1. Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malaria in humans is kept in which among the following groups?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Viruses
[C] Protozoans
[D] Fungi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Protozoans]
Notes:
Plasmodium, a tiny protozoan is responsible for malarial disease. Different species of Plasmodium (P. vivax, P. malaria and P. falciparum) are responsible for different types of malaria. Of these, malignant malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious one and can even be fatal.
2. Poliomyelitis known as Polio is caused by an enterovirus which causes paralysis of muscles. This virus has a particular affinity to ______?
[A] Muscle Cells
[B] Nerve Cells of Spinal Cord
[C] Nerve Cells of Brain
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nerve Cells of Spinal Cord]
Notes:
Acute poliomyelitis is disease of anterior horn motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain stem caused by poliovirus. The virus infects and kills motor neurons in the grey matter in the ventral horn of the spinal column. Due to this, muscles of the trunk and limbs are no longer able to receive signals from the CNS, so they become weak and begin to atrophy.
3. Diabetes insipidus (DI) caused by a deficiency of arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone is secreted by which endocrine gland?
[A] Thyroid Gland
[B] Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis)
[C] Pancreas
[D] Liver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis)]
Notes:
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is caused by a deficiency of arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Antidiuretic hormone is secreted by Pituitary Gland which is also called Hypophysis.
4. A genetic code specifies how many kinds of amino acids?
[A] 12
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 25
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [20]
Notes:
There are as many as 100 thousand kinds of proteins that constitute the body, and these comprise only 20 kinds of amino acids in various combinations.
5. From which part of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, also known as Liquorice or Mulethi, is the extract derived?
[A] Leaves
[B] Roots
[C] Fruits
[D] Stem
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Roots]
Notes:
Liquorice root, or Mulethi, is a potent expectorant that has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. The powdered root is used in “Jastimadhu” tooth powder. Many cough syrups incorporate Liquorice as one of their components. It is also used to treat mouth and peptic ulcers, attesting to its versatile medicinal properties. Liquorice root is well-regarded for its numerous health benefits apart from its sweet flavour.
6. Xerophytes can tolerate and stand against _?
[A] High temperature
[B] Severe Cold
[C] High humidity
[D] Drought Conditions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Drought Conditions]
Notes:
Xerophytes can tolerate and stand against drought conditions. They are able to survive in an environment with little liquid water, such as a desert or an ice- or snow-covered region in the Alps or the Arctic.
7. In human body, where do you find the Cone cells and Rod cells?
[A] Retina of the eye
[B] Gallbladder
[C] Esophagus
[D] Villi in the small intestine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Retina of the eye]
Notes:
Cone cells and Cone cells are one of three types of photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye. They are responsible for color vision and function best in relatively bright light, as opposed to rod cells, which work better in dim light.
8. What is study of fungus Known as?
[A] Phrenology
[B] Physiology
[C] Biology
[D] Mycology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mycology]
Notes:
Mycology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy and their use to humans as a source for tinder, medicine, food, and entheogens, as well as their dangers, such as toxicity or infection.
9. ‘Lathyrism’ is a crippling disease caused by eating which of the following? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] Tinned fish
[B] Chick pea and pulses
[C] Meat
[D] Adulterated oil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chick pea and pulses]
Notes:
The lathyrism resulting from the ingestion of Lathyrus odoratus seeds (Chick pea and pulses) is often referred to as odoratism or osteolathyrism, which is caused by a different toxin (beta-aminopropionitrile) that affects the linking of collagen, a protein of connective tissues.
10. Which one of the following vitamins is considered to be a hormone? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] A
[B] B
[C] C
[D] D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [D]
Notes:
Vitamin D is a hormone the kidneys produce that controls blood calcium concentration and impacts the immune system. It is also known as calcitriol, ergocalciferol, calcidiol and cholecalciferol.
