11. Which of the following classes belongs to an Octopus? (UPSC Prelims 2003)
[A] an arthropod
[B] an echinoderm
[C] a heimchordate
[D] a mollusc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [a mollusc]
Notes:
The octopus is a soft-bodied, eight-limbed mollusc of the order Octopoda. Around 300 species are recognised, and the order is grouped within the class Cephalopoda with squids, cuttlefish, and nautiloids.
12. Who were the first scientists successfully isolated insulin in 1921?
[A] Frederick Banting and Charles Herbert Best
[B] Robert Hooke and Gregor Mendel
[C] Charles Darwin and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
[D] Rachel Carson and Theodor Schwann
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Frederick Banting and Charles Herbert Best]
Notes:
Insulin was the first peptide hormone discovered. Canadians Frederick Banting and Charles Herbert Best were the first scientists successfully isolated insulin from the dog pancreas in 1921. They achieved this tremendous feat while working in Canada’s University of Toronto J.J.R. Macleod Laboratory.
13. Who among the following discovered Vitamin E?
[A] Evans and Bishop
[B] Henrik Dam
[C] Harry Holmes and Ruth Corbet
[D] Sir Edward Mellanby
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Evans and Bishop]
Notes:
Vitamin E was discovered by Evans and Bishop in 1922. Work in the 1930s revealed the chemical structure and biological function of alpha-tocopherol.
14. What is the basic unit of Classification?
[A] Genus
[B] Species
[C] Order
[D] Family
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Species]
Notes:
Species is the basic unit of classification. Species are known as the basic units of classification because individuals of species are closely related structurally and functionally and can interbreed freely.
15. What is the term known as a giant growth of algae?
[A] Panic boom
[B] Algal boom
[C] Herbal boom
[D] Patkai boom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Algal boom
]
Notes:
A massive growth or rapid increase in the population of algae in water is known as algal boom.
16. Which of the following virus has its envelope from the host cell nucleus?
[A] Paramyxoviruses
[B] Retroviruses
[C] Orthomyxoviruses
[D] Herpesviruses
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Herpesviruses]
Notes:
The Herpesviridae are a large family of DNA viruses. It causes infections and some diseases in animals, including humans. Herpes viruses are divided into three groups: α herpesviruses, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.
17. Except which one is not useful in the treatment of viruses?
[A] acyclovir
[B] interferon
[C] penicillin
[D] antibodies
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [penicillin]
Notes:
Acyclovir is a synthetic guanosine analog. It is used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections. Antibiotics are useless against viral infections.
18. Syphilis is caused by which of the following bacteria?
[A] Treponema pallidum
[B] Yersinia pestis
[C] Neisseria gonorrhoeae
[D] Campylobacter
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Treponema pallidum]
Notes:
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum and it is spread through contact with a wound of an infected person during sexual activity.
19. Which of the following is an indicator of SO2 pollution of air?
[A] Puffballs
[B] Mushrooms
[C] Mosses
[D] Lichens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lichens]
Notes:
Lichens are good indicators of sulfur dioxide pollution in the environment. Lichens are relationships between fungi and algae.
20. Equisetum is an example of__?
[A] bryophytes
[B] pteridophytes
[C] Gymnosperms
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [pteridophytes]
Notes:
Equisetum is an example of pteridophytes. Hornworts, liverworts, and mosses are all examples of bryophytes. Cycas, pinus, Thuja, Cedrus, Abies, Larix are some of the examples of gymnosperms.
