General Science Questions (MCQs) for Competitive Examinations

Notes:
Liver is considered as the biochemical laboratory of the human body. It synthesizes and secretes at least four important hormones and has a wide range of functions, including detoxification of various metabolites, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It is tied to all bodily processes because it is responsible for filtration of all incoming foods and fluids. Some of the most important functions (among 500 functions carried out by it) are:
• Metabolizes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, thus providing energy and nutrients
• Stores vitamins, minerals, and sugars
• Filters the blood and helps remove harmful chemicals and bacteria
• Creates bile which breaks down fats Helps to assimilate and store fat soluble vitamins (A, E, D, K); etc.

Notes:
Eccrine glands, sometimes called merocrine glands, are the major sweat glands of the human body. The specific function of sweat glands is to secrete water upon the surface so that it can cool the skin when it evaporates. The purpose of the glands on the palms and soles, however, is to keep these surfaces damp, to prevent flaking or hardening of the horny layer, and thus to maintain tactile sensibility. The eccrine gland opens out through the sweat pore.

Notes:
Gambusia affinis, also known as Mosquito fish, is a species of freshwater fish that is introduced directly into ecosystems as a biocontrol to lower mosquito populations. The diet of this fish sometimes consists of large numbers of mosquito larvae. Gambusia affinis has turned out to be indispensable to modern Mosquito/Malaria control programs in countries such as Iran.

Notes:
Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues including vital organs such as the heart and brain. When CO is inhaled, it combines with the oxygen carrying haemoglobin of the blood to form carboxy-haemoglobin (COHb). Once combined with the Haemoglobin, that haemoglobin is no longer available for transporting oxygen.

Notes:
The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program aims to combat hepatitis and achieve country wide elimination of Hepatitis C by 2030. Launched on 28 July, 2018, it also aims to achieve significant reduction in the infected population, morbidity and mortality associated with Hepatitis B and C viz. Cirrhosis and Hepato-cellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Notes:
The term xerophyte refers to a plant species that has evolved over time to adapt to dry and arid regions like deserts. Xerophytes have adapted to be able to keep extremely large amounts of water for a long period of time. Without this capability, the plant would die, as the desert region itself does not provide enough water to sustain life. They have thick cuticle, sunken stomata and leaves modified in form of spines such as in opuntia.

Notes:
Plaster of Paris is a plaster made by calcining gypsum.
CaSO4•1/2?H2?O.
It can be used to impregnate gauze bandages to make a sculpting material called modroc. It is used to make classic plaster orthopedic casts to protect limbs with broken bones.

Notes:
Haemoglobin is oxygen-carrying pigment and predominant protein in the red blood cells. Haemoglobin is an iron-containing biomolecule. It is made up of four haem groups and globin. The haem groups contain iron atoms that can bind reversibly to oxygen molecules.

Notes:
Radon is used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Radon is the heaviest known gas, is radioactive and is essentially inert. At ordinary temperatures, radon is a colorless gas, but when it is cooled below its freezing point it gains stunning phosphorescence. One problem with radiation therapy is that it often kills healthy tissue alongside cancerous tissue.

Notes:
DNA profiling (genetic finger printing) is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a person’s DNA makeup, which can also be used as the person’s identifier. Each individual has unique VNTR numbers and pattern except maternal twins.