Question 1

Which vitamin is synthesized by the human body when skin is exposed to sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. This is why it is often called the 'sunshine vitamin.' It plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health.

Question 2

Which vitamin is synthesized in the human body when skin is exposed to sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. This is a static biological fact. The conversion occurs in the skin, liver, and kidneys. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Question 3

Beriberi is a disease caused by deficiency of which vitamin, and it primarily affects which system?

Accepted Answer

Beriberi is caused by deficiency of Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and primarily affects the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy) and cardiovascular system. It was historically common in populations consuming polished white rice as a staple.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Beriberi is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B1 (thiamine). This disease affects the nervous system and heart, and was historically common in populations that consumed polished white rice as a staple without adequate thiamine intake.

Question 5

Which of the following vitamins is synthesized by the human body when exposed to sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. This is why it is often called the 'sunshine vitamin.' The synthesis occurs in the epidermis and requires 7-dehydrocholesterol as a precursor.

Question 6

Scurvy is a deficiency disease caused by the lack of which nutrient?

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

Which of the following minerals is essential for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Iron is the essential mineral required for hemoglobin formation. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency leads to anemia.

Question 8

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, fatty liver, skin lesions, and growth retardation, commonly seen in young children in developing countries.

Question 9

Which of the following is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito?

Accepted Answer

Dengue fever is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue is caused by the dengue virus and is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, including India.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by 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 11

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 energy and maintaining nerve function.

Question 12

Which of the following is a water-borne infectious disease caused by a bacterium?

Accepted Answer

Cholera is a water-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated drinking water and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Typhoid fever (caused by Salmonella typhi) is another bacterial water-borne disease.

Question 13

Scurvy is a deficiency disease caused by the lack of which vitamin? Name the disease that results from Vitamin C deficiency.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which mineral is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and is obtained primarily from sources like spinach, red meat, and legumes?

Accepted Answer

Iron is the essential mineral required for hemoglobin formation. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

Question 15

Which of the following is the primary cause of malaria transmission to humans?

Accepted Answer

Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The female mosquito requires blood meals for egg production and can carry Plasmodium parasites in her salivary glands.

Question 16

Which of the following diseases is caused by a protozoan parasite and is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly?

Accepted Answer

Sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis) is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei and is transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies (Glossina species). The disease affects the central nervous system, causing sleep disturbances.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, so its deficiency leads to weakened connective tissues, affecting the skeletal system (weak bones), gums, and blood vessels.

Question 18

Which vitamin deficiency causes the disease 'Scurvy'?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It leads to symptoms such as bleeding gums, weakness, and skin hemorrhages. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen in the body.

Question 19

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 was historically common in populations consuming polished white rice as a staple, as the thiamine-rich bran layer was removed during processing.

Question 20

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic clinical feature of kwashiorkor?

Accepted Answer

Kwashiorkor is characterized by severe protein deficiency with relatively adequate calorie intake. Classic features include: edema (especially in feet and face), hepatomegaly, skin lesions (dermatitis), hair changes (depigmentation, brittleness), and fatty infiltration of the liver. Marasmus (not kwashiorkor) is characterized by severe wasting and absence of edema.

SSC CHSL Diseases & Nutrition

Diseases & Nutrition— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Diseases & Nutrition — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Diseases & Nutrition