Which of the following statements about vitamin E is false?
Which mineral is known for its antioxidant properties similar to those of vitamin E?
What is the blood form of folic acid?
Which vitamin is primarily involved in redox reactions?
Which is not a dietary fiber ?
Clinical effect of vitamin D is reduced by ?
What is the number of variable regions present on each light and heavy chain of an antibody?
What is the role of Anandamide in the human body?
Which immunoglobulin is known to be heat-labile?
Which of the following is not an acute phase reactant?
NEET-PG 2013 - Biochemistry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 111: Which of the following statements about vitamin E is false?
- A. Act as antioxidant
- B. Chemically tocopherol
- C. Water soluble vitamin (Correct Answer)
- D. Prevent lipid peroxidation of cell membrane
Explanation: ***Water soluble vitamin*** - This statement is false because **vitamin E** is a **fat-soluble vitamin**, meaning it dissolves in lipids and is stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. - Its absorption requires the presence of dietary fat and bile salts, unlike water-soluble vitamins. *Act as antioxidant* - **Vitamin E** is a powerful **lipid-soluble antioxidant**, protecting cell membranes from damage by scavenging **free radicals**. - It helps prevent **oxidative damage** to polyunsaturated fatty acids within cell membranes. *Chemically tocopherol* - The most biologically active form of **vitamin E** is **alpha-tocopherol**, although vitamin E encompasses a group of eight fat-soluble compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols. - This term correctly identifies the chemical nature of the prominent forms of vitamin E. *Prevent lipid peroxidation of cell membrane* - As an **antioxidant**, **vitamin E** specifically interferes with the **propagation of lipid peroxidation**, a chain reaction that damages cell membranes by oxidizing their lipid components. - It donates an electron to **free radicals**, thereby neutralizing them and protecting the integrity of the cell membrane.
Question 112: Which mineral is known for its antioxidant properties similar to those of vitamin E?
- A. Calcium
- B. Iron
- C. Selenium (Correct Answer)
- D. Magnesium
Explanation: ***Selenium*** - Selenium is a crucial component of **glutathione peroxidase**, an enzyme with significant **antioxidant properties** that protects cells from oxidative damage. - Its antioxidant function is often compared to that of **vitamin E**, as both work to neutralize **free radicals** in the body. *Calcium* - Calcium is primarily known for its role in **bone health**, muscle contraction, and **nerve transmission**, not for its antioxidant properties. - It does not directly participate in neutralizing free radicals like selenium or vitamin E. *Iron* - Iron is essential for **oxygen transport** in red blood cells and various metabolic processes. - While crucial, excessive free iron can actually promote the formation of **free radicals** (Fenton reaction), making it pro-oxidant rather than antioxidant. *Magnesium* - Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including **energy metabolism** and muscle and nerve function. - It does not share direct antioxidant properties similar to vitamin E or selenium.
Question 113: What is the blood form of folic acid?
- A. Folinic acid
- B. Pteroglutamate
- C. Methyltetrahydrofolate (Correct Answer)
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Methyltetrahydrofolate*** - **5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)** is the **primary circulating form** of folate in the blood plasma and the most metabolically active form of folate. - It plays a crucial role in various metabolic pathways, especially in **one-carbon metabolism** for DNA synthesis and repair. *Folinic acid* - **Folinic acid** (leucovorin) is a **reduced form of folic acid** that does not require reduction by dihydrofolate reductase for activity. - It is often used as a therapeutic agent, particularly to **counteract the effects of methotrexate** toxicity, but it is not the main physiological circulating form. *Pteroglutamate* - **Pteroglutamate** is a generic term referring to compounds structurally related to folic acid, which is itself chemically known as pteroylglutamic acid. - While it describes the **general structure**, it is not the specific blood form of folic acid. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **methyltetrahydrofolate** is indeed the correct answer.
Question 114: Which vitamin is primarily involved in redox reactions?
- A. Pyridoxine
- B. Biotin
- C. Folic acid
- D. Riboflavin (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Riboflavin*** - **Riboflavin** (Vitamin B2) is a precursor to **flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)** and **flavin mononucleotide (FMN)**, which are crucial coenzymes in many **redox reactions**. - These coenzymes act as electron carriers in metabolic pathways, including the **electron transport chain**, where they accept and donate electrons. *Pyridoxine* - **Pyridoxine** (Vitamin B6) is primarily involved in **amino acid metabolism**, including transamination, decarboxylation, and racemization. - It functions as **pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)**, a coenzyme for many enzymes in these pathways, but not directly in redox reactions. *Biotin* - **Biotin** (Vitamin B7) is a coenzyme for **carboxylase enzymes**, which are involved in carboxylation reactions (addition of a carboxyl group). - Its main roles are in **fatty acid synthesis**, gluconeogenesis, and leucine metabolism, not direct redox reactions. *Folic acid* - **Folic acid** (Vitamin B9) is essential for **one-carbon metabolism**, involved in transferring one-carbon units in the synthesis of nucleotides (DNA/RNA) and amino acids. - It functions as **tetrahydrofolate (THF)**, playing a critical role in cell division and growth, but not as a direct redox agent.
Question 115: Which is not a dietary fiber ?
- A. Lignin
- B. Pectin
- C. Cellulose
- D. Lactulose (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Lactulose*** - **Lactulose is NOT a dietary fiber** - it is a synthetic disaccharide used pharmaceutically as an osmotic laxative and for treating hepatic encephalopathy. - Unlike true dietary fibers, lactulose is a manufactured drug, not a naturally occurring food component. - While it is fermented by colonic bacteria (similar to fiber), it does not meet the definition of dietary fiber. *Lignin* - Lignin is a complex aromatic polymer that provides structural support to plant cell walls. - It is classified as a non-polysaccharide dietary fiber that is largely indigestible by human enzymes. - Contributes to fecal bulk and is considered an insoluble fiber. *Pectin* - Pectin is a soluble dietary fiber found naturally in fruits, particularly in apple peels and citrus fruits. - Forms a gel when mixed with water, slowing gastric emptying and aiding digestion. - Beneficial for gut health and blood glucose regulation. *Cellulose* - Cellulose is the most abundant dietary fiber and a major structural component of plant cell walls. - An insoluble fiber composed of β-1,4-linked glucose polymers that cannot be digested by human enzymes. - Contributes to stool bulk and promotes regular bowel movements.
Question 116: Clinical effect of vitamin D is reduced by ?
- A. Simultaneous ingestion of lactose
- B. Simultaneous ingestion of phytates (Correct Answer)
- C. None of the options
- D. Acidic environment
Explanation: ***Simultaneous ingestion of phytates*** - **Phytates (phytic acid)** found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes can **reduce the clinical effect of vitamin D** through multiple mechanisms - Phytates **chelate calcium** and form insoluble calcium-phytate complexes, reducing calcium absorption - Since **vitamin D and calcium metabolism are closely linked**, impaired calcium absorption indirectly reduces vitamin D efficacy - Phytates can also **directly bind to vitamin D** in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its bioavailability - Studies show that **high phytate intake increases vitamin D requirements** and can impair vitamin D status *Simultaneous ingestion of lactose* - Lactose does **not reduce** vitamin D absorption or efficacy - In fact, **dairy products are commonly fortified** with vitamin D, and the presence of lactose does not interfere with its beneficial effects - Lactose may actually **enhance calcium absorption**, which works synergistically with vitamin D *Acidic environment* - Vitamin D is a **fat-soluble vitamin** absorbed primarily in the small intestine - An acidic environment (stomach acid) is **not known to inhibit** vitamin D absorption - The absorption process occurs in the **alkaline environment of the small intestine** where fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed with dietary fats *None of the options* - This is **incorrect** as phytates do reduce the clinical effect of vitamin D through calcium chelation and direct binding mechanisms
Question 117: What is the number of variable regions present on each light and heavy chain of an antibody?
- A. 1 (Correct Answer)
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Explanation: ***1*** - Each **light chain** and **heavy chain** within an antibody molecule contains **one variable region (V domain)**. - These variable regions are crucial for **antigen binding specificity**, as they combine to form the antigen-binding site. - The variable domain is located at the **N-terminal end** of each chain. *2* - While a complete antibody molecule has **two antigen-binding sites** (bivalent), each formed by pairing of VH and VL domains, individual chains possess only **one variable region each**. - The number '2' refers to the total number of identical binding sites on the intact antibody, not the number of variable regions per chain. *3* - The number **3** does not correspond to the number of variable regions on individual chains. - This might be confused with the **three complementarity-determining regions (CDRs)** present within each variable domain (CDR1, CDR2, CDR3), which are hypervariable loops that directly contact the antigen. *4* - The number **4** is incorrect for variable regions. - This number corresponds to the total number of **polypeptide chains** in a complete IgG antibody (2 heavy + 2 light chains), or the number of **constant domains** in some heavy chain isotypes (IgM, IgE have 4 CH domains).
Question 118: What is the role of Anandamide in the human body?
- A. Opioid
- B. D2 blocker
- C. Cannabinoid neurotransmitter (Correct Answer)
- D. CCK1 antagonist
Explanation: ***Cannabinoid neurotransmitter*** - **Anandamide** is an **endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter** that binds to **CB1** and **CB2 receptors**. - It plays a role in **pain modulation**, **appetite stimulation**, and **memory regulation**. *Opioid* - **Opioids** bind to **opioid receptors** (mu, delta, kappa) and are known for their **analgesic** and **euphoric effects**. - Examples include **morphine** and **endorphins**, which are chemically distinct from anandamide and have different receptor targets. *CK 1 antagonist* - This option refers to a **cholecystokinin 1 (CCK1) receptor antagonist**, which would block the effects of **CCK**. - **CCK** is a hormone involved in **digestion** and **satiety**, and its role is unrelated to anandamide. *D2 blocker* - A **D2 blocker** is an agent that antagonizes the **dopamine D2 receptor**. - These are typically **antipsychotic medications** that modulate **dopamine pathways** in the brain, unrelated to the function of anandamide.
Question 119: Which immunoglobulin is known to be heat-labile?
- A. IgA
- B. IgG
- C. IgM (Correct Answer)
- D. IgE
Explanation: ***IgM*** - **IgM** is known for its **heat lability** and is readily denatured at 56°C within a few minutes. - This characteristic is due to its **pentameric structure** held together by disulfide bonds and J chains, which are sensitive to thermal denaturation. - Heat lability of IgM is clinically important in complement fixation tests and other laboratory assays where heat inactivation is performed. - IgM is the first antibody produced in primary immune response and its heat sensitivity distinguishes it from other immunoglobulins. *IgA* - **IgA** exists in monomeric (serum) and dimeric (secretory) forms and shows moderate stability to heat. - Secretory IgA is relatively stable as it needs to function in harsh mucosal environments, though not as heat-resistant as IgG. - Does not exhibit the pronounced heat lability characteristic of IgM. *IgG* - **IgG** is the most stable immunoglobulin and is highly resistant to heat denaturation. - Can withstand temperatures up to 60-70°C without significant loss of activity. - Its monomeric structure with strong intramolecular bonds provides exceptional thermal stability. - Most abundant antibody in serum and has the longest half-life. *IgE* - **IgE** is actually quite stable to heat and can withstand 56°C for extended periods. - While it has a short half-life in serum (2-3 days), this is due to receptor binding rather than heat instability. - Important in type I hypersensitivity reactions and parasitic infections. - Does not show the characteristic heat lability that defines IgM.
Question 120: Which of the following is not an acute phase reactant?
- A. C-reactive protein
- B. Haptoglobin
- C. Endothelin (Correct Answer)
- D. Fibrinogen
Explanation: ***Endothelin*** - Endothelin is a **vasoconstrictive peptide** primarily involved in regulating **blood vessel tone** and blood pressure. - While it plays a role in processes like inflammation and tissue repair, it is not synthesized or regulated in the same rapid, systemic manner as a classic acute phase reactant. *C-reactive protein* - **C-reactive protein (CRP)** is a rapidly responding acute phase reactant produced by the liver in response to **inflammation**, infection, and tissue injury. - Its levels can rise dramatically within hours of an inflammatory stimulus and are used as a marker for disease activity. *Haptoglobin* - **Haptoglobin** is an acute phase reactant that binds to free **hemoglobin** released from red blood cells during hemolysis, preventing oxidative damage. - Its levels typically increase during acute inflammation or infection, although it can also decrease with severe hemolysis. *Fibrinogen* - **Fibrinogen** is a critical acute phase protein involved in the **coagulation cascade** and wound healing. - Its concentration increases significantly during acute inflammation, contributing to the elevated **erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)**.