Q1. The content of water is greater than fats, the plasma is more than proteins, proteins are more than fats and fats less than plasma. Which constitutes the major Part of the human body ?
(a) Fats
(b) Water
(c) Plasma
(d) Proteins
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (b) Water
Explanation:
The human body is composed mostly of water, which makes up about 60–70% of body weight. It is more abundant than plasma, proteins, or fats, and plays a critical role in physiological processes like temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and cellular function.
Q2. Dialysis is used for a patient suffering from
(a) Kidney trouble
(b) Liver trouble
(c) Lung trouble
(d) Bronchitis
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Kidney trouble
Explanation:
Dialysis is a medical procedure used when the kidneys fail to filter waste products from the blood. It removes toxins, excess salts, and fluids, like the function of healthy kidneys. It is essential for patients with renal failure.
Q3. Pulse reading is done by doctors to find out
(a) Temperature
(b) Heart beat
(c) Blood pressure
(d) Respiration rate
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (b) Heart beat
Explanation:
Pulse reading involves feeling the rhythmic throbbing of arteries, which reflects the heartbeat. It helps assess the rate, rhythm, and strength of the heart, providing vital information about cardiovascular health.
Q4. After how many days rash appears on the body after the attack of Measles ?
(a) One day
(b) Four days
(c) Six days
(d) One week
Answer: (a) One day
Explanation:
In measles, the rash typically appears within one day after the onset of initial symptoms like fever, cough, and conjunctivitis. The rash starts on the face and spreads downward, marking the progression of the viral infection.
Q5. If a large number of people are enclosed in a room, then
(a) Oxygen decreases and carbon dioxide increases
(b) Oxygen increases and carbon dioxide decrease
(c) Both oxygen and carbon dioxide decrease
(d) Both oxygen and carbon dioxide increase
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Oxygen decreases and carbon dioxide increases
Explanation:
In a closed room with many people, oxygen is consumed during respiration and carbon dioxide is released. This leads to a drop in oxygen levels and a rise in carbon dioxide concentration, which can cause discomfort or health issues if ventilation is poor.
Q6. Which of the following is not immunised by ‘Triple Antigen’ ?
(a) Typhoid
(b) Whooping cough
(c) Tetanus
(d) Diphtheria
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Typhoid
Explanation:
The Triple Antigen vaccine protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping cough), and Tetanus. Typhoid is caused by a different bacterium and requires a separate vaccine, hence it is not covered by the triple antigen.
Q7. Decrease in white blood cells results in
(a) Decrease in Antibodies
(b) Increase in Antigens
(c) Increase in Antibodies
(d) No change
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Decrease in Antibodies
Explanation:
White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for the immune system, especially in producing antibodies that fight infections. A decline in WBC count leads to reduced antibody production, making the body more vulnerable to diseases.
Q8. In India people suffer from Anaemia due to lack of
(a) Iron
(b) Iodine
(c) Calcium
(d) Potassium
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Iron
Explanation:
Anaemia is commonly caused by iron deficiency, which leads to reduced hemoglobin levels in the blood. In India, nutritional deficiencies, especially among women and children, contribute significantly to the prevalence of anaemia.
Q9. Reserprine derived from the plant ‘Serpentina’ is used to
(a) Alleviate pains
(b) Alleviate high blood pressure
(c) Alleviate low blood pressure
(d) Cure rickets
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (b) Alleviate high blood pressure
Explanation:
Reserpine, extracted from Rauwolfia serpentina, is a natural alkaloid used to treat hypertension. It works by reducing nerve impulses, thereby lowering blood pressure and calming the nervous system.
Q10. In summer, man with excess perspiration feels weak, because of the
(a) Loss of more water through evaporation
(b) Loss of salts through evaporation
(c) Loss of carbohydrates through evaporation
(d) All factors mentioned above
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Loss of more water through evaporation
Explanation: Excessive sweating in summer leads to loss of body fluids, primarily water, causing dehydration. This results in fatigue, dizziness, and a feeling of weakness. Though some salts are lost, the major contributor to weakness is water loss.
Q11. The function of the liver is to
(a) Promote digestion of food
(b) Promote respiration
(c) Store glucose as glucogen
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (c) Store glucose as glucogen
Explanation: The liver plays a central role in metabolism, including converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage. This glycogen can be converted back into glucose when needed, helping regulate blood sugar levels. It also aids in detoxification and bile production.
Q12. In high mountain regions bleeding through nose occurs because
(a) The pressure of the blood capillaries is higher than the outside pressure
(b) The pressure at high altitudes is greater than that in the plains
(c) The blood pressure increases at high altitudes
(d) The blood pressure decreases at high altitudes
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) The pressure of the blood capillaries is higher than the outside pressure
Explanation:
At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure drops significantly, but the internal pressure in blood capillaries remains unchanged. This pressure difference causes capillaries in the nose to rupture, leading to nosebleeds, a common symptom of altitude sickness.
Q12. The term ‘Test Tube Baby’ implies
(a) Fertilisation of ovum takes place in the test tube but it develops in uterus
(b) Fertilisation of ovum takes place in the test tube and develops in the test tube itself
(c) Fertilisation of the ovum takes place in the uterus but develops in the test tube
(d) Fertilisation takes place in uterus and embryo develops in uterus
(UPSC Prelims, 1979)
Answer: (a) Fertilisation of ovum takes place in the test tube but it develops in uterus
Explanation: A test tube baby refers to a child conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where the egg and sperm are fertilised outside the body, typically in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryo is then implanted into the uterus, where it develops naturally.
