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Balanced Diet Questions

Chapter: Health & Diseases | Total Available: 24 Real Questions

Question 1 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following is caused by abacterial pathogen?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option D is correct. Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterial pathogen.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

Typhoid fever is primarily caused by Salmonella typhi, a Gram-negative bacterium.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

Typhoid fever transmission occurs through ingestion of contaminated food and water, leading to:

  • High fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation

The bacterium can survive in water and food, especially in unsanitary conditions.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • AIDS: Caused by the HIV virus (viral pathogen).
  • Dengue fever: Caused by the dengue virus (viral pathogen).
  • COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (viral pathogen).

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "Typhoid is the 'T' in Bacteria" to recall that typhoid is bacterial, while others in the options are viral.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Include a flowchart illustrating the transmission pathway of Salmonella typhi from contaminated food/water to infected individuals, highlighting symptoms and prevention methods.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter on Diseases.

Question 2 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?

1. Malaria: Mycobacterium

2. TB: Plasmodium

Select the answer using the code given below:

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
✓

1. Correct Answer

Option D is correct. [Neither pair is matched correctly]

📖 Core Concept

This question tests knowledge of diseases and their causative agents, specifically identifying the organisms responsible for malaria and tuberculosis.

💡 3. Explanation

Malaria is primarily caused by the parasite Plasmodium, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It leads to symptoms like fever, chills, and flu-like illness. On the other hand, tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, causing respiratory issues such as a persistent cough, chest pain, and fever. Hence, both the pairs mentioned in the question are incorrect.

❌ 4. Option Analysis

  • •Option A: Incorrect because malaria is caused by Plasmodium, not Mycobacterium.
  • •Option B: Incorrect because TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not Plasmodium.
  • •Option C: Incorrect because neither of the pairs is matched correctly.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember: "Plasmodium for Mosquito, Mycobacterium for Cough" helps recall the causative agents for malaria and tuberculosis.

🎯

5. Key Takeaways

Know the primary causative agents of major diseases: Plasmodium for malaria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis for TB.

Question 3 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the lists 

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

1. Correct Answer

✓

1. Correct Answer

Option C is correct. [Temperature is measured in Kelvin, Weight in Newton, Mass in Kilogram, Pressure in Pascal]

Short Explanation

📖 Short Explanation

This question tests your knowledge of the SI units for different physical quantities like temperature, weight, mass, and pressure.

3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

💡 3. Why Correct Answer is Correct

The reasoning behind the correct option C is based on the International System of Units (SI):

  • Temperature is measured in Kelvin. It's the base SI unit for temperature.
  • Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object, hence it's measured in Newton, which is the SI unit for force.
  • Mass is the amount of matter in an object, measured in Kilograms. This is the base unit for mass in the SI system.
  • Pressure is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area, measured in Pascal (Pa).

4. Why Other Options are Wrong

❌ 4. Why Other Options are Wrong

  • •Option A: Incorrect because it wrongly lists Newton as the SI unit for weight, Kelvin for temperature, and Pascal for pressure but has no correct options for mass.
  • •Option B: Incorrect as it incorrectly matches Pascal and Newton to wrong quantities without any link to the base units.
  • •Option D: Incorrect as it mistakenly identifies units for mass and weight and pressure without adhering to the SI units mapping.
⚡

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember "King Newton Caught Pascal" - Temperature (Kelvin), Weight (Newton), Mass (Kilogram), Pressure (Pascal)

5. Key Learning Point

🎯

5. Key Learning Point

Understanding SI units is crucial for relating physical quantities accurately and is a key concept in physics and engineering examinations.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Consider a chart diagram aligning each physical phenomenon like temperature, mass, pressure, etc., with their respective SI unit, associating concepts with respective units and symbols for visual learners.

Question 4 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

The optimum pH at which the enzymes pepsin and trypsin of the human alimentary canal works are

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. Pepsin and trypsin operate optimally in highly differing pH environments.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

Pepsin is an enzyme that digests proteins in the acidic environment of the stomach, while trypsin functions in the slightly alkaline conditions of the small intestine.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. The activity of enzymes is sensitive to pH, and each enzyme has an optimum pH:

  • Pepsin: Optimum pH = 1.5 - 2.0 (stomach)
  • Trypsin: Optimum pH = 7.5 - 8.0 (small intestine)

In the human alimentary canal:

  • Pepsin functions optimally in an acidic environment (pH ~2), essential for protein digestion in gastric juices.
  • Trypsin functions optimally in a slightly alkaline environment (pH ~8), necessary for protein degradation and absorption in intestinal fluids.

🔍 Option Analysis

Option A: Correct, as it accurately describes the pH range for pepsin and trypsin.

Option B: Incorrect; the pH values are not optimal for either enzyme.

Option C: Incorrect; these pH levels do not match the physiological conditions.

Option D: Incorrect; both enzymes require different pH levels outside of these ranges.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: “2 Protein Gets Peppy” for Pepsin (pH 2) and “76 Tryp Stays Alkaline” for Trypsin (pH 8).

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter 5 (Human Physiology).

Question 5 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Iodised salt is a vital part of our diet as it is essential for the synthesis of

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option B is correct. Iodized salt is vital for synthesizing thyroxine.

📖 Core Biological Concept

Iodine is an essential nutrient that the body uses to produce thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4), which regulates metabolism and growth.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

The thyroid gland uses iodine to synthesize two major hormones:

  • Thyroxine (T4) - Contains four iodine atoms, it plays a critical role in metabolic processes.
  • Triiodothyronine (T3) - Contains three iodine atoms, it's more active than T4.

A deficiency in iodine leads to goitre and other metabolic disorders.

🔍 Option Analysis

Estrogen, insulin, and adrenaline are produced by different glands:

  • Estrogen - A hormone mainly produced in the ovaries.
  • Insulin - Produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar.
  • Adrenalin - Produced by the adrenal glands, involved in fight-or-flight responses.

⚡ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Remember: “Iodine is for Thyroid.” This can help recall that iodine is crucial for producing thyroid hormones.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A diagram illustrating the thyroid gland, showing the synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine from iodine, highlighting the consequences of iodine deficiency.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter on Human Physiology.

Question 6 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

If human blood is placed in a 2% detergent solution, what will happen to the RBCs?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) will shrink when placed in a hypertonic solution.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

The behavior of RBCs in solutions is governed by the principles of osmotic pressure and tonicity.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

A 2% detergent solution is considered hypertonic relative to human blood. When RBCs are placed in this solution:

  • The detergent alters the membrane permeability.
  • Water moves out of the RBCs to the area of higher solute concentration (the detergent solution).
  • This results in a net loss of water from the cells, leading to cell shrinkage.

🔍 Option Analysis

Options B and C suggest swelling, while D indicates lysis, which do not occur as a result of a hypertonic solution. Consequently, RBCs will not swell or burst; instead, they will shrink.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "Hypertonic = Shrink." Hypertonic solutions draw water out of cells.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A diagram illustrating the process of osmosis in RBCs, comparing them in isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions for clarity.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XI Biology, Chapter 5: Cell Structure and Function.

Question 7 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following is an example of Salt-Crystal growth ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option (b) is correct. Salt-crystal growth is a key process of physical weathering.

📖 Core Concept

Salt-crystal growth refers to the process where salts, particularly sodium chloride, crystallize from solution in rock pores, leading to deterioration of materials due to expansion and contraction. This is a vital form of physical weathering where physical forces, not chemical changes, affect the rock structure.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

As water evaporates from the surface of rocks, dissolved salts become concentrated and crystallize. The process can be summarized as follows:

  • Water enters rock pores.
  • Evaporation occurs, increasing salt concentration.
  • Crystals form and expand as temperature changes.
  • Expansion creates stress on surrounding material, leading to physical breakage.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • A: Chemical weathering - Involves chemical reactions altering the mineral composition.
  • B: Physical weathering - Correct, as it relates to physical processes without changing the rock's chemical structure.
  • C: Biological weathering - Involves organic processes, such as plant roots breaking rocks apart.
  • D: Bio-chemical weathering - A combination of biological and chemical changes affecting rock materials.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: “Physical forces fracture; chemical changes reshape.” This helps recall that physical weathering like salt-crystal growth relies on expansion rather than alteration of substance.

6. Visual Suggestion

A diagram illustrating the salt-crystal growth process, showing water infiltration into rock, evaporation, crystal formation, and resulting cracks in rocks due to expansion.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XI Geography, Chapter 8 (Weathering Processes).

Question 8 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

The formula for conversion between Fahrenheit and Celsius is °F = X + (1.8 × °C) What is factor X?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Solution

Option (a) is correct.

Explanation:

\[ \degree F = X + (1.8 \times \degree C) \]
When water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius, the Fahrenheit equivalents are 32 degrees and 212 degrees respectively. Therefore, we can set up the following equations:
\begin{aligned} &\degree F = 32 \quad \text{(when } \degree C = 0 \text{)} \\ &\degree F = 212 \quad \text{(when } \degree C = 100 \text{)} \end{aligned}
Substituting for \(\degree C\):
\[ 212 = X + (1.8 \times 100) \]
Simplifying gives:
\[ 212 = X + 180 \Rightarrow X = 212 - 180 \Rightarrow X = 32 \]
Therefore, factor \(X\) is 32.
📌 Hints / Properties Used:
  • Conversion formula for Celsius to Fahrenheit.
  • Substitution method in equations.
📊 Visual Diagram Suggestion:

Illustrate a linear chart plotting degrees Celsius on the X-axis and degrees Fahrenheit on the Y-axis, marking key points (0°C to 32°F, 100°C to 212°F) to visualize the conversion relationship.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class IX Science, Chapter on Heat.

Question 9 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following statements regarding Penicillin is correct ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option (b) is correct. Penicillin-resistant bacteria can degrade this antibiotic by an enzyme called b-lactamase.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

Penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that targets bacterial cell wall synthesis. The enzyme b-lactamase disrupts the beta-lactam ring in penicillin, rendering it inactive.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

Penicillin acts by inhibiting the transpeptidation enzyme needed for peptidoglycan cross-linking in bacterial cell walls.

\[ \text{Penicillin (C_{16}H_{18}N_{2}O_{5}S)} + \text{b-lactamase} \rightarrow \text{Inactive products} \]

The action of b-lactamase signifies the mechanism of resistance among bacteria. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus commonly exhibit this resistance.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Option (a): Incorrect. Resistant bacteria do not store penicillin; instead, they degrade it.
  • Option (c): Incorrect. Lactic acid dehydrogenase is unrelated to penicillin degradation.
  • Option (d): Incorrect. Bacteria can be sensitive to penicillin; resistance arises from enzymatic degradation.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "B-lactamase breaks beta-lactam bonds!" for quick recall of the resistance mechanism.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Biology, Chapter on Microbes and Human Welfare.

Question 10 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following statements regarding Cholera is correct ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

✓ Option (c) is correct. Cholera is a disease caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water.

📖 Core Biological Concept

Cholera is primarily caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which leads to severe gastrointestinal distress.

🔬 Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

The infection triggers massive electrolyte losses through diarrhea, leading to dehydration and shock. It is important to understand how cholera spreads via fecal-oral routes through contaminated sources.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • A: Incorrect. Cholera does not affect memory.
  • B: Incorrect. Cholera is not related to muscle diseases caused by alcohol.
  • D: Incorrect. Cholera is not genetic; it is an infectious disease.

⚡ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Remember: "Clean water saves lives" to recall how cholera is preventable through safe drinking water.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Consider a diagram showing the transmission cycle of Vibrio cholerae, highlighting sources of contamination, symptoms of cholera, and preventive measures such as boiling water and proper sanitation. This will clarify the disease's mechanism and impact.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 12 Biology, Chapter on Diseases and Their Management.

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