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. Which component of the cell contributes to the protection, communication, and passage of substances into and out of the cell?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cell membrane
• C. Endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell membrane. The cell membrane is responsible for protecting the cell, facilitating communication with the external environment, and regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The nucleus (Choice A) is the control center of the cell and houses the genetic material but is not primarily involved in these functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (Choice C) is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, not primarily in protection or communication. The cytoplasm (Choice D) is the gel-like substance that fills the cell but does not specifically contribute to protection, communication, or substance passage.

3. The two catabolic pathways that lead to cellular energy production are:

• A. fermentation and protein synthesis
• B. cellular respiration and glycolysis
• C. fermentation and glycolysis
• D. cellular respiration and fermentation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: cellular respiration and fermentation. Cellular respiration involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, which is the primary source of energy for cells. Fermentation, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces ATP through glycolysis followed by specific fermentation pathways. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Protein synthesis is a biosynthetic process, not a catabolic pathway for energy production. Glycolysis is a common step in both cellular respiration and fermentation, so it is not a pair of distinct catabolic pathways. Therefore, the most accurate pairing of catabolic pathways for cellular energy production is cellular respiration and fermentation.

4. What type of cells possess a cell membrane?

• A. Prokaryotic cells only
• B. Eukaryotic cells only
• C. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cell membranes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cell membrane serves as a barrier that encloses the cell contents and regulates the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell. It is a fundamental structure found in all types of cells, regardless of whether they are prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus) or eukaryotic (containing a nucleus). Choice A is incorrect because eukaryotic cells also possess cell membranes. Choice B is incorrect as prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, also have cell membranes. Choice D is incorrect as both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have cell membranes.

5. Whose energy efficiency is greater?

• A. Herbivore
• B. Carnivore
• C. Omnivore
• D. Decomposer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decomposers have the greatest efficiency of energy among the given options. Decomposers break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition. This breakdown process results in the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem, making energy more readily available for other organisms to use. In contrast, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores all derive their energy from the consumption of other living organisms, making their energy efficiency lower than that of decomposers. Herbivores consume plants for energy, which involves energy loss due to inefficiencies in converting plant matter into usable energy. Carnivores consume herbivores or other carnivores, leading to further energy loss through each trophic level. Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, but their energy efficiency is still lower than decomposers because of the energy loss associated with consuming living organisms. Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and energy in ecosystems, making them highly efficient in the utilization of energy.

Similar Questions