Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is directly transcribed from DNA and represents the first step in protein synthesis?

• A. siRNA
• B. rRNA
• C. mRNA
• D. tRNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: mRNA (messenger RNA) is directly transcribed from DNA in the nucleus during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation in the cytoplasm. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Thus, mRNA represents the first step in protein synthesis as it carries the code from the DNA to be translated into a protein. Choice A, siRNA (small interfering RNA), is involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing and does not play a role in protein synthesis. Choice B, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of the ribosome and plays a structural and functional role in protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA. Choice D, tRNA (transfer RNA), is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA.

2. Which of the following is a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Asthma
• D. Emphysema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Pneumonia, caused by an infection in the lungs, presents with symptoms like fever, chills, and cough with sputum. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, leading to symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, and weight loss. Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is characterized by the destruction of the air sacs in the lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and chronic cough. Therefore, among the options provided, asthma best fits the description of a condition with airway inflammation and narrowing.

3. What is the rigid structure that provides shape and support to plant cells?

• A. Cell wall
• B. Plasma membrane
• C. Nucleus
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell wall, as it is the rigid structure that provides shape and support to plant cells. The cell wall is located outside the plasma membrane and is primarily composed of cellulose, giving it its rigid nature. The plasma membrane (option B) is a semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell. The nucleus (option C) houses the cell's genetic material and controls cellular activities. Cytoplasm (option D) is the gel-like substance within the cell that surrounds organelles and where various cellular processes take place, but it does not provide the rigid structure and support that the cell wall does.

4. What is the primary function of the stomach?

• A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
• B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
• C. To produce enzymes that assist in digesting food
• D. To eliminate waste products from the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the stomach is to store food, churn it, and break it down into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. This process is facilitated by the mixing of food with gastric juices, including stomach acid. The mechanical breakdown in the stomach helps initiate the digestion of food before it progresses to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. Absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Enzymes that aid in digesting food are primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine, not in the stomach. The elimination of waste products from the body mainly occurs through the large intestine and rectum, not the stomach.

5. Which of the following statements regarding the pericardium is not correct?

• A. It allows for the heart to work in a relatively friction-free environment
• B. It is a single-walled layer around the heart
• C. It prevents overfilling of the heart with blood
• D. It protects and anchors the heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement about the pericardium is that it is double-walled, not single-walled. Choice A is correct because the pericardium does allow the heart to work in a relatively friction-free environment, reducing friction during heartbeats. Choice C is correct as the pericardium helps prevent the overfilling of the heart with blood. Choice D is also correct as the pericardium serves to protect and anchor the heart in place within the chest cavity.

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