Vitamins And Their Deficiency Diseases (Biology) (Part-I)

Total Questions: 32

1. Which vitamin provides immunity? [C.P.O. S.I. 11.06.2016 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (b) A
Solution:Vitamin A (Vit A) is a micronutrient crucial for maintaining vision, promoting growth and development, and protecting epithelium and mucus integrity in the body. Vit A is known as an anti-inflammation vitamin because of its critical role in enhancing immune function.

2. Xerophthalmia is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin ______. [S.S.C. Online Graduate Level (T-I) 4.03.2020 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (a) A
Solution:Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye disease caused by severe Vitamin A deficiency. It starts with night blindness and can progress to severe dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, leading to corneal ulceration, scarring, and ultimately irreversible blindness. Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for the proper functioning of the retina and the health of the conjunctiva and cornea.
  • K: Deficiency leads to bleeding disorders.
  • D: Deficiency leads to rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults).
  • C: Deficiency leads to scurvy.

3. Many eye-related diseases are caused mainly due to the deficiency of : [S.S.C. JE Mechanical Exam 27.01.2020 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (c) Vitamin A
Solution:Vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of various eye problems, including night blindness and xerophthalmia, which can lead to permanent blindness. It is crucial for the proper function of photoreceptor cells in the retina and for maintaining the health of the conjunctiva and cornea.
  • Vitamin K: Not primarily associated with eye diseases.
  • Vitamin D: Not primarily associated with eye diseases, though some research suggests a potential link to age-related macular degeneration, but not a primary cause of many eye diseases.
  • Vitamin C: While important for overall health, its deficiency doesn't primarily cause eye-related diseases in the same way as Vitamin A.

4. Which of the following vitamins is also known as Retinol? [S.S.C. JE Mechanical Exam 27.01.2020 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (b) Vitamin A
Solution:Retinol is the active form of Vitamin A and is the chemical name by which Vitamin A is often referred. The term "retinol" comes from its importance in the retina of the eye.
  • (a) Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid
  • (c) Vitamin K: Phylloquinone (K₁) and Menaquinone (K₂)
  • (d) Vitamin D: Calciferol (D₂) and Cholecalciferol (D₃)

5. Vitamin A deficiency results in ______. [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 10.01.2017 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (c) Xerophthalmia
Solution:Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye disease caused by severe Vitamin A deficiency. It starts with night blindness and can progress to severe dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, leading to corneal ulceration, scarring, and ultimately irreversible blindness. Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for the proper functioning of the retina and the health of the conjunctiva and cornea.

6. Which of the following diseases marked by dementia, diarrhoea, and dermatitis, is also known as ‘the three Ds’? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 22.10.2021 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (d) Pellagra
Solution:Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin (Vitamin B₃). Its classic symptoms are often referred to as "the three Ds":
  • Dermatitis: A symmetrical, photosensitive rash, often appearing on areas exposed to the sun.
  • Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • Dementia: Neurological symptoms including confusion, memory loss, and depression. If left untreated, a fourth 'D' – death – can occur.

7. Deficiency of which of the following causes pellagra disease? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 21.08.2019 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (d) Niacin
Solution:Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin (Vitamin B₃). Its classic symptoms are often referred to as "the three Ds":
  • Dermatitis: A symmetrical, photosensitive rash, often appearing on areas exposed to the sun.
  • Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • Dementia: Neurological symptoms including confusion, memory loss, and depression. If left untreated, a fourth 'D' – death – can occur.

8. Cobalamin is the scientific name of Vitamin ______. [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 14.08.2019 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (c) B₁₂
Solution:Cobalamin is the general term for a group of cobalt-containing compounds that have Vitamin B₁₂ activity. Cyanocobalamin is a common synthetic form of Vitamin B₁₂ used in supplements.

E: Tocopherols and tocotrienols
C: Ascorbic acid
B₁: Thiamine

9. Vitamin B₁₂ is generally NOT present in: [S.S.C. Online C.H.S.L. (T-I) 4.08.2021 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (d) Plant foods
Solution:Vitamin B₁₂ is almost exclusively found in animal products. It is synthesized by bacteria, and animals obtain it through their diet or by bacterial synthesis in their gut. Therefore, vegans (who avoid all animal products) are at risk of Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and often need to take supplements or consume fortified foods.

10. Which of the following vitamins is also called “cyanocobalamin”? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 22.10.2021 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (b) Vitamin B₁₂
Solution:Vitamin B₁₂ is not usually found in plant-based foods, rather it is found in animal-derived foods such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Vitamin B₁₂ contains an element called cobalt (Co). This vitamin is also known as cyanocobalamin. It is a water soluble vitamin and is beneficial for the health of the nervous system of the body. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency leads to pernicious anemia.