Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?

• A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
• B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
• C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
• D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.

2. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

3. Which organelle in the cell is responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Ribosome
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell and are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell, powering various cellular activities. The nucleus (choice A) is responsible for housing the cell's genetic material but is not involved in ATP production. Ribosomes (choice C) are involved in protein synthesis, not energy production. The Golgi apparatus (choice D) is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not for ATP production.

4. What does cytokinesis refer to?

• A. Division of the nucleus
• B. Division of the cytoplasm
• C. Separation of chromosomes
• D. Formation of spindle fibers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cytokinesis refers to the division of the cytoplasm of a parental cell between two daughter cells during cell division. It ensures that each daughter cell receives its share of organelles and cytoplasmic components necessary for cellular functions. Choice A, division of the nucleus, is incorrect as this process is known as mitosis. Choice C, separation of chromosomes, is incorrect as it refers to the process of chromatid separation during mitosis. Choice D, formation of spindle fibers, is incorrect as spindle fibers are involved in mitosis to separate chromosomes, not in cytokinesis.

5. Which of the following describes the term allele?

• A. A specific form of a gene that can exist at a particular locus
• B. An inheritable variation of a gene
• C. A grouping of various genes
• D. Variations of complementary base pairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus. They represent variations of a gene and are inheritable. Choice A is incorrect as it does not fully capture the concept of an allele, which is a specific form of a gene rather than a substitution. Choice C is incorrect as alleles are not a grouping of various genes but rather different forms of a single gene at a specific locus. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not accurately describe alleles; alleles are variations of genes, not base pairs.

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