General Science Questions (MCQs) for Competitive Examinations

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Linseed are the seeds of the flax plant, which are the source of linseed oil and linseed cake. Flax is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. Linseed is one of the most potent sources of omega- 3 fatty acids found in nature.

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A tannin is an astringent, bitter plant polyphenolic compound that binds to and precipitates proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids. It refers to the use of wood tannins from oak in tanning animal hides into leather.

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In citrus fruits such as oranges, the nucleus cells that surround the embryo start dividing and protrude into the embryo sac. These develop into embryos; thus resulting in the presence of more than one embryo inside each ovule. This condition is known as polyembryony.

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Anaemia is a condition that develops when blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. The three main types of Anaemia are due to blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell breakdown. Causes of decreased production include iron deficiency, a lack of vitamin B12, thalassemia, and a number of neoplasms of the bone marrow.

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True berries, such as blueberries and cranberries have seeds inside. The strawberry, however has its dry, yellow “seeds” on the outside (each of which is actually considered a separate fruit). The “seeds” seen on the outside of a strawberry are actually the plant’s ovaries and are called “achnes.”

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Oxygen liberated during photosynthesis comes from the splitting or hydrolysis of water in the green plants. Cornelius van Niel experimentally proved for the first time that the oxygen liberated during photosynthesis comes from water and not from carbon dioxide. Oxygen is expelled out of plants and Hydrogen is used to reduce Carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates.

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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.

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Technically, the largest organ in the body is the liver. Liver is also the heaviest organ, with an average of 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds). The largest organ ‘of’ the body is the skin (the skin is ‘outside’ the body).

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Bioremediation is a waste management technique that involves the use of organisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site. It uses naturally occurring organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances. There are two classes of bioremediation used : In situ and Ex situ.

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As exercise commences pulmonary ventilation (breathing) increases in direct proportion to the intensity and metabolic needs of the exercise. During heavy exercise, breathing rate in an average adult person can increase upto 25 per minute.