Nursing Elites

1. Which statement is TRUE about valence electrons?

• A. They are located in the innermost electron shell.
• B. They have the highest binding energy to the nucleus.
• C. They are most likely to participate in chemical bonding.
• D. They have no influence on the element's chemical properties.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom's electron cloud and are crucial in forming chemical bonds with other atoms. These electrons determine the reactivity and chemical properties of an element, making option C the correct statement. Option A is incorrect as valence electrons are found in the outer shell, not the innermost shell. Option B is incorrect because valence electrons have lower binding energy compared to inner electrons. Option D is incorrect since valence electrons play a significant role in an element's chemical behavior.

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of mitosis?

• A. The replication of DNA
• B. The condensation of chromosomes
• C. The separation of sister chromatids
• D. The formation of haploid cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: A) The replication of DNA is a characteristic of mitosis. Before cell division occurs, the DNA is replicated to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. B) The condensation of chromosomes is a characteristic of mitosis. During mitosis, the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope as distinct structures. C) The separation of sister chromatids is a crucial step in mitosis. During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart and move to opposite poles of the cell to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. D) The formation of haploid cells is NOT a characteristic of mitosis. Mitosis results in the formation of two identical diploid daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Haploid cells are typically formed through the process of meiosis, not mitosis.

3. Identify the element with the electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6. To which group and period does this element belong?

• A. Group 16, Period 3
• B. Group 14, Period 3
• C. Group 18, Period 3
• D. Group 17, Period 2

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The given electron configuration matches that of Argon, an element found in Group 18 of the periodic table. This element is in the third period, as indicated by the highest energy level (n=3) where electrons are present. Therefore, the correct answer is Group 18, Period 3. Choice A (Group 16, Period 3) corresponds to sulfur, not the given electron configuration. Choice B (Group 14, Period 3) corresponds to silicon, not the given electron configuration. Choice D (Group 17, Period 2) corresponds to chlorine, which is in Period 3 but not in Group 18, making it incorrect for the given electron configuration.

4. Where is the primary site for nutrient absorption from digested food in the human digestive system?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Large intestine
• C. Small intestine
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the human digestive system. It is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients from food occurs. The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and into the bloodstream to be transported to cells throughout the body for energy and other functions. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach and plays a role in swallowing, not nutrient absorption. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter after the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. The stomach mainly functions in the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food through muscular contractions and the secretion of digestive enzymes.

5. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

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