Q30. Which listed vegetable is a comparatively rich source of dietary iron?
[UPPSC PCS Prelims, 2008]
- (a) Carrot
- (b) Pea
- (c) Rice
- (d) Spinach
Answer: (d) Spinach
Explanation: Spinach leaves contain non-haem iron and other micronutrients. Their iron is not absorbed as efficiently as haem iron because oxalates and other compounds reduce bioavailability. Vitamin C-rich foods can help improve absorption.
Q29. Casein is classified as which constituent of milk?
[UPPSC PCS Special Prelims, 2008]
- (a) Bacterium
- (b) Sugar
- (c) Protein
- (d) Fat
Answer: (c) Protein
Explanation: Caseins are a family of milk phosphoproteins that account for much of cow’s milk protein. They form micelles which scatter light and help give milk an opaque appearance. Lactose, rather than casein, is milk sugar.
Q28. Cow’s milk can have a pale yellow colour mainly because of which pigment?
[UPPSC PCS Special Mains, 2008]
- (a) Xanthophyll
- (b) Riboflavin
- (c) Vitamin B12
- (d) Carotene
Answer: (d) Carotene
Explanation: Carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene from cattle feed, can impart a yellowish tint to milk fat. Casein micelles scatter light and make milk appear white, while the amount of carotene varies with breed and feed.
Q27. Which approximate protein intake did the historical paper suggest for a lactating mother each day?
[UPPSC PCS Mains, 2008]
- (a) 30 g
- (b) 20 g
- (c) 70 g
- (d) 100 g
Answer: (c) 70 g
Explanation: Lactation increases protein needs to support milk production. The original examination used an approximate value of 70 grams daily. Modern recommendations depend on body weight, lactation stage and guideline system, so this should not be treated as individual advice.
Q26. Which vitamin-deficiency association is the incorrect one?
[UPPSC PCS Special Prelims, 2008]
- (a) Thiamin — beriberi
- (b) Vitamin D — rickets
- (c) Vitamin K — sterility
- (d) Niacin — pellagra
Answer: (c) Vitamin K — sterility
Explanation: Deficiency of vitamin K affects coagulation and bleeding, not sterility. Beriberi is linked to thiamin deficiency, rickets to vitamin D deficiency and pellagra to niacin deficiency. Older textbooks used anti-sterility for vitamin E.
Q25. What is considered a principal dietary source of vitamin C?
[Uttarakhand UDA/LDA Prelims, 2007]
- (a) Fresh raw fruits
- (b) Ghee
- (c) Milk
- (d) Polished rice
Answer: (a) Fresh raw fruits
Explanation: Fresh fruits, including citrus and guava, contain useful amounts of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is sensitive to heat, storage and some cooking methods. Adequate vitamin C supports collagen formation, wound healing and iron absorption.
Q24. Among potato, sugarcane, orange and sugar beet, which offers the most vitamin C?
[Uttarakhand UDA/LDA Prelims, 2007]
- (a) Potato
- (b) Sugarcane
- (c) Orange
- (d) Sugar beet
Answer: (c) Orange
Explanation: Orange flesh is a well-known source of ascorbic acid, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. The other options generally contain less vitamin C per standard serving, especially refined products derived from sugarcane or sugar beet.
Q23. Which sugar is responsible for the natural sweetness of milk?
[UPPSC PCS Prelims, 2007]
- (a) Microse
- (b) Lactose
- (c) Sucrose
- (d) Carotene
Answer: (b) Lactose
Explanation: Lactose is the main disaccharide sugar in milk, composed of glucose and galactose. Lactase in the small intestine breaks lactose into its constituent sugars. Insufficient lactase may cause gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming milk.
Q22. What biological agent changes milk into curd?
[Uttarakhand UDA/LDA Prelims, 2007]
- (a) Bacteria
- (b) Vitamins
- (c) Digestive enzymes alone
- (d) None of these
Answer: (a) Bacteria
Explanation: Lactic-acid bacteria ferment lactose into lactic acid, lowering milk pH and coagulating its proteins. This produces the characteristic texture and flavour of curd. The process involves bacterial enzymes, but bacteria are the agent identified by the examination.
Q21. Which vitamin is particularly important for normal wound healing?
[Uttarakhand PCS Prelims, 2006]
- (a) Vitamin A
- (b) Vitamin B
- (c) Vitamin C
- (d) Vitamin D
Answer: (c) Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C is required for hydroxylation steps in collagen synthesis. Collagen helps give healing tissues strength, so deficiency can weaken wound repair and cause gum bleeding. Adequate protein and other nutrients are also important for healing.
