Biology (Part-II) (UPSC)

Total Questions: 50

1. The normal temperature of human on Kelvin scale is: [1995]

Correct Answer: (d) 310
Solution:Normal body temperature of human is 37° C. But when we convert 37° C into Kelvin it becomes 310 K because 0° C = 0°C+273 273 K , 37°C = 37°+273 = 310 K
In Kelvin’s scale, the zero point is 273.15 below that of the Celsius scale. The true origin of the universe, if it had one, remains a mystery for the present and likely will remain one far into the future.
Each division in the kelvin scale called a kelvin (K) is equal to a degree on the Celsius scale, but the difference is where zero is. In the Celsius scale 0o is the freezing point of water while in the Kelvin scale the zero point is at absolute zero. Therefore, 0K is equal to -273.15oC, 0oC is equal to 273.15 kelvins. The kelvin scale is used for very low or very high temperatures when water is not involved.
The kelvin scale of heat measurement differs from the centigrade and Fahrenheit scales in that it starts from absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature. In which there is no energy whatsoever present. The centigrade scale assigns 0o to the temperature at which water freezes and 100o to the temperature at which it boils, while in the Fahrenheit scale water freezes at 32o and boils at 212o. The kelvin scale otherwise follows the centigrade scale. Absolute zero is -273.15oC and -459.67oF, water freezes at 273.15oK and boils at 373.15oK

2. Which of the following elements are present in all proteins? [1995]

1. Carbon

2. Hydrogen

3. Oxygen

4. Nitrogen

Codes:

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution:Protein is a complex organic compound of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen. It is a long chain molecule composed of amino acids (R-CH(NH2) COOH) joined by peptide bonds.
• Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of long chains of amino acids. They perform a wide variety of functions in the body, including structural support, catalyzing biochemical reactions (as enzymes), transporting molecules, and defending against pathogens (as antibodies). Proteins are essential for growth, tissue repair, and maintaining proper bodily functions.
• Each protein’s structure is determined by its amino acid sequence, and the function is closely tied to its three-dimensional shape.
• The body synthesizes proteins based on genetic instructions in DNA, and they are found in all living organisms. Examples of proteins include hemoglobin, insulin, and collagen.

3. Which one of the following hormones contains iodine? [1995]

Correct Answer: (a) Thyroxine
Solution:Thyroxine hormone and tri-iodothyronine hormone are secreted by thyroid follicular cells of thyroid gland. The major component of thyroxine hormone is iodine. Deficiency of iodine causes goitre in human.
Iodine is present in the 5th period and 17th group of the modern periodic table, along with other halogens. It is represented by the symbol “I” and exists as a purple-colored solid at room temperature and pressure. It contains an atomic number of 53 and an atomic mass of 126.9 g mol–1. Like other halogens, it possesses 7 electrons in its outermost shell. It gains an electron resulting in the formation of a completely filled octet in the outermost shell of the element.

4. By Weaving threads of physics, chemistry and biology into a rich tapestry, this remarkable scientist provided a unifying molecular view of the world. He touted the wonderful properties of Vitamin C, first as a cure of common cold and later as preventing agent against cancer." One of science's major figures of all time referred to above is: [1995]

Correct Answer: (b) Linus Carl Pauling
Solution:Linus Carl Pauling is much known for his controversial thesis proposing that high dose of vitamin- C would help not only in prevention of common cold but also in prevention of cancer.

Linus Carl Pauling is the only person to have received two unshared Nobel prizes in 1954 for chemistry and in 1962 for peace.

5. "It begins as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. But scientists are steadily unlocking its mysteries and the fight against it, may now have reached a dramatic turning point. New discoveries promise better therapies and hope in the war against....". The disease referred to in the above quotation is: [1995]

Correct Answer: (a) Cancer
Solution:Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal cell growth and later results to tumour when a tumour successfully spreads to other parts of the body and starts invading and destroying other healthy tissues. Cancers are classified as carcinomas, sarcomas and melanoma according to the tissues.
Doctors divide cancer into types based on where it begins. Four main types of cancer are:
• Carcinomas: A carcinoma begins in the skin or the tissue that covers the surface of internal organs and glands. Carcinomas usually form solid tumors. They are the most common type of cancer. Examples of carcinomas include prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal.
• Sarcomas: A sarcoma begins in the tissues that support and connect the body. A sarcoma can develop in fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, or bone.
• Leukemias: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Leukemia begins when healthy blood cells change and grow uncontrollably. The 4 main types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia.
• Lymphomas: Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection. There are 2 main types of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

6. Of the four landmarks in medical history given below, which one was the first to take place? [1996]

Correct Answer: (d) Plastic surgery
Solution:Organ transplant : 1954, Bypass surgery : 1960 , Test tube baby : 1978 , Plastic surgery : 1827

Sushruta is known as the ‘Father of Surgery’. He was among the first people in history to propose that surgical students should learn about the human body and its organs by dissecting a dead body.
Sushruta induced anaesthesia using intoxicants like wine and henbane for a successful surgery.
He specialized in rhinoplasty (plastic surgery) and ophthalmology (cataract ejection).
 India was the first place where rhinoplasty (developed by Sushruta) was invented and used, and even modern science agrees with this.

7. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the disease which causes the death of the largest number of people today is : [1996]

Correct Answer: (b) Tuberculosis
Solution:Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection is caused by drinking infected milk, breathing in infected dust, droplet infection through having germs coughed in the face.
Symptoms of TB
  • Persistent cough for more than 3 weeks, often with blood.
  • Weight loss, night sweats, high fever, fatigue.
  • Loss of appetite, chest pain, swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment & Prevention

  • Curable with Antibiotics: Requires 6-18 months of medication.
  • BCG Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides moderate protection, mainly for severe TB in infants and children.

8. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the disease which causes the death of the largest number of people today is : [1996]

Correct Answer: (b) Tuberculosis
Solution:Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other body parts such as the abdomen, glands, bones, and nervous system. It spreads through airborne transmission, mainly inhaling tiny droplets released from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
Symptoms of TB
  • Persistent cough for more than 3 weeks, often with blood.
  • Weight loss, night sweats, high fever, fatigue.
  • Loss of appetite, chest pain, swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment & Prevention

  • Curable with Antibiotics: Requires 6-18 months of medication.
  • BCG Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides moderate protection, mainly for severe TB in infants and children.

9. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below: [1996]

List-I List-II 
A. Vitamin1. Pepsin
B. Enzyme2. Carotene
C. Hormone3. Keratin
D. Protein4. Progesterone

Codes:

ABCD
(a)1234
(b)2143
(c)2134
(d)1243
Correct Answer: (b)
Solution:Vitamin A group includes retinol. Their parent carotene is a vitamin substance as ẞ- carotene. Pepsin is an enzyme produced in stomach, which digest protein. Progesterone is a hormone, produced in human ovary. Keratin is a protein. The main component of hair and nail is keratin.

10. Which of the following are associated with Diabetes mellitus, a common disease in adults? [1996]

1. Higher sugar level in blood

2. Lower sugar level in blood

3. Lower insulin level in blood

4. Higher insulin level in blood

Select the correct answer by using the codes given below:

Codes:

Correct Answer: (d) 1 and 3
Solution:Diabetes mellitus is caused due to deficiency of insulin hormone. The hormone insulin maintains the blood sugar in body. Deficiency of insulin in human body causes increase the sugar level in blood, which leads to Diabetes mellitus.
Based on the provided image, here is the extracted text:
  • Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas can no longer make insulin, or the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces.
  • Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.
  • Not being able to produce or use insulin effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood, known as hyperglycaemia.
  • Over the long-term high glucose levels are associated with damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues.
  • Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.