Biology MCQs
Topic Notes: Biology
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
61
Which essential vitamin is chemically identified as ascorbic acid?
Answer:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. Its chemical name is L-ascorbic acid, and it plays a critical role in collagen synthesis and as an antioxidant.
62
What biological source is utilized in the manufacturing of chromic catgut surgical sutures?
Answer:
Sheep gut
Despite the misleading name, catgut sutures are derived from the processed submucosa of sheep intestines. The 'chromic' designation indicates that the collagen fibers have been treated with chromium salts, which cross-link the protein strands. This chemical modification significantly increases the suture's resistance to enzymatic degradation, allowing it to maintain tensile strength for a longer duration within the body.
63
Which of the following amino acids is considered the simplest due to its side chain consisting of only a single hydrogen atom?
Answer:
glycine
Glycine is the simplest amino acid because its R-group is a single hydrogen atom. This small size allows glycine to fit into tight spaces within protein structures where other amino acids would be sterically hindered. Because the side chain is just a hydrogen atom, glycine is also the only achiral amino acid among the twenty standard proteinogenic amino acids.
64
Which chemical component constitutes the largest percentage of the total mass in a typical mammalian cell?
Answer:
Water
Water is the most abundant chemical component in all living cells, typically accounting for 70% to 90% of the total cellular mass. It serves as the universal solvent for biochemical reactions, provides structural support, and is essential for the transport of nutrients and waste products within the organism.
65
How do bio-elements typically combine to form biological molecules?
Answer:
ionic and covalent bonding
Bio-elements combine to form complex biological molecules through various chemical interactions. While covalent bonding is the most common method for forming the stable backbones of organic molecules, ionic bonding also plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids.
66
How are vitamins B and C categorized based on their solubility?
Answer:
water-soluble vitamins
Vitamins are categorized into two groups based on solubility: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Vitamins B-complex and C are water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water and are not stored in significant amounts in the body, requiring regular dietary intake to maintain adequate levels.
67
Which type of chemical bond is frequently cleaved during specific oxidation-reduction reactions in biological systems?
Answer:
C-S
Oxidation-reduction reactions involve the transfer of electrons. In various biochemical pathways, the cleavage of carbon-sulfur (C-S) bonds is a significant feature, particularly in reactions involving thioesters or sulfur-containing amino acids. These bonds are susceptible to cleavage due to the specific electronic properties of sulfur, facilitating the transfer of electrons and energy in metabolic processes.
68
What is the valence state of a carbon atom?
Answer:
Tetravalent
A carbon atom has four valence electrons in its outer shell, allowing it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms. This tetravalency is the fundamental reason carbon can form the complex, branched, and ring-like structures necessary for the diverse molecules found in biological systems.
69
What is the chemical nature of a peptide bond?
Answer:
C-N link
A peptide bond is a specific type of covalent bond formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another. This reaction releases a water molecule and creates a stable carbon-nitrogen (C-N) linkage, which forms the backbone of all polypeptide chains and proteins.
70
To which class of biological macromolecules do interferons, which function as antiviral agents, belong?
Answer:
proteins
Interferons are a group of signaling proteins released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses. As proteins, they are synthesized from amino acids and play a critical role in the innate immune response by inhibiting viral replication and modulating the immune system.