Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following processes breaks down cellular components for recycling or waste removal?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Cellular respiration
• C. Cell division
• D. Phagocytosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and break down cellular components or foreign particles for recycling or waste removal. It is a vital mechanism used by cells to maintain homeostasis and remove waste materials. Photosynthesis (A) is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce food, not for breaking down cellular components. Cellular respiration (B) is the process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, not for waste removal. Cell division (C) is the process by which cells replicate and divide to form new cells during growth, repair, or development, not for breaking down cellular components.

2. The dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells are most likely:

• A. Ribosomes
• B. Flagella
• C. Endospores
• D. Capsules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Endospores are the correct answer. Endospores are dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells. They are highly resistant dormant structures formed by certain bacteria in response to harsh environmental conditions. Ribosomes are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells; they are responsible for protein synthesis. Flagella are long, whip-like appendages used for movement and are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells. Capsules are outer layers of polysaccharides that some bacteria produce for protection and adherence, not dark, round structures within bacterial cells.

3. Which organ in the human body is the largest and is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and storage of nutrients?

• A. Heart
• B. Liver
• C. Lungs
• D. Skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, storage of nutrients, and various other essential functions. It plays a critical role in maintaining overall health by processing nutrients, filtering blood, and detoxifying harmful substances. While the skin is the largest organ by surface area, the liver is the largest internal organ and is crucial for various physiological processes. The heart is responsible for pumping blood, the lungs for respiration, and the skin for protection and temperature regulation, but they do not perform the functions specified in the question.

4. Which types of waves are capable of interference and diffraction?

• A. Longitudinal waves only
• B. Transverse waves only
• C. Electromagnetic waves only
• D. Both longitudinal and transverse waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both longitudinal and transverse waves are capable of interference and diffraction. Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine, either constructively (increasing amplitude) or destructively (decreasing amplitude). Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings, which can occur with both longitudinal and transverse waves. Choice A is incorrect because only stating longitudinal waves can undergo interference and diffraction is inaccurate. Choice B is also incorrect as transverse waves, not just longitudinal waves, can exhibit these phenomena. Choice C is incorrect because electromagnetic waves are a broad category that includes both longitudinal and transverse waves, so it is not exclusive to either type. The correct answer is D because both longitudinal and transverse waves can demonstrate interference and diffraction.

5. What describes a cell’s reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
• D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.

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