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
41
What does the term 'asymptomatic carrier' mean in the context of infectious diseases?
Answer:
A person who is infected but shows no symptoms of the disease
An asymptomatic carrier is an individual who carries a pathogen and can transmit it to others but does not experience any symptoms themselves. This makes them 'silent' spreaders, as neither they nor those around them realize they are infected.
42
Which mode of transmission is responsible for spreading the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?
Answer:
Exchange of infected body fluids
HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common routes include unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
43
Ringworm is a common skin infection characterized by a red, itchy, circular rash. What type of pathogen causes this condition?
Answer:
Fungus
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm; it is a fungal infection of the skin. Fungi called dermatophytes thrive on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails, leading to the characteristic circular lesions.
44
Which microorganism causes 'Oral Thrush', a condition where white patches appear on the tongue and mouth?
Answer:
A fungus (yeast) called Candida
Oral thrush is a yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. While Candida is normally present in the mouth in small amounts, it can overgrow if the immune system is weakened or if the balance of 'good' bacteria is disrupted by antibiotics.
45
Which of these is a protozoan disease transmitted by the bite of a sandfly?
Answer:
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies and can cause skin ulcers or affect internal organs.
46
Which of the following is a bacterial disease that often enters the body through deep cuts or wounds, leading to muscle stiffness?
Answer:
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in soil and manure. When it enters a wound, it produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, causing painful muscle contractions, particularly in the jaw and neck (lockjaw).
47
Which of the following is an example of an 'airborne' disease?
Answer:
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can also spread through contact with the fluid from the blisters, but the airborne route is a major pathway.
48
Which of the following describes the transmission of 'Chickenpox'?
Answer:
Direct contact with the blisters or inhalation of airborne droplets
Chickenpox (Varicella) is highly contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and also by direct contact with the fluid that leaks from the itchy, fluid-filled blisters (rash).
49
What is the primary way 'Polio' is transmitted?
Answer:
Through the fecal-oral route (contaminated food or water)
The poliovirus is mainly spread through the fecal-oral route. This often happens in areas with poor sanitation where the virus from the feces of an infected person contaminates the water supply or food eaten by others.
50
Which of the following is a key preventive measure against waterborne diseases like Typhoid and Dysentery?
Answer:
Boiling or treating drinking water
Since waterborne pathogens are ingested, ensuring that drinking water is free from contamination is the most effective prevention. Boiling water kills most bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making it safe for consumption.