Q70. Which fruit among the options is recognised as rich in provitamin A?
[UPPSC Lower Subordinate Prelims, 2015]
- (a) Apple
- (b) Papaya
- (c) Guava
- (d) Mango
Answer: (d) Mango
Explanation: Mango supplies beta-carotene and other pigments that the body can convert into vitamin A. Papaya also supplies carotenoids, so nutritional content varies with serving size and cultivar; the exam intended mango.
Q69. How many dietary calories does plain water supply?
[UPPSC Re-examination Prelims, 2015]
- (a) Zero
- (b) 15
- (c) 25
- (d) 50
Answer: (a) Zero
Explanation: Plain water contains no digestible carbohydrate, fat, protein or alcohol, so it contributes no food energy. It remains indispensable for hydration, circulation, temperature control and many biochemical reactions despite providing zero kilocalories.
Q68. Why can basmati rice grains elongate on cooking?
[UPPSC Re-examination Prelims, 2015]
- (a) Higher lysine
- (b) Higher amylose
- (c) Higher simple sugar
- (d) Higher oil
Answer: (b) Higher amylose
Explanation: Basmati rice has characteristic starch composition and grain architecture that favour elongation and separate cooked grains. Amylose contributes to a relatively firm, less sticky texture compared with amylopectin-rich varieties.
Q67. Which substance is not retained as a dedicated reserve in the body?
[UPPSC PCS Mains, 2015]
- (a) Glycogen
- (b) Free amino acids
- (c) Fat
- (d) Tocopherol
Answer: (b) Free amino acids
Explanation: The body stores glycogen in liver and muscle and triglycerides in adipose tissue. Vitamin E can accumulate in fat stores. It maintains only a limited circulating amino-acid pool rather than a specialised long-term amino-acid depot.
Q66. Which compounds were historically called accessory dietary factors?
[UPPSC RO/ARO Prelims, 2014]
- (a) Fats
- (b) Hormones
- (c) Proteins
- (d) Vitamins
Answer: (d) Vitamins
Explanation: Early nutrition experiments showed that tiny amounts of compounds beyond proteins, fats and carbohydrates were necessary for health. These accessory food factors became known as vitamins, essential organic micronutrients supporting metabolism and development.
Q65. Which among iron, zinc, sulphur and manganese is not classified as a plant micronutrient?
[UPPSC RO/ARO Mains, 2014]
- (a) Iron
- (b) Zinc
- (c) Sulphur
- (d) Manganese
Answer: (c) Sulphur
Explanation: In plant nutrition, sulphur is classed as a macronutrient because plants need more of it. Iron, zinc and manganese are micronutrients required in much smaller amounts. This plant-specific distinction differs from everyday dietary terminology.
Q64. Which vitamin is usually not stored extensively in the body?
[UPPSC RO/ARO Mains, 2014]
- (a) Vitamin A
- (b) Vitamin C
- (c) Vitamin D
- (d) Vitamin E
Answer: (b) Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C is water-soluble and excess amounts are usually excreted through urine, so regular intake is important. Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble and can accumulate in liver or adipose tissue.
Q63. Which vitamin contains a cobalt atom?
[UPPSC RO/ARO Mains, 2014]
- (a) Vitamin K
- (b) Vitamin B12
- (c) Vitamin B9
- (d) Vitamin B2
Answer: (b) Vitamin B12
Explanation: Vitamin B12 is chemically distinguished by its central cobalt ion. This mineral forms part of cobalamin’s structure rather than acting simply as a dietary companion. B12 is essential for neurological function and healthy red-cell formation.
Q62. Match vitamin B12, haemoglobin, chlorophyll and brass with cobalt (2), iron (4), magnesium (1), copper (3).
[UPPSC PCS Prelims, 2014]
- (a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
- (b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
- (c) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
- (d) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
Answer: (a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
Explanation: Cobalamin contains cobalt, haemoglobin contains iron in haem, chlorophyll holds magnesium at its centre and brass is an alloy containing copper. These element associations bridge human nutrition, photosynthesis and materials science.
Q61. Which food grain has the highest protein content among black gram, pigeon pea, field pea and soybean?
[UPPSC RO/ARO Prelims, 2014]
- (a) Black gram
- (b) Pigeon pea
- (c) Field pea
- (d) Soyabean
Answer: (d) Soyabean
Explanation: Soybean contains unusually high protein levels for a legume and is also rich in oil. Its protein quality and yield make it important in food products and animal feeds. Other listed pulses remain useful protein sources.
