General Science/Everyday Science MCQs
Topic Notes: General Science/Everyday Science
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
31
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. Which microorganism is responsible for TB?
Answer:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Bacterium)
Tuberculosis is caused by a specific type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an airborne pathogen that can stay suspended in the air for hours, making it highly transmissible in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.
32
Which of the following describes a 'pandemic'?
Answer:
An epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents
A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale. The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent example where the virus spread rapidly across every continent, affecting millions of people worldwide.
33
What is the specific role of a 'vector' in the spread of diseases like Malaria or Dengue?
Answer:
It is an organism that carries and transmits a pathogen to another living being
A vector is an intermediary organism, often an arthropod like a mosquito or tick, that picks up a pathogen from one host and transmits it to another. In the case of Malaria, the female Anopheles mosquito acts as the vector for the Plasmodium parasite.
34
Which of the following practices is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of many infectious diseases in daily life?
Answer:
Regular handwashing with soap and water
Handwashing is the single most effective way to remove pathogens from the hands before they can enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes, or be passed on to other people and surfaces.
35
Antibiotics are powerful medicines, but they are only effective against which group of pathogens?
Answer:
Bacteria
Antibiotics work by targeting specific biological structures in bacteria, such as the cell wall or bacterial ribosomes. Because viruses lack these structures and rely on host cells for replication, antibiotics have no effect on viral infections.
36
The MMR vaccine provides protection against which three diseases?
Answer:
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against Measles (a respiratory virus with a rash), Mumps (swelling of salivary glands), and Rubella (German measles). It is a standard part of childhood immunization schedules.
37
How do 'Antiviral' drugs differ from 'Antibiotics'?
Answer:
Antivirals inhibit the development of viruses, while antibiotics kill bacteria
Antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing. Antivirals do not 'kill' viruses (as viruses aren't technically alive); instead, they interfere with the virus's ability to enter a host cell, replicate its genetic material, or exit the cell.
38
How is the bacterium 'Vibrio cholerae', which causes Cholera, typically transmitted to humans?
Answer:
Through contaminated food and water
Cholera is a classic waterborne disease. The bacteria are shed in the feces of infected people and can contaminate water supplies or food handled with poor hygiene. Ingesting this contaminated material leads to severe intestinal infection and rapid dehydration.
39
Why is it important to complete a full course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor?
Answer:
To prevent the bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance
If a patient stops taking antibiotics early, the weaker bacteria might be killed, but the more resilient ones may survive and multiply. These surviving bacteria can develop resistance to the drug, making future infections much harder to treat.
40
Which of these diseases is prevented by the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine?
Answer:
Tuberculosis
The BCG vaccine is primarily used against Tuberculosis (TB). It is often administered to infants and small children in countries where TB is common to protect them from severe forms of the disease, such as TB meningitis.