General Science Questions (MCQs) for Competitive Examinations

Notes:
Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs) do not contain mitochondria when matured. These are the site of aerobic respiration. They they also lack the oxidative enzymes that are required for aerobic respiration. For this reason, Embden-Meyerhof pathway is used to process glucose and thus obtain energy. This is an anaerobic energy producing process that has been shown to use glycogen in the absence of glucose.

Notes:
Cod liver oil is the oil extracted from the livers of Atlantic cod. It is commonly taken as a dietary supplement and is packed full of nutrients. It is one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and it contains relatively high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D. It is a vital nutrient for immune system function, cellular growth, eye health, and reproduction. It decreases blood clot formation and reduce inflammation in the body.

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:
Blood pressure is usually expressed in terms of the systolic (maximum) pressure over diastolic (minimum) pressure and is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). It is one of the vital signs along with respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. Normal resting blood pressure in an adult is approximately 120/80 mm Hg.

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The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) was founded in 1895. It provides and regulates a uniform system of zoological nomenclature ensuring that every animal has a unique and universally accepted scientific name.

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Metamorphosis is a process by which animals undergo extreme, rapid physical changes some time after birth. Commonly known examples of metamorphosis include the process undergone by most insects, and the transformation of tadpoles into frogs. Hormones called molting and juvenile hormones, which are not species specific, apparently regulate the changes.

Notes:
Dengue virus is the cause of dengue fever. Dengue virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the species Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus. This mosquito also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika infection. Dengue is widespread throughout the tropics, with local variations in risk influenced by rainfall, temperature and unplanned rapid urbanization.

Notes:
Swine flu is a disease of pigs that can, in rare cases, be passed to humans. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many Influenza A viruses. The disease is spread among pigs by direct and indirect contact, aerosols, and from pigs that are infected but do not have symptoms.

Notes:
A typical adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones. Individuals may have more or fewer bones than this owing to anatomical variations. These include: 22 Cranial and Facial Bones; 6 Ear Bones; 1 Throat Bone; 4 Shoulder Bones; 25 Chest Bones; 26 Vertebral Bones; 6 Arm and Forearm Bones; 54 Hand Bones; 2 Pelvic Bones; 8 Leg Bones; and 52 Foot Bones.

Notes:
Prothallus is usually the gametophytic stage in the life of a fern or other pteridophyte. The prothallium develops from a germinating spore. It is a shortlived and inconspicuous heart-shaped structure.