General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: The execution phase of apoptosis, which mediates the final phase of programmed cell death, is associated with which of the following caspases?

Caspase 3. **Explanation:** Apoptosis occurs in two distinct phases: the **Initiation phase**, where caspases become catalytically active, and the **Execution phase**, where these enzymes actually cause cell death [1]. **Why Caspase 3 is correct:** Caspase 3 is the primary **executioner caspase** (along with Caspases 6 and 7). Once activated by either the intrinsic or extrinsic pathway, Caspase 3 cleaves structural proteins (like nuclear lamins) and activates **Cytoplasmic DNase**, leading to the characteristic DNA fragmentation and cytoskeletal breakdown seen in apoptosis. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Caspase 9 (Option A):** This is the **initiator caspase** for the **Intrinsic (Mitochondrial) pathway** [1]. It is activated after the release of Cytochrome C and the formation of the apoptosome. * **Caspase 8 (Option B):** This is the **initiator caspase** for the **Extrinsic (Death Receptor) pathway** [1]. It is activated by the binding of ligands like FasL to the Fas receptor. * **Caspase 1 (Option C):** This is not involved in classical apoptosis. It is an "inflammatory caspase" involved in **Pyroptosis** and the activation of IL-1̢. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Initiator Caspases:** 8, 9, 10. * **Executioner Caspases:** 3, 6, 7. * **Caspase-Independent Death:** Mediated by AIF (Apoptosis Inducing Factor). * **Marker of Apoptosis:** Annexin V (binds to Phosphatidylserine flipped to the outer membrane). * **DNA Laddering:** A hallmark of apoptosis (180-200 base pair fragments), visualized on gel electrophoresis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 64-65.

Q: Histology in a child diagnosed with Gaucher's disease may show accumulation of which substance?

Glucocerebroside. **Explanation:** **Gaucher’s Disease** is the most common lysosomal storage disorder. It is an autosomal recessive condition caused by a deficiency of the enzyme **glucocerebrosidase** (also known as acid β-glucosidase). 1. **Why Option A is Correct:** Under normal physiological conditions, glucocerebrosidase cleaves glucose from ceramide. In Gaucher’s disease, the enzyme deficiency leads to the systemic accumulation of **glucocerebroside** (glucosylceramide) within the lysosomes of macrophages [1]. These laden macrophages are called **Gaucher cells**, characterized by a pathognomonic "wrinkled tissue paper" or "crumpled silk" appearance of the cytoplasm [1], [2]. 2. **Why Option B is Incorrect:** **Galactolipids** (specifically galactocerebroside) accumulate in **Krabbe’s disease** due to a deficiency of the enzyme galactocerebrosidase. 3. **Why Option C and D are Incorrect:** Since the metabolic defect in Gaucher’s is specific to the glucose-ceramide linkage, only glucocerebroside accumulates, making these options incorrect. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Gaucher Cells:** These are enlarged macrophages found primarily in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow [2]. They stain positive with **Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)**. * **Clinical Triad:** Hepatosplenomegaly (massive), bone involvement (Erlenmeyer flask deformity of the femur, bone crises), and cytopenias (due to hypersplenism) [1]. * **Biomarker:** Elevated levels of **serum chitotriosidase** and ACE are often seen. * **Treatment:** Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) with recombinant enzymes (e.g., Imiglucerase) is the standard of care. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, p. 163. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, pp. 162-163.

Q: What is the cause of infertility in KÃ¤gener syndrome?

Asthenospermia. **Explanation:** **Kartagener Syndrome** is a subset of **Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)**, characterized by the clinical triad of situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis. The underlying pathology is a structural defect in the **dynein arms** of cilia and flagella. 1. **Why Asthenospermia is correct:** The tail of a spermatozoon is a modified flagellum with a "9+2" microtubule arrangement, identical to respiratory cilia. In Kartagener syndrome, the deficiency of dynein arms results in **impaired motility**. While the sperm count (oligospermia) and morphology are typically normal, the sperm are unable to swim effectively to reach the oocyte. This state of reduced or absent motility is termed **Asthenospermia**. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Oligospermia:** Sperm production in the testes is generally normal because spermatogenesis is not dependent on ciliary function. * **Undescended testis:** This is an anatomical developmental defect (cryptorchidism) not associated with microtubule or dynein arm dysfunction. * **Epididymis obstruction:** While PCD can occasionally affect the efferent ductules, the primary and classic cause of infertility in these patients is the functional defect in sperm motility, not a physical blockage. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Inheritance:** Autosomal Recessive. * **Diagnosis:** Screening via nasal nitric oxide levels; definitive diagnosis via electron microscopy (showing absent dynein arms). * **Female Infertility:** Women with Kartagener syndrome may also face subfertility due to impaired ciliary action in the **fallopian tubes**, which hinders ovum transport. * **Management:** Infertility in males is best treated with **ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)**, as motility is not required for successful fertilization in vitro.

Question 1

Dystrophic calcification is seen in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Atheromatous plaque

Answer

Rickets

Answer

Hyperparathyroidism

Answer

Vitamin A intoxication

Question 2

The execution phase of apoptosis, which mediates the final phase of programmed cell death, is associated with which of the following caspases?

Accepted Answer

Caspase 3

Answer

Caspase 9

Answer

Caspase 8

Answer

Caspase 1

Question 3

Which of the following is transmitted as an autosomal dominant disorder?

Accepted Answer

Hereditary spherocytosis

Answer

Albinism

Answer

Sickle cell anemia

Answer

Glycogen storage disease

Question 4

Which of the following is a predisposing factor for arterial thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

Homocysteinemia

Answer

Antithrombin III deficiency

Answer

Protein S deficiency

Answer

Protein C deficiency

Question 5

Which of the following conditions is NOT X-linked?

Accepted Answer

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Answer

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Answer

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

Answer

Becker muscular dystrophy

Question 6

Lipid peroxidation in cells exposed to ionizing radiation is initiated by?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxyl Radical

Answer

Catalase

Answer

Superoxide

Answer

Glutathione

Question 7

Histology in a child diagnosed with Gaucher's disease may show accumulation of which substance?

Accepted Answer

Glucocerebroside

Answer

Galactolipid

Answer

Both of the above

Answer

None of the above

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an example of coagulative necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Brain infarct

Answer

Myocardial infarct

Answer

Kidney infarct

Answer

Adrenal infarct

Question 9

What fixative is used for bone histopathology?

Accepted Answer

10% formalin

Answer

Normal saline

Answer

Rectified spirit

Answer

Nothing

Question 10

What is the cause of infertility in KÃ¤gener syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Asthenospermia

Answer

Oligospermia

Answer

Undescended testis

Answer

Epididymis obstruction

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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