Question 1

Which of the following is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in energy metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It is essential for converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in cellular respiration.

Question 2

Which of the following vitamins is synthesized by the human body and does NOT need to be obtained from dietary sources?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D is synthesized by the human body when skin is exposed to sunlight (UV-B radiation). The body produces cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) in the skin, which is then converted to active forms in the liver and kidneys. While dietary sources exist, the body can produce sufficient quantities independently, unlike vitamins A, B12, and C which must be obtained from food.

Question 3

Which of the following diseases is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B3 (Niacin)?

Accepted Answer

Pellagra is caused by deficiency of Vitamin B3 (niacin or nicotinic acid). Niacin is a coenzyme in NAD+ and NADP+, which are essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. Pellagra is characterized by the '4 Ds': dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia, and death (if untreated).

Question 4

Scurvy is a disease caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is required for maintaining healthy skin, gums, teeth, and blood vessels. Without adequate Vitamin C, collagen cannot be properly formed, leading to bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and other symptoms characteristic of scurvy.

Question 5

Which of the following is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in energy metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It is essential for converting glucose into ATP (cellular energy). Other B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B12) also function as coenzymes in energy metabolism.

Question 6

Scurvy is a disease caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This disease was historically common among sailors on long voyages who lacked access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Symptoms include bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and weakened connective tissue.

Question 7

Deficiency of which mineral causes the disease 'Goitre'?

Accepted Answer

Goitre is caused by deficiency of iodine. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). When iodine is deficient, the thyroid gland enlarges (becomes swollen) in an attempt to produce adequate thyroid hormones, resulting in goitre.

Question 8

Which disease is caused by the deficiency of Iodine in the diet?

Accepted Answer

Goiter is caused by iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Without adequate iodine, the thyroid gland enlarges (goiter) in an attempt to produce sufficient thyroid hormones.

Question 9

Typhoid fever is caused by which bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The disease is characterized by sustained fever, headache, weakness, and abdominal pain.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a macronutrient required by the human body?

Accepted Answer

Macronutrients are nutrients required in large quantities: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients required in smaller quantities. Iron is a micronutrient (mineral), not a macronutrient.

Question 11

Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of which organism?

Accepted Answer

Malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. The parasite Plasmodium (specifically P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae) is transmitted through the saliva of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes during blood feeding.

Question 12

Which of the following is a deficiency disease caused by lack of Vitamin C?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is a disease caused by severe deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It leads to weakened collagen synthesis, resulting in bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and fatigue. Historically, it affected sailors on long voyages.

Question 13

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition primarily caused by deficiency of which nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein malnutrition that occurs when caloric intake is adequate but protein intake is severely deficient. It is characterized by edema, liver enlargement, skin lesions, and hair discoloration.

Question 14

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition primarily caused by deficiency of which macronutrient?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition caused primarily by severe protein deficiency, often accompanied by adequate or relatively adequate calorie intake. It is characterized by edema, fatty liver, skin lesions, and hair discoloration.

Question 15

Scurvy is a deficiency disease caused by the lack of which vitamin, and which body system is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to weakened connective tissues, causing bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and weakened blood vessels.

Question 16

Beriberi is a deficiency disease caused by the lack of which vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Beriberi is caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency. This disease was historically common in populations that consumed polished white rice as a staple, as the thiamine-rich bran layer was removed during processing.

Question 17

Beriberi is a deficiency disease caused by the lack of which vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Beriberi is caused by deficiency of Vitamin B1 (thiamine). This disease affects the nervous system and heart, causing weakness, nerve damage, and in severe cases, heart failure. It was historically common in populations consuming polished white rice without thiamine supplementation.

Question 18

Which disease is characterized by the inability to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye?

Accepted Answer

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consumption of gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's lining, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.

Question 19

Scurvy is a deficiency disease caused by lack of which vitamin, and it primarily affects which tissue?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is the primary structural protein in connective tissues. Scurvy primarily affects the gums, skin, and blood vessels, causing bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and weakened connective tissues.

Question 20

Kwashiorkor is a severe malnutrition disease primarily caused by deficiency of which macronutrient?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) caused primarily by severe protein deficiency, though caloric intake may be relatively adequate. It is characterized by edema, fatty liver, skin lesions, and hair discoloration. The disease is common in developing countries where children have limited access to protein-rich foods.

GIC AO Diseases & Nutrition

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Diseases & Nutrition — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Diseases & Nutrition