Nursing Elites

1. When sugar is heated, it breaks down into carbon and water vapor. This is an example of a:

• A. Combination reaction
• B. Decomposition reaction
• C. Double displacement reaction
• D. Single displacement reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition reaction. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction where it breaks down into simpler substances, carbon, and water vapor. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Choice A, Combination reaction, is incorrect because a combination reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a new compound, which is the opposite of what happens when sugar breaks down. Choices C and D, Double displacement reaction and Single displacement reaction, are incorrect as they involve different mechanisms where the atoms or ions of the reactants are exchanged, which is not the case in the breakdown of sugar into carbon and water vapor.

2. What is the main purpose of biological classification?

• A. To create a rigid and unchanging system for labeling organisms
• B. To understand the diversity and interconnectedness of life
• C. To simplify nature into neat and tidy categories
• D. To assign organisms to specific ecological niches

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biological classification, also known as taxonomy, is the science of categorizing and organizing living organisms based on shared characteristics. The main purpose of biological classification is not to create a rigid and unchanging system (option A) or to simplify nature into neat and tidy categories (option C). Instead, it aims to help us understand the diversity of life on Earth and how different organisms are related to each other. By classifying organisms into groups based on their evolutionary relationships, we can gain insights into the interconnectedness of life and better appreciate the complexity and beauty of the natural world. Assigning organisms to specific ecological niches (option D) is more related to ecological studies rather than biological classification.

3. Which of the following best defines the term amphoteric?

• A. A substance that conducts electricity due to ionization when dissolved in a solvent
• B. A substance that can act as an acid or a base depending on the properties of the solute
• C. A substance that, according to the Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory, is a proton-donor
• D. A substance that donates its proton and forms its conjugate base in a neutralization reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An amphoteric substance can act as both an acid or a base depending on the environment. It can donate a proton (act as an acid) or accept a proton (act as a base), showing versatility in its behavior. Choice A is incorrect as it describes an electrolyte rather than an amphoteric substance. Choice C is incorrect as it defines an acid based on the Brønsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically refers to a substance donating a proton in a neutralization reaction, not capturing the dual behavior of an amphoteric substance.

4. Which group of antibiotics targets the cell wall of bacteria?

• A. Penicillins
• B. Tetracyclines
• C. Macrolides
• D. Fluoroquinolones

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Penicillins are a group of antibiotics that target the bacterial cell wall by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a vital component of the cell wall. This inhibition weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. Penicillins are particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria due to their mechanism of action. Tetracyclines (B) inhibit protein synthesis, Macrolides (C) interfere with bacterial ribosomes, and Fluoroquinolones (D) target bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Unlike Penicillins, these antibiotics do not directly target the cell wall of bacteria.

5. Which of the following statements best defines an organelle?

• A. Layer of polysaccharides outside the plasma membrane of cells.
• B. Abnormal infectious proteins.
• C. Specialized structures within a cell.
• D. Collection of tissues used to serve a specific function.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Specialized structures within a cell.' An organelle is a specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function. Organelles are membrane-bound structures found within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, each performing distinct roles that contribute to the overall functioning of the cell. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Option A describes the glycocalyx, which is a layer of polysaccharides outside the plasma membrane of cells. Option B refers to prions, abnormal infectious proteins. Option D defines an organ, a collection of tissues used to serve a specific function, rather than an organelle within a cell.

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