General Science/Everyday Science MCQs
Topic Notes: General Science/Everyday Science
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
Which microorganism causes 'Amoebic Dysentery', a condition resulting in intestinal inflammation and bloody diarrhea?
Answer:
A protozoan called Entamoeba histolytica
Amoebic dysentery is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic protozoan. It is typically spread through the fecal-oral route, often by consuming food or water contaminated with the cysts of the parasite.
2
Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by a bacterium?
Answer:
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Cholera, TB, and Tetanus are all caused by different species of bacteria. This distinction is important because only the bacterial diseases can be treated with antibiotics.
3
Which of the following is a viral disease that can lead to permanent paralysis by attacking the nervous system?
Answer:
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Polio is caused by the poliovirus. While many people have no symptoms, in a small percentage of cases, the virus enters the central nervous system and destroys motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and permanent paralysis.
4
The 'Oral Rehydration Solution' (ORS) is primarily used to treat the symptoms of which disease?
Answer:
Cholera
Cholera causes massive loss of water and electrolytes through severe diarrhea. ORS is a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar that helps the body quickly reabsorb fluids and minerals, preventing fatal dehydration.
5
Which of the following is a fungal infection of the scalp that causes patches of hair loss?
Answer:
Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitis)
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection (ringworm) that specifically affects the scalp and hair shafts. It often causes itchy, scaly patches and can lead to brittle hair that breaks off, resulting in temporary bald spots.
6
Hepatitis A is a disease that affects which organ in the human body?
Answer:
Liver
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is a viral infection usually spread through contaminated food or water. It causes symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, and abdominal pain.
7
Which of the following is considered a 'non-communicable' condition that can result from a microbial infection?
Answer:
Rheumatic heart disease (following a strep throat infection)
While most infections are communicable (spread person-to-person), some lead to non-communicable complications. For example, an untreated bacterial 'strep throat' can trigger an autoimmune response leading to Rheumatic heart disease, which itself cannot be passed to others.
8
Which of the following is a waterborne disease that affects the digestive system?
Answer:
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid Fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, usually through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. It affects the intestinal tract and can spread to the bloodstream, causing systemic symptoms like high fever and weakness.
9
What is the causative agent of 'Typhoid fever'?
Answer:
Salmonella typhi (Bacterium)
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is characterized by high fever, headache, and abdominal pain. It is spread through contaminated food and water, often where sanitation is poor.
10
Which of the following diseases is caused by a virus and primarily spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes?
Answer:
Influenza
Influenza (the flu) is caused by the influenza virus and is highly contagious via respiratory droplets. While Tuberculosis is also airborne, it is caused by a bacterium. Influenza viruses mutate frequently, which is why seasonal outbreaks occur.