General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
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
What is the name of the project that aims to characterize the microbial communities found in and on the human body?
Answer:
Human Microbiome Project
The Human Microbiome Project was an NIH initiative to identify and characterize the microorganisms found in association with both healthy and diseased humans.
2
Which vitamin deficiency causes 'Beriberi'?
Answer:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Beriberi is a disease caused by a thiamine deficiency, affecting the heart and circulatory system (wet) or nerves (dry).
3
What is 'LASIK' surgery used for?
Answer:
Vision correction
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism using a laser.
4
Who discovered the cure for Syphilis (Salvarsan), often called the first 'Magic Bullet'?
Answer:
Paul Ehrlich
Paul Ehrlich's team discovered Arsphenamine (Salvarsan) in 1909, the first effective treatment for syphilis, initiating the era of chemotherapy.
5
Which surgical procedure involves the removal of a tissue sample for examination?
Answer:
Biopsy
A biopsy is the main way doctors diagnose most types of cancer and other conditions by examining the tissue under a microscope.
6
What is the 'Hippocratic Oath' best known for?
Answer:
A code of ethics for physicians (e.g., to do no harm)
The Hippocratic Oath is one of the oldest binding documents in history, still held sacred by physicians: to treat the ill to the best of one's ability and do no harm.
7
What is the primary function of a 'Pacemaker'?
Answer:
To regulate the electrical rhythm of the heart
A pacemaker is a small device placed in the chest to control abnormal heart rhythms using electrical pulses.
8
Which genetic disorder results in an extra copy of chromosome 21?
Answer:
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) causes developmental delays and physical characteristics due to the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21.
9
What is 'Generic Drug'?
Answer:
A medication created to be the same as an already marketed brand-name drug in dosage, safety, and strength
Generic drugs provide the same clinical benefit as the brand-name version but are usually cheaper because they don't have to repeat animal and clinical (human) studies.
10
Which organization won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 for its humanitarian medical work?
Answer:
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
MSF was awarded the prize in recognition of the organization's pioneering humanitarian work on several continents.