Nursing Elites

1. Which organism reproduces via binary fission?

• A. Mushroom
• B. Blue whale
• C. Rainbow trout
• D. Salmonella

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Salmonella. Salmonella bacterium reproduces via binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction where the cell divides into two daughter cells with identical genetic material. This process is common among bacteria and single-celled organisms. Mushrooms reproduce through spores, blue whales and rainbow trout reproduce sexually, involving the fusion of male and female gametes. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reproduce through binary fission.

2. What kind of bond connects sugar and phosphate in DNA?

• A. hydrogen
• B. ionic
• C. covalent
• D. overt

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sugar and phosphate are indeed connected by covalent bonds in DNA. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, which is essential for forming the backbone of the DNA molecule. Hydrogen bonds (Choice A) are important in holding the nitrogenous bases together in the DNA double helix but do not connect sugar and phosphate. Ionic bonds (Choice B) involve the transfer of electrons between atoms and are not the primary bond connecting sugar and phosphate in DNA. 'Overt' (Choice D) is not a type of chemical bond and is an incorrect distractor.

3. Which statement regarding energy content is true?

• A. Decomposers < secondary consumers
• B. Primary consumers < producers
• C. Producers > secondary consumers
• D. Secondary consumers < primary consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Producers > secondary consumers." Producers, like plants, are the foundation of the energy pyramid, containing the highest energy content in an ecosystem. They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Secondary consumers, being organisms that feed on other organisms, have lower energy content compared to producers. This hierarchy in energy content is due to the transfer of energy through trophic levels. Choice A is incorrect because decomposers, though essential for nutrient recycling, typically have lower energy content than secondary consumers. Choice B is incorrect because primary consumers, which feed directly on producers, have lower energy content than producers. Choice D is incorrect because secondary consumers have lower energy content compared to primary consumers.

4. Which molecules contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?

• A. Lipids and proteins
• B. Carbohydrates and lipids
• C. Proteins and carbohydrates
• D. Nucleic acids and proteins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbohydrates and lipids are the molecules that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates such as sugars and starches are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1:2:1, while lipids such as fats and oils are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as well. Lipids typically contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms compared to oxygen atoms. Proteins contain nitrogen in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, while nucleic acids contain phosphorus in addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they include molecules that contain elements other than carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

5. Epithelial cells are:

• A. Polarized
• B. Neutral
• C. Larger than other cells
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Epithelial cells have a distinct top (apical) and bottom (basal) side, demonstrating polarity. This polarity is essential for their specialized functions, such as secretion, absorption, and barrier formation. Choice B, 'Neutral,' is incorrect as epithelial cells exhibit polarity. Choice C, 'Larger than other cells,' is incorrect as epithelial cells come in various sizes and are not specifically larger than other cell types. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as epithelial cells are indeed polarized.

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