Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a primary producer in an ecosystem?

• A. Grass
• B. Deer
• C. Algae
• D. Mushroom

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - A) Grass: Grass is a primary producer because it can photosynthesize and convert sunlight into energy, making it the base of the food chain. - B) Deer: Deer are consumers that feed on primary producers like grass, so they are not primary producers themselves. - C) Algae: Algae are primary producers that can photosynthesize and produce energy from sunlight. - D) Mushroom: Mushrooms are decomposers that break down organic matter, so they are not primary producers.

2. What do large intestines absorb?

• A. Water, sodium, and potassium ions
• B. Proteins and carbohydrates
• C. Water, vitamin K, and bile salts
• D. Vitamins A, D, E, K

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The large intestine absorbs water, vitamin K, bile salts, sodium, and chloride ions. It helps in maintaining the body's water and electrolyte balance, and also plays a role in absorbing certain vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin K. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A, D, E, and K are primarily absorbed in the small intestine, not the large intestine.

3. What is the process in which RNA polymerase copies DNA into RNA, with DNA unwinding and serving as a template while RNA is assembled?

• A. Replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Duplication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transcription. Transcription is the process where RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand and synthesizes RNA, following the base-pairing rules. During transcription, DNA unwinds and serves as a template for the assembly of complementary RNA molecules. Replication (Choice A) is the process of making an identical copy of DNA, not RNA from DNA. Translation (Choice C) is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. Duplication (Choice D) is a general term and does not specifically refer to the process described in the question.

4. What is the main function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the cell?

• A. To synthesize and transport proteins and lipids
• B. To package and transport proteins
• C. To break down macromolecules
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes within the cell that plays a crucial role in protein and lipid synthesis. It consists of two types: rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification. The ER's main function is to synthesize proteins and lipids, not just package and transport them. While the ER is involved in transporting these synthesized proteins and lipids to other parts of the cell or outside the cell, its primary role is in their synthesis. Breaking down macromolecules is primarily the function of lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for digestion. Storing genetic material is the function of the nucleus, which houses the cell's DNA. The ER is not involved in storing genetic material.

5. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

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