Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following nucleic acids carries amino acids to organelles called ribosomes, where the amino acids are linked one by one to produce a polypeptide?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: tRNA is the correct answer as it carries amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by bringing specific amino acids to the ribosome according to the mRNA sequence. Once at the ribosome, the amino acids are linked together to form a polypeptide chain. This process is essential for the creation of proteins in the cell, highlighting the significance of tRNA in the translation process. Choice A, DNA, is incorrect as DNA does not directly participate in protein synthesis. Choice B, mRNA, is incorrect as mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome but does not directly carry amino acids. Choice C, rRNA, is incorrect as ribosomal RNA is a component of the ribosome structure and is involved in protein synthesis but does not carry amino acids like tRNA.

2. What is the name for the sac-shaped structures in which carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange takes place?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Alveoli
• D. Bronchioles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The alveoli are the tiny sac-shaped structures in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from the air we breathe diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by cells, is removed from the blood and exhaled out of the body through the alveoli. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Kidneys are organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood, the medulla oblongata is a part of the brain responsible for autonomic functions, and bronchioles are smaller airway passages in the lungs that branch off from the bronchi.

3. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

• A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
• B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
• C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
• D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

4. What is the function of ribosomes?

• A. Packaging and transporting proteins
• B. Storing genetic material
• C. Controlling cell division
• D. Synthesizing proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Synthesizing proteins. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and utilize the information to assemble amino acids into proteins through a process known as translation. Choice A, packaging and transporting proteins, is incorrect as this function is typically performed by the Golgi apparatus and vesicles. Choice B, storing genetic material, is incorrect as genetic material is usually stored in the nucleus in the form of DNA. Choice C, controlling cell division, is incorrect as this function is primarily regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and specific proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

5. What are the tiny contractile units within muscle cells called?

• A. Myocytes
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Sarcomeres
• D. Tendons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the smallest contractile units within muscle cells. They consist of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which interact to produce muscle contractions. Myocytes are the entire muscle cells, myofibrils are bundles of protein filaments found within muscle cells, and tendons are tough connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Therefore, sarcomeres specifically represent the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction, making them the correct answer in this context.

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