NEET-PG 2013 — Biochemistry

Q: What is the major apolipoprotein of chylomicrons?

B-48. ***B-48*** - **Apolipoprotein B-48** is exclusively produced in the intestine and is the **major structural apolipoprotein** found only on **chylomicrons**. - It is critical for the **assembly and secretion of chylomicrons** from intestinal cells into the lymphatic system. - ApoB-48 represents the N-terminal 48% of ApoB-100 and lacks the LDL receptor-binding domain. *B-100* - **Apolipoprotein B-100** is synthesized in the liver and is the primary structural apolipoprotein of **VLDL, IDL, and LDL**. - It acts as the **ligand for the LDL receptor**, facilitating the uptake of cholesterol into cells. *Apo-C* - **Apolipoprotein C (Apo-C)** proteins (e.g., ApoC-II, ApoC-III) are exchangeable apolipoproteins found on several lipoproteins, including chylomicrons, VLDL, and HDL. - **ApoC-II activates lipoprotein lipase**, which hydrolyzes triglycerides, but these are **not structural proteins** and are present in smaller quantities. *Apo-E* - **Apolipoprotein E (Apo-E)** is acquired by chylomicrons in circulation and is important for **chylomicron remnant clearance** by the liver. - While present on chylomicrons, it is **not the major structural apolipoprotein** – that role belongs to ApoB-48. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which vitamin is required for transfer of 1-carbon unit?

Folic acid. ***Folic acid*** - **Folic acid** (vitamin B9) is essential for the transfer of **one-carbon units**, particularly as **tetrahydrofolate (THF)**. - These one-carbon units are critical in metabolic processes such as **DNA synthesis**, **amino acid metabolism**, and **neurotransmitter synthesis**. *Vitamin A* - **Vitamin A** (retinol) is primarily involved in **vision**, **immune function**, and **cell differentiation**. - It does not play a direct role in the transfer of one-carbon units. *Vitamin B12* - **Vitamin B12** (cobalamin) is involved in two main reactions: the conversion of **methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA** and the transfer of a **methyl group from N5-methyl THF to homocysteine** to form methionine. - While it works with folate, it does not directly transfer one-carbon units in the same way as folic acid. *Niacin* - **Niacin** (vitamin B3) is a precursor to **NAD+ and NADP+**, which are crucial coenzymes in **redox reactions** and energy metabolism. - It is not involved in the transfer of one-carbon units. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: During angiogenesis, what factors are responsible for the recruitment of pericytes and periendothelial cells?

Angiopoietins, TGF & PDGF. ***Angiopoietins, TGF & PDGF*** - **Angiopoietins** are crucial for the stabilization of blood vessels and recruitment of **pericytes**, enhancing vessel maturation [1]. - **TGF (Transforming Growth Factor)** and **PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)** also play significant roles in the recruitment and proliferation of **pericytes** and periendothelial cells during angiogenesis [1]. *VEGF & PDGF* - While **VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)** is important for endothelial cell migration and proliferation, it does not directly recruit **pericytes** alone. - This combination lacks **angiopoietins**, which are key for the stabilization of newly formed blood vessels [1]. *VEGF, IL-2, IL-6* - **IL-2** and **IL-6** are primarily associated with immune responses and do not directly contribute to pericyte recruitment during angiogenesis. - **VEGF** alone supports endothelial cells but does not effectively recruit **pericytes** without the cooperation of other factors. *TGF, VEGF & PDGF* - Although both **TGF** and **PDGF** are involved in pericyte recruitment [1], the absence of **angiopoietins** limits the effectiveness of this combination for the recruitment process. - **VEGF** alone does not facilitate direct recruitment of **pericytes**, as it mainly focuses on endothelial cells. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Inflammation and Repair, pp. 115-116. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following is NOT present in DNA?

Uracil. ***Uracil*** - **Uracil** is a pyrimidine nitrogenous base that replaces **thymine** in RNA, meaning it is not found in the structure of DNA. - In RNA, uracil pairs with **adenine** through two hydrogen bonds. *Thymine* - **Thymine** is a pyrimidine found in DNA, where it pairs with **adenine**. - It is replaced by **uracil** in RNA. *Cytosine* - **Cytosine** is a pyrimidine that is a fundamental component of both **DNA** and **RNA**. - In DNA, cytosine pairs with **guanine**. *Adenine* - **Adenine** is a purine that is a fundamental component of both **DNA** and **RNA**. - In DNA, adenine pairs with **thymine**, and in RNA, it pairs with **uracil**. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Number of ATP molecules formed per turn of the citric acid cycle is

10. ***10*** - Each turn of the citric acid cycle directly produces **1 GTP** molecule (which is equivalent to 1 ATP). - Additionally, it generates **3 NADH** and **1 FADH2**, which upon oxidative phosphorylation yield approximately **2.5 ATP per NADH** and **1.5 ATP per FADH2**. - Total calculation: (3 × 2.5) + (1 × 1.5) + 1 (from GTP) = 7.5 + 1.5 + 1 = **10 ATP equivalents** per turn. *5* - This number is **too low** and does not account for the significant energy yield from the **NADH** and **FADH2** molecules produced during the cycle. - It likely only considers a partial or incorrect calculation of the ATP equivalents generated. *7* - This value is **insufficient** as it underestimates the total ATP generated when considering the contributions from both **direct substrate-level phosphorylation (GTP)** and the **electron transport chain**. - It may arise from an incomplete understanding of the ATP yield from NADH and FADH2. *15* - This number is **too high** for the ATP equivalents produced per turn of the citric acid cycle. - Such a value would imply a higher energy yield from the electron carriers or direct ATP production than is biologically accurate. [Practice more Biochemistry PYQs on OnCourse]

133 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

133

Questions

What is the major apolipoprotein of chylomicrons?

Which vitamin is required for transfer of 1-carbon unit?

During angiogenesis, what factors are responsible for the recruitment of pericytes and periendothelial cells?

Which of the following is NOT present in DNA?

Number of ATP molecules formed per turn of the citric acid cycle is

Which of the following amino acids is found in keratin?

Which form of tetrahydrofolate (THF) serves as the central intermediate in the one-carbon pool and is most directly involved in thymidine synthesis?

Which of the following is not an androgen?

Trypsinogen is converted to trypsin by?

Q10

Carbonic anhydrase activity is found in all of the following except?

NEET-PG 2013 - Biochemistry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: What is the major apolipoprotein of chylomicrons?

A. B-48 (Correct Answer)
B. B-100
C. Apo-C
D. Apo-E

Explanation: ***B-48*** - **Apolipoprotein B-48** is exclusively produced in the intestine and is the **major structural apolipoprotein** found only on **chylomicrons**. - It is critical for the **assembly and secretion of chylomicrons** from intestinal cells into the lymphatic system. - ApoB-48 represents the N-terminal 48% of ApoB-100 and lacks the LDL receptor-binding domain. *B-100* - **Apolipoprotein B-100** is synthesized in the liver and is the primary structural apolipoprotein of **VLDL, IDL, and LDL**. - It acts as the **ligand for the LDL receptor**, facilitating the uptake of cholesterol into cells. *Apo-C* - **Apolipoprotein C (Apo-C)** proteins (e.g., ApoC-II, ApoC-III) are exchangeable apolipoproteins found on several lipoproteins, including chylomicrons, VLDL, and HDL. - **ApoC-II activates lipoprotein lipase**, which hydrolyzes triglycerides, but these are **not structural proteins** and are present in smaller quantities. *Apo-E* - **Apolipoprotein E (Apo-E)** is acquired by chylomicrons in circulation and is important for **chylomicron remnant clearance** by the liver. - While present on chylomicrons, it is **not the major structural apolipoprotein** – that role belongs to ApoB-48.

Question 2: Which vitamin is required for transfer of 1-carbon unit?

A. Niacin
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin A
D. Folic acid (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Folic acid*** - **Folic acid** (vitamin B9) is essential for the transfer of **one-carbon units**, particularly as **tetrahydrofolate (THF)**. - These one-carbon units are critical in metabolic processes such as **DNA synthesis**, **amino acid metabolism**, and **neurotransmitter synthesis**. *Vitamin A* - **Vitamin A** (retinol) is primarily involved in **vision**, **immune function**, and **cell differentiation**. - It does not play a direct role in the transfer of one-carbon units. *Vitamin B12* - **Vitamin B12** (cobalamin) is involved in two main reactions: the conversion of **methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA** and the transfer of a **methyl group from N5-methyl THF to homocysteine** to form methionine. - While it works with folate, it does not directly transfer one-carbon units in the same way as folic acid. *Niacin* - **Niacin** (vitamin B3) is a precursor to **NAD+ and NADP+**, which are crucial coenzymes in **redox reactions** and energy metabolism. - It is not involved in the transfer of one-carbon units.

Question 3: During angiogenesis, what factors are responsible for the recruitment of pericytes and periendothelial cells?

A. VEGF & PDGF
B. Angiopoietins, TGF & PDGF (Correct Answer)
C. VEGF, IL-2, IL-6
D. TGF, VEGF & PDGF

Explanation: ***Angiopoietins, TGF & PDGF*** - **Angiopoietins** are crucial for the stabilization of blood vessels and recruitment of **pericytes**, enhancing vessel maturation [1]. - **TGF (Transforming Growth Factor)** and **PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)** also play significant roles in the recruitment and proliferation of **pericytes** and periendothelial cells during angiogenesis [1]. *VEGF & PDGF* - While **VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)** is important for endothelial cell migration and proliferation, it does not directly recruit **pericytes** alone. - This combination lacks **angiopoietins**, which are key for the stabilization of newly formed blood vessels [1]. *VEGF, IL-2, IL-6* - **IL-2** and **IL-6** are primarily associated with immune responses and do not directly contribute to pericyte recruitment during angiogenesis. - **VEGF** alone supports endothelial cells but does not effectively recruit **pericytes** without the cooperation of other factors. *TGF, VEGF & PDGF* - Although both **TGF** and **PDGF** are involved in pericyte recruitment [1], the absence of **angiopoietins** limits the effectiveness of this combination for the recruitment process. - **VEGF** alone does not facilitate direct recruitment of **pericytes**, as it mainly focuses on endothelial cells. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Inflammation and Repair, pp. 115-116.

Question 4: Which of the following is NOT present in DNA?

A. Uracil (Correct Answer)
B. Thymine
C. Adenine
D. Cytosine

Explanation: ***Uracil*** - **Uracil** is a pyrimidine nitrogenous base that replaces **thymine** in RNA, meaning it is not found in the structure of DNA. - In RNA, uracil pairs with **adenine** through two hydrogen bonds. *Thymine* - **Thymine** is a pyrimidine found in DNA, where it pairs with **adenine**. - It is replaced by **uracil** in RNA. *Cytosine* - **Cytosine** is a pyrimidine that is a fundamental component of both **DNA** and **RNA**. - In DNA, cytosine pairs with **guanine**. *Adenine* - **Adenine** is a purine that is a fundamental component of both **DNA** and **RNA**. - In DNA, adenine pairs with **thymine**, and in RNA, it pairs with **uracil**.

Question 5: Number of ATP molecules formed per turn of the citric acid cycle is

A. 5
B. 7
C. 15
D. 10 (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***10*** - Each turn of the citric acid cycle directly produces **1 GTP** molecule (which is equivalent to 1 ATP). - Additionally, it generates **3 NADH** and **1 FADH2**, which upon oxidative phosphorylation yield approximately **2.5 ATP per NADH** and **1.5 ATP per FADH2**. - Total calculation: (3 × 2.5) + (1 × 1.5) + 1 (from GTP) = 7.5 + 1.5 + 1 = **10 ATP equivalents** per turn. *5* - This number is **too low** and does not account for the significant energy yield from the **NADH** and **FADH2** molecules produced during the cycle. - It likely only considers a partial or incorrect calculation of the ATP equivalents generated. *7* - This value is **insufficient** as it underestimates the total ATP generated when considering the contributions from both **direct substrate-level phosphorylation (GTP)** and the **electron transport chain**. - It may arise from an incomplete understanding of the ATP yield from NADH and FADH2. *15* - This number is **too high** for the ATP equivalents produced per turn of the citric acid cycle. - Such a value would imply a higher energy yield from the electron carriers or direct ATP production than is biologically accurate.

Question 6: Which of the following amino acids is found in keratin?

A. Lysine
B. Histidine
C. Arginine
D. All of the options (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***All of the options*** - **Keratin** is a fibrous structural protein that forms the main component of hair, skin, and nails - All three amino acids listed - **Histidine, Lysine, and Arginine** - are indeed found in keratin's composition - **Lysine** and **Arginine** are basic amino acids that contribute to keratin's structural stability and are involved in ionic interactions - **Histidine** is also present and plays a role in the protein's functional and structural aspects - While keratin is particularly rich in **cysteine** (which forms disulfide bonds responsible for its strength), it also contains significant amounts of these other amino acids - The complete amino acid composition of keratin includes all of these and many other amino acids working together to provide its characteristic properties *Why individual options alone are incomplete* - Selecting only **Histidine**, **Lysine**, or **Arginine** individually would be incorrect because it would imply the other amino acids are NOT found in keratin - Since the question asks which amino acid "is found" in keratin and all three ARE present, the correct answer must acknowledge all of them

Question 7: Which form of tetrahydrofolate (THF) serves as the central intermediate in the one-carbon pool and is most directly involved in thymidine synthesis?

A. None of the options
B. Methylene THF (Correct Answer)
C. Methyl THF
D. Formyl THF

Explanation: ***Methylene THF*** - **N5,N10-Methylene tetrahydrofolate** is the direct **one-carbon donor** for the methylation of deoxyuridylate (dUMP) to deoxythymidylate (dTMP) by the enzyme **thymidylate synthase**, which is crucial for **DNA synthesis**. - During this reaction, **methylene THF** is oxidized to **dihydrofolate (DHF)**, requiring reduction by **dihydrofolate reductase** (DHFR) to regenerate THF. *Methyl THF* - **N5-Methyl tetrahydrofolate** is primarily involved in the **methionine synthase** reaction to convert **homocysteine to methionine**, requiring **vitamin B12**. - It is not directly involved in thymidine synthesis but plays a role in remethylation pathways and the **folate trap** when B12 is deficient. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **methylene THF** is indeed a direct participant in thymidine synthesis, serving as the critical one-carbon donor. - The roles of various THF forms in one-carbon metabolism are well-defined, and one of them is specifically responsible for this function. *Formyl THF* - **N10-Formyl tetrahydrofolate** is essential for the synthesis of **purine nucleotides** by donating formyl groups at two steps in the purine ring formation. - While important for nucleic acid synthesis, it does not directly contribute the methyl group needed for thymidine synthesis from dUMP.

Question 8: Which of the following is not an androgen?

A. 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (Correct Answer)
B. Testosterone
C. Dihydrotestosterone
D. Androstenedione

Explanation: ***17α-hydroxyprogesterone*** - This is a **progesterone derivative** and an intermediate in the synthesis of androgens and corticosteroids, but it does **not possess significant androgenic activity** itself. - Its primary role is as a precursor, rather than a direct androgen. *Testosterone* - **Testosterone** is the **primary male sex hormone** and a potent androgen, responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. - It plays crucial roles in muscle mass, bone density, libido, and erythropoiesis. *Dihydrotestosterone* - **Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)** is a potent androgen, formed from testosterone by the enzyme 5α-reductase. - DHT is responsible for the development of external male genitalia during fetal development and contributes to prostate growth and male pattern baldness in adults. *Androstenedione* - **Androstenedione** is a **weak androgen** and an important **precursor hormone** in the biosynthesis of testosterone and estrogens. - It is produced in the adrenal glands and gonads, serving as an intermediate step in steroidogenesis.

Question 9: Trypsinogen is converted to trypsin by?

A. Combination of 2 molecules of trypsinogen
B. Phosphorylation
C. Addition of alkyl group
D. Removal of specific amino acids from trypsinogen (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Removal of specific amino acids from trypsinogen*** - Trypsinogen is an **inactive zymogen** that is activated by the enzymatic cleavage of a **short N-terminal peptide**. - This cleavage event, primarily catalyzed by **enteropeptidase** (or trypsin itself), transforms trypsinogen into active **trypsin**, a process known as **proteolytic activation**. *Combination of 2 molecules of trypsinogen* - The activation of trypsinogen to trypsin is a **unimolecular conformational change** followed by proteolytic cleavage, not a combination reaction between two zymogen molecules. - While trypsin can activate other trypsinogen molecules, the initial activation does not involve the physical combination of two zymogen molecules. *Phosphorylation* - **Phosphorylation** is a common regulatory mechanism in proteins but is not the primary method for activating inactive trypsinogen. - Trypsinogen activation relies on a **proteolytic cleavage event**, rather than the addition of a phosphate group. *Addition of alkyl group* - The addition of an **alkyl group** is not a known mechanism for the physiological activation of trypsinogen. - Enzymatic activation typically involves **hydrolysis of peptide bonds** or other specific post-translational modifications.

Question 10: Carbonic anhydrase activity is found in all of the following except?

A. Brain
B. Kidney
C. RBC
D. Plasma (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Plasma*** - **Carbonic anhydrase** is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, **bicarbonate**, and protons. - It is notably **absent in plasma** in healthy individuals, as it is primarily found within cells where its function is crucial for pH regulation and CO2 transport. *Brain* - Carbonic anhydrase is found in various brain cells, including **neurons**, **oligodendrocytes**, and **astrocytes**. - It plays a vital role in pH regulation, fluid balance, and the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the **central nervous system**. *Kidney* - The kidney is rich in carbonic anhydrase, particularly in the **proximal tubules** and collecting ducts. - It is critical for **bicarbonate reabsorption** and proton excretion, essential processes for maintaining acid-base balance. *RBC* - **Red blood cells (RBCs)** contain a high concentration of carbonic anhydrase (specifically CA-I and CA-II isoforms). - This enzyme facilitates the rapid conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate for transport to the lungs and the reverse reaction for **CO2 exhalation**.