golgi apparatus do not play direct roles in detoxification. The rough ER is mainly involved in protein synthesis and transport. Lysosomes are responsible for digestion and recycling within the cell. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or for use within the cell.

3. In order, from lower to upper, the layers of the atmosphere are:

• A. Exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
• B. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
• C. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
• D. Thermosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, exosphere

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of the layers of the atmosphere, from lower to upper, is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer where weather phenomena occur. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is characterized by high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation. The exosphere is the outermost layer where the atmosphere transitions into space. Therefore, option B is the correct sequence, as it reflects the ascending order of the Earth's atmospheric layers.

4. Which statement is true of enzymes?

• A. They are made from lipids.
• B. They are made from proteins.
• C. They form double chains of DNA.
• D. They bind with catalysts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Enzymes are made from proteins. Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. While the majority of enzymes are proteins, a few are made from RNA. The statement that enzymes are made from lipids (choice A) is incorrect. Enzymes do not form double chains of DNA (choice C) as their primary function is not related to DNA structure. Additionally, enzymes themselves do not bind with catalysts (choice D); instead, they act as catalysts to facilitate reactions.

5. Why do gardeners sometimes use salt to get rid of slugs?

• A. The salt moves from the exterior into the slug’s body.
• B. The salt causes water in the slug to move outward.
• C. The salt and slug slime merge to form a new compound.
• D. The salt’s corrosiveness breaks down the slug’s cell walls.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gardeners use salt to get rid of slugs because salt is corrosive and breaks down the slug's cell walls. When the slug comes into contact with salt, the salt draws moisture out of the slug's body, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to the slug's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary mechanism of salt in eliminating slugs is its corrosive action on the slug's body, not the movement of salt into the slug's body, outward movement of water in the slug, or merging with slug slime to form a new compound.

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