Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

2. Which type of joint allows for the most movement?

• A. Ball-and-socket joint (shoulder)
• B. Hinge joint (elbow)
• C. Fibrocartilaginous joint (wrists)
• D. Suture joint (skull)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A ball-and-socket joint allows for the most movement among the options provided. This type of joint is characterized by a rounded end of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone, allowing for a wide range of motion in multiple directions. The shoulder joint is a prime example of a ball-and-socket joint, enabling movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. In contrast, a hinge joint (option B) like the elbow primarily allows for movement in one plane (flexion and extension). Fibrocartilaginous joints (option C) like the wrists have limited movement due to the presence of cartilage between the bones. Suture joints (option D) in the skull are immovable joints that provide structural support but do not allow for significant movement.

3. Which part of the cell is responsible for storing genetic information?

• A. Ribosome
• B. Mitochondrion
• C. Nucleus
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Nucleus. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic information in the form of DNA. The DNA within the nucleus controls the activities of the cell by directing the synthesis of proteins and regulating gene expression. Choices A, Ribosome, B, Mitochondrion, and D, Cytoplasm, do not store genetic information. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, mitochondria produce energy for the cell, and cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that houses organelles and where many cellular activities occur.

4. Which term describes a substance's ability to undergo a change that transforms it into a different substance?

• A. Density
• B. Mass
• C. Reactivity
• D. Volume

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Reactivity refers to a substance's ability to undergo a change that transforms it into a different substance through a chemical reaction. In this context, reactivity specifically refers to the chemical behavior of a substance. Density, mass, and volume are physical properties of a substance and do not describe its ability to undergo a chemical change. Density is the mass per unit volume, mass is the amount of matter in an object, and volume is the amount of space occupied by an object. Therefore, reactivity is the most appropriate term to describe a substance's ability to undergo a transformation into a different substance.

5. What is the role of the spleen in the body?

• A. To produce bile
• B. To filter blood and remove old red blood cells
• C. To produce red blood cells
• D. To store fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The spleen acts as a blood filter, removing old or damaged red blood cells. It also plays a role in immune responses, storing blood reserves, and helping to fight infection. The production of bile is primarily associated with the liver, not the spleen. While the bone marrow is responsible for red blood cell production, the spleen's main functions do not include this process. Storing fat is not a primary function of the spleen.

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