Q20. Which vitamin is formed in the body as a result of sunlight exposure?
[Uttarakhand PCS Mains, 2006]
- (a) Vitamin A
- (b) Vitamin B
- (c) Vitamin C
- (d) Vitamin D
Answer: (d) Vitamin D
Explanation: Skin exposed to suitable ultraviolet-B radiation makes cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, from 7-dehydrocholesterol. Liver and kidney metabolism then create active hormonal forms that maintain calcium balance and bone health.
Q19. Deficiency of which nutrient was linked to slow body growth by the paper?
[Uttarakhand PCS Mains, 2006]
- (a) Fats
- (b) Vitamins
- (c) Proteins
- (d) None of these
Answer: (c) Proteins
Explanation: Protein provides amino acids needed to synthesise growing tissues, enzymes and structural components. Inadequate protein can impair growth, although chronic growth faltering often reflects combined deficits of calories, micronutrients and health conditions.
Q18. Which protein is characteristically present in milk?
[Uttarakhand PCS Prelims, 2006]
- (a) Agglutinin
- (b) Casein
- (c) Myosin
- (d) Haemoglobin
Answer: (b) Casein
Explanation: Casein is the principal group of proteins in cow’s milk. Myosin is a muscle motor protein and haemoglobin transports oxygen in red blood cells. Milk protein contributes essential amino acids in human diets.
Q17. Which fruit was recognised by the paper as iron-rich among jamun, karonda, loquat and guava?
[UPPSC UDA/LDA Prelims, 2006]
- (a) Jamun
- (b) Karonda
- (c) Loquat
- (d) Guava
Answer: (b) Karonda
Explanation: Karonda has traditionally been noted in Indian nutrition guides for its mineral and vitamin content. Actual iron content depends on fruit variety, maturity and measurement, and this historical exam comparison should not replace nutrient-database values.
Q16. Which of the following microorganisms makes milk sour by producing lactic acid?
[Chhattisgarh PCS Prelims, 2005]
- (a) Aspergillus
- (b) Staphylococcus
- (c) Pseudomonas
- (d) Lactobacillus
Answer: (d) Lactobacillus
Explanation: Lactobacillus species and other lactic-acid bacteria ferment the sugar lactose to lactic acid. The falling pH produces a sour flavour and coagulates casein, underpinning familiar fermented dairy products such as curd and yoghurt.
Q15. Which vegetable supplies comparatively high provitamin A among cabbage, carrot, cauliflower and spinach?
[UPPSC PCS Special Mains, 2004]
- (a) Cabbage
- (b) Carrot
- (c) Cauliflower
- (d) Spinach
Answer: (b) Carrot
Explanation: Carrots are well known for beta-carotene, an orange pigment that can be converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A supports vision, immune defence and epithelial tissues. Spinach also supplies carotenoids, but the examination expected carrot.
Q14. Which element in the form of phosphate helps buffer acidity and alkalinity in body fluids?
[UPPSC PCS Special Mains, 2004]
- (a) Phosphorus
- (b) Sodium
- (c) Potassium
- (d) Calcium
Answer: (a) Phosphorus
Explanation: Phosphate-containing buffers help stabilise hydrogen ion concentrations, particularly in intracellular fluid and urine. Phosphorus is also needed for ATP, nucleic acids and skeletal mineral. Blood buffering uses bicarbonate and proteins as well.
Q13. Which food has the highest protein concentration among pigeon pea, soybean, horse gram and wheat?
[UPPSC PCS Special Mains, 2004]
- (a) Pigeon pea
- (b) Soybean
- (c) Horse gram
- (d) Wheat
Answer: (b) Soybean
Explanation: Soybean seeds have a high protein proportion and a comparatively substantial amount of unsaturated fat. They often surpass conventional cereals and many pulses in protein concentration, making soy products nutritionally valuable.
Q12. Which vitamin’s molecule includes the metallic element cobalt?
[UPPSC PCS Special Mains, 2004]
- (a) Vitamin B6
- (b) Vitamin B2
- (c) Vitamin B1
- (d) Vitamin B12
Answer: (d) Vitamin B12
Explanation: Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, has cobalt at the centre of a corrin ring. It supports neurological function and DNA synthesis. Deficiency may produce megaloblastic anaemia and nerve damage, particularly when absorption is impaired.
Q11. Which food among fruits, vegetables, cheese and sweets provides nutrients used to grow new body tissues?
[RAS/RTS Prelims, 2003]
- (a) Fruit
- (b) Vegetables
- (c) Cheese
- (d) Sweets
Answer: (c) Cheese
Explanation: Cheese contains substantial protein, supplying amino acids for tissue development and repair. Fruits and vegetables are important for vitamins, minerals and fibre, while sweets are mainly energy sources and generally contain little protein.
