Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following types of stem cells can differentiate into any cell type, including forming an entire organism?

• A. Totipotent stem cells
• B. Multipotent stem cells
• C. Pluripotent stem cells
• D. Hematopoietic stem cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Totipotent stem cells possess the unique ability to differentiate into any cell type, including forming an entire organism. These cells have the highest potency level and can give rise to both embryonic and extraembryonic cell types, allowing them to develop into a complete organism. Multipotent stem cells (Choice B) can differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a specific tissue or organ. Pluripotent stem cells (Choice C) can differentiate into any cell type in the body except for those needed to support and develop a fetus. Hematopoietic stem cells (Choice D) are a type of multipotent stem cell that can differentiate into various blood cell types.

2. Which vitamin is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin K
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it triggers a process where a form of cholesterol in the skin is converted into vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in aiding calcium absorption in the gut, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function but is not produced by sunlight exposure. Vitamin K (Choice C) is known for its role in blood clotting and bone metabolism, but it is not produced by sunlight. Vitamin E (Choice D) is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage but is not synthesized in the skin through sunlight exposure.

3. What impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?

• A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
• B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
• C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
• D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

4. An uncharged atom has an electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² and a mass number of 14. How many protons does it have?

• A. 14
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is determined by the atomic number, which is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. The electron configuration given corresponds to carbon (C) with 6 protons. The atomic number of an element is the same as the number of protons in its nucleus, so in this case, the atom has 6 protons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not correspond to the correct number of protons for an atom with the given electron configuration and mass number. Therefore, option B, 6 protons, is the correct answer.

5. What element is responsible for the green color of leaves?

• A. Magnesium
• B. Iron
• C. Copper
• D. Zinc

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Magnesium is the correct answer. It is essential for the formation of chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that is crucial for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Iron, copper, and zinc do not play a direct role in the green color of leaves. Iron is more related to processes like electron transport, copper is involved in enzyme functions, and zinc contributes to the synthesis of plant growth regulators.

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