Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

• A. Shivering when the body temperature falls.
• B. Increasing heart rate when blood pressure is low.
• C. Weight gain when consuming excess calories.
• D. Secreting insulin to decrease blood sugar concentration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

2. What is the Golgi apparatus?

• A. A network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell
• B. A sac-like structure that stores water and nutrients
• C. The site of protein synthesis
• D. The site of protein modification and packaging

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Golgi apparatus is an organelle in the cell responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport to their final destinations. It consists of a series of flattened sacs called cisternae and plays a crucial role in processing proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Option A is incorrect because the network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell is typically associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Option B is incorrect as the structure described is more characteristic of a vacuole, which stores water and nutrients. Option C is incorrect as protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes, not the Golgi apparatus.

3. Which type of reaction undergoes hydrolysis?

• A. Anabolism
• B. Catabolism
• C. Exothermic
• D. Endothermic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Catabolism.' Catabolic reactions involve the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, often through hydrolysis, where water is added to break chemical bonds. This process is essential for the degradation of complex molecules and the release of energy stored in chemical bonds. Choice A, 'Anabolism,' is incorrect as anabolism involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones. Choices C and D, 'Exothermic' and 'Endothermic,' refer to the heat energy exchange during a reaction and are not directly related to the process of hydrolysis.

4. Describe the mechanism by which genes are transmitted from parents to offspring.

• A. Blending of parental genes, resulting in an average of their traits.
• B. Random assortment of alleles during meiosis, leading to unique combinations in each offspring.
• C. Inheritance of solely dominant alleles, masking the influence of recessive ones.
• D. Direct transfer of both parental genomes, creating identical copies of the parents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Blending of parental genes, resulting in an average of their traits, is not an accurate description of how genes are transmitted. In reality, genes are not blended but rather passed down in discrete units. B) Random assortment of alleles during meiosis is the correct mechanism by which genes are transmitted from parents to offspring. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate, and alleles are randomly distributed to the gametes, leading to unique combinations of genes in each offspring. C) Inheritance of solely dominant alleles, masking the influence of recessive ones, is not an accurate representation of gene transmission. Offspring inherit alleles from both parents, and the expression of dominant or recessive traits depends on the specific combination of alleles. D) Direct transfer of both parental genomes, creating identical copies of the parents, is not how genes are transmitted. Offspring inherit a unique combination

5. What term refers to the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where communication occurs to initiate muscle contraction?

• A. Sarcomere
• B. Synapse
• C. Tendon
• D. Myofibril

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Synapse.' The synapse is the specific term that refers to the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where communication occurs to initiate muscle contraction. At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released by the motor neuron, triggering the muscle fiber to contract. Choice A, 'Sarcomere,' is incorrect as a sarcomere is the basic unit of muscle contraction, not the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons are fibrous connective tissues that connect muscle to bone, not involved in neuronal communication. Choice D, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as a myofibril is a structure within muscle fibers where muscle contractions occur, not the specific point of contact for communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.

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