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
81
Which hormone, produced by adipose (fat) tissue, acts to suppress appetite and regulate long-term energy balance?
Answer:
Leptin
Leptin is known as the 'satiety hormone.' It signals the brain that the body has enough fat stores, thereby reducing appetite and preventing overeating.
82
Which medical condition requires a strict lifelong gluten-free diet?
Answer:
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) leads to damage in the small intestine. Currently, the only treatment is total avoidance of gluten.
83
Which of the following is the primary source of 'added sugars' in the typical Western diet?
Answer:
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened teas are the largest contributors of added sugars in many diets, providing high amounts of 'empty' calories with no significant nutritional value.
84
What is the primary role of antioxidants like Vitamin E and Beta-carotene in the body?
Answer:
Neutralize free radicals
Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage DNA and cell membranes, potentially leading to chronic diseases.
85
Which mineral deficiency is the most common cause of goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)?
Answer:
Iodine
Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. When iodine intake is low, the thyroid gland enlarges in an attempt to capture more iodine from the blood, resulting in a goiter.
86
Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?
Answer:
Vitamin E
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they are absorbed along with dietary fats and stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver. B-vitamins and Vitamin C are water-soluble.
87
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure used to rank foods based on their effect on:
Answer:
Blood glucose levels
The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels after eating. High GI foods cause rapid spikes, while low GI foods are digested more slowly.
88
Which hormone is secreted by the stomach to signal hunger to the brain?
Answer:
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is often called the 'hunger hormone.' Levels increase before meals when the stomach is empty and decrease after eating, acting on the hypothalamus to stimulate appetite.
89
Which B-vitamin is highly recommended for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus?
Answer:
Folic Acid (Folate)
Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Adequate intake during early pregnancy is crucial for the proper closure of the neural tube, preventing defects like spina bifida.
90
Which condition is caused by a severe deficiency of dietary protein despite an adequate intake of total calories?
Answer:
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition that occurs when there is sufficient calorie intake but insufficient protein. It is characterized by edema (swelling), particularly a distended abdomen, and thinning hair.