Q40. Deficiency of which nutrient is most directly linked to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 19 June 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Iodine
(B) Iron
(C) Vitamin A
(D) Calcium
Answer: (B) Iron
Explanation: Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin, the red-cell protein that transports oxygen. Inadequate iron can reduce haemoglobin production and cause iron-deficiency anaemia, leading to fatigue, weakness and breathlessness. Iron-rich foods and adequate absorption help prevent deficiency.
Q39. Deficiency of which vitamin in the diet is most commonly linked to poor vision in dim light (night blindness)?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 17 June 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Vitamin A
(B) Vitamin B12
(C) Vitamin D
(D) Vitamin C
Answer: (A) Vitamin A
Explanation: Vitamin A contributes to the formation and regeneration of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment in retinal rod cells. Inadequate vitamin A can impair vision in darkness and may also damage the ocular surface. Animal foods and provitamin-A carotenoids supply it.
Q38. Which of the following is an effective way to prevent rancidity in packaged food?
[RRB JE CBT-II (Mechanical), 4 June 2025]
(A) Adding antioxidants
(B) Increasing moisture content
(C) Keeping it in direct sunlight
(D) Storing in a warm place
Answer: (A) Adding antioxidants
Explanation: Antioxidants inhibit or slow oxidative chain reactions involving food fats. This reduces the formation of peroxides and unpleasant-smelling breakdown products. Warm conditions, direct sunlight and moisture exposure can encourage deterioration rather than prevent it, depending on the food involved.
Q37. The objective of Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana implemented in entire Madhya Pradesh, in addition to economic self-reliance, is:
[MPPSC State Service Prelims, 16 February 2025]
(A) Women’s political participation
(B) Women’s marriage-related expenses
(C) Women’s health and nutrition
(D) Women’s rights in criminal justice system
Answer: (C) Women’s health and nutrition
Explanation: The scheme identifies improvement in women’s health and nutritional status alongside financial independence as an objective. Better access to resources may help meet household dietary needs. The question concerns a welfare programme, not a particular biochemical nutrient or medicine.
Q36. Which of the following is NOT used as food preservative?
[SSC Stenographer, 11 December 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Sodium benzoate
(B) Table Salt
(C) Sodium hydrogen carbonate
(D) Sugar
Answer: (C) Sodium hydrogen carbonate
Explanation: Sodium hydrogen carbonate, commonly called baking soda, is primarily a raising agent in foods. Sodium benzoate inhibits spoilage microorganisms in suitable acidic products, while concentrated salt or sugar preserves foods by lowering water availability for microbial growth.
Q35. How does salt contribute to the preservation of food?
[SSC MTS, 5 November 2024, Shift 2]
(A) By acting as an antioxidant
(B) By inhibiting the growth of microorganisms through osmosis
(C) By reducing the pH of the food
(D) By promoting the Maillard reaction
Answer: (B) By inhibiting the growth of microorganisms through osmosis
Explanation: High salt concentrations reduce available water and create osmotic stress for many microorganisms. Water moves away from microbial cells, limiting their growth. Salting is therefore widely used for fish, meat and pickles, often together with other preservation methods.
Q34. What is the primary acid found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons?
[SSC MTS, 22 October 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Lactic acid
(B) Tartaric acid
(C) Citric acid
(D) Acetic acid
Answer: (C) Citric acid
Explanation: Citric acid is an organic acid responsible for much of the sour taste of lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits. Its acidity also makes it useful in foods as a flavouring and acidity regulator. It differs from ascorbic acid, which is vitamin C.
Q33. What is the name of the inflammatory condition that causes cracks, crusting and scaling at the corners of the mouth due to vitamin B2 deficiency?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 25 September 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Cheilosis
(B) Psoriasis
(C) Urticaria
(D) Atopic dermatitis
Answer: (A) Cheilosis
Explanation: Cheilosis, often described as angular inflammation or cracking of the lips, can occur with riboflavin deficiency. Vitamin B2 helps form coenzymes involved in energy metabolism. Infections and other nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to angular cheilitis.
Q32. Which of the following is responsible for the red colour of beetroot?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 24 September 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Curcumin
(B) Betanin
(C) Beta carotene
(D) Lycopene
Answer: (B) Betanin
Explanation: Betanin belongs to the betalain pigment family and produces the characteristic red-purple colour of beetroot. It is water-soluble and is also used as a natural food colouring agent. Curcumin colours turmeric, whereas lycopene colours many ripe tomatoes.
Q31. Which of the following is another name of vitamin C?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 23 September 2024, Shift 2]
(A) Pyridoxine
(B) Pyridoxal
(C) Pyridoxamine
(D) Ascorbic acid
Answer: (D) Ascorbic acid
Explanation: Ascorbic acid is the chemical name of vitamin C. It acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen synthesis and improves absorption of non-haem iron from food. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine are forms of a different nutrient, vitamin B6.
