In eukaryotic cells, where does the majority of functional RNA activity occur?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the genetic code?
A frameshift mutation does not affect the complete amino acid sequence if it occurs in multiples of what number?
Chemical process involved in conversion of progesterone to glucocorticoids is
Which is the first steroid intermediate formed in the conversion of cholesterol to steroid hormones?
Which of the following coenzymes is directly derived from riboflavin?
The main function of Vitamin C in the body is
Which of the following trace elements has vitamin E-like action?
Which vitamin is primarily associated with the antioxidant properties of glutathione?
Which of the following statements about vitamin E is false?
NEET-PG 2013 - Biochemistry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 101: In eukaryotic cells, where does the majority of functional RNA activity occur?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Ribosome
- C. Cytoplasm (Correct Answer)
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Cytoplasm*** - The **cytoplasm** is the cellular compartment where the **majority of functional RNA activity** occurs, including **translation** (protein synthesis) involving mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA. - **Ribosomes** (the sites of translation) are located in the cytoplasm, either free-floating or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum. - Many types of **regulatory RNAs** such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) exert their functions in the cytoplasm by targeting mRNAs for degradation or translational repression. - **mRNA degradation** and **RNA interference pathways** primarily operate in the cytoplasm. - The question asks for the broader location rather than the specific molecular machinery, making cytoplasm the most comprehensive answer. *Nucleus* - While RNA is **transcribed** from DNA and **processed** (capping, polyadenylation, splicing) in the nucleus, these are preparatory steps. - The nucleus is primarily the site of **RNA synthesis**, not where most RNA performs its functional roles. - Only a small fraction of functional RNA activity (like rRNA processing in the nucleolus) occurs here compared to the cytoplasm. *Ribosome* - While **ribosomes are the specific sites of translation** and are composed of rRNA and proteins, they represent molecular machinery rather than a cellular location. - Ribosomes themselves are located **within the cytoplasm**, making cytoplasm the more inclusive answer for where RNA activity occurs. - The question asks "where" in terms of cellular compartment, not which molecular complex. *None of the options* - This is incorrect as the cytoplasm is indeed the primary site where the majority of functional RNA activities occur in eukaryotic cells.
Question 102: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the genetic code?
- A. Overlapping (Correct Answer)
- B. Universal
- C. Degeneracy
- D. Nonambiguous
Explanation: ***Overlapping*** - The genetic code is generally **non-overlapping**, meaning each nucleotide is part of only one codon, and codons are read sequentially. - An overlapping code would mean that a single nucleotide could be part of multiple codons, which is not how protein synthesis typically occurs. *Nonambiguous* - This statement IS a characteristic; each codon specifies **only one amino acid**, meaning there is no ambiguity about which amino acid will be added. - While multiple codons can specify the same amino acid, a single codon never specifies more than one different amino acid. *Universal* - This statement IS a characteristic; the genetic code is largely **universal** across almost all organisms, from bacteria to humans. - The same codons typically specify the same amino acids in different species, which supports the idea of common ancestry. *Degeneracy* - This statement IS a characteristic; the genetic code is **degenerate**, meaning that most amino acids are specified by more than one codon. - This redundancy helps protect against the effects of single-nucleotide mutations.
Question 103: A frameshift mutation does not affect the complete amino acid sequence if it occurs in multiples of what number?
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3 (Correct Answer)
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***3*** - A **frameshift mutation** occurs when nucleotides are inserted or deleted in a number not divisible by three, altering the **reading frame** of the codons. - If insertions or deletions occur in multiples of **three**, the reading frame is restored after the mutation, largely preserving the downstream amino acid sequence. *1* - An insertion or deletion of a single nucleotide (1) definitively causes a **frameshift mutation**. - This alters all subsequent **codons**, leading to a completely different amino acid sequence downstream from the mutation. *2* - An insertion or deletion of two nucleotides (2) also results in a **frameshift mutation**. - This change shifts the **reading frame**, leading to the production of an altered protein or a premature stop codon. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because a specific number, **three**, can allow for a frameshift mutation to not affect the complete amino acid sequence. - Multiples of three maintain the original **reading frame** (although potentially adding or removing a specific amino acid), whereas other numbers guarantee a frameshift.
Question 104: Chemical process involved in conversion of progesterone to glucocorticoids is
- A. Methylation
- B. Hydroxylation (Correct Answer)
- C. Carboxylation
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Hydroxylation*** - The conversion of progesterone to glucocorticoids involves several enzymatic steps, with **hydroxylation reactions** being critical for adding hydroxyl groups at specific carbon positions (e.g., C-17, C-21, C-11). - These hydroxylation steps are catalyzed by various **cytochrome P450 enzymes** (e.g., 17α-hydroxylase, 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase) within the adrenal cortex, leading to the formation of active glucocorticoids like **cortisol**. *Methylation* - **Methylation** involves the addition of a methyl group (-CH₃) to a molecule, a process more commonly associated with modifying DNA, proteins, or certain neurotransmitters. - While methylation is a vital biological process, it is not the primary chemical reaction involved in the **steroidogenesis pathway** converting progesterone to glucocorticoids. *Carboxylation* - **Carboxylation** is the addition of a carboxyl group (-COOH) to a molecule, a reaction crucial in processes like photosynthesis (carbon fixation) or the synthesis of certain proteins (e.g., clotting factors). - This chemical modification is not directly involved in the series of transformations that convert progesterone into **glucocorticoids**. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **hydroxylation** is indeed a fundamental chemical process in the conversion of progesterone to glucocorticoids.
Question 105: Which is the first steroid intermediate formed in the conversion of cholesterol to steroid hormones?
- A. Glucocorticoid
- B. Mineralocorticoid
- C. Estradiol
- D. Pregnenolone (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Pregnenolone*** - **Pregnenolone** is the **first steroid intermediate** formed from **cholesterol** in steroidogenesis - The conversion occurs in mitochondria via the **cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc/CYP11A1)** - This is the **rate-limiting step** in steroid hormone biosynthesis - From pregnenolone, all other steroid hormones are subsequently synthesized *Progesterone* - Progesterone is the **second intermediate**, formed from pregnenolone - It serves as a precursor for glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens - Not the first intermediate from cholesterol *Glucocorticoid* - Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol) are **end products**, not intermediates - Formed several steps downstream from cholesterol via pregnenolone and progesterone *Mineralocorticoid* - Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) are **end products**, not intermediates - Synthesized from progesterone through multiple enzymatic steps *Estradiol* - Estradiol is a **late-stage product** synthesized from androgens - Requires aromatase enzyme for conversion from testosterone - Multiple steps removed from the initial cholesterol conversion
Question 106: Which of the following coenzymes is directly derived from riboflavin?
- A. FMN (Correct Answer)
- B. NAD
- C. THF
- D. FAD
Explanation: ***FMN (Flavin Mononucleotide)*** - **FMN is the direct derivative** of riboflavin (vitamin B2), formed by phosphorylation of riboflavin - Serves as a prosthetic group in various **flavoproteins** involved in electron transfer reactions - Functions as a redox cofactor in multiple metabolic pathways including the electron transport chain *NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)* - Derived from **niacin (vitamin B3)**, not riboflavin - Key coenzyme in redox reactions, particularly in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle *THF (Tetrahydrofolate)* - Active form of **folate (vitamin B9)**, not riboflavin - Essential for one-carbon metabolism, DNA synthesis, and amino acid conversions *FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide)* - While FAD is also derived from riboflavin, it is a **secondary derivative** formed from FMN + ATP - The conversion pathway is: Riboflavin → FMN → FAD - FMN is the more direct answer to this question
Question 107: The main function of Vitamin C in the body is
- A. Cofactor for hydroxylation reactions in collagen synthesis (Correct Answer)
- B. Regulation of lipid synthesis
- C. Involvement as antioxidant
- D. Inhibition of cell growth
Explanation: ***Cofactor for hydroxylation reactions in collagen synthesis*** - Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) serves as an essential **cofactor** for **prolyl hydroxylase** and **lysyl hydroxylase** enzymes. - These enzymes catalyze the **hydroxylation of proline and lysine** residues in collagen, forming **hydroxyproline** and **hydroxylysine**. - This hydroxylation is crucial for the **stability and cross-linking** of collagen triple helix structure. - Deficiency leads to **scurvy**, characterized by defective collagen synthesis, bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and bone abnormalities. - This is the **primary and main function** of Vitamin C in the human body. *Involvement as antioxidant* - While Vitamin C does act as a **water-soluble antioxidant**, protecting cells from oxidative damage by free radicals, this is a **secondary function**. - It can donate electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species and regenerate other antioxidants like Vitamin E. - This protective role is important but not the main function compared to its role in collagen synthesis. *Regulation of lipid synthesis* - Vitamin C is **not directly involved** in the primary pathways of lipid synthesis or metabolism. - It may play a minor role in **carnitine synthesis** (needed for fatty acid oxidation), but this is not a major function. - Other nutrients like B vitamins play more significant roles in lipid metabolism regulation. *Inhibition of cell growth* - Vitamin C does **not inhibit normal cell growth**; it is essential for cell health, differentiation, and tissue repair. - While high doses may have some anti-proliferative effects in certain cancer cell lines in vitro, this is not a physiological function in the healthy body.
Question 108: Which of the following trace elements has vitamin E-like action?
- A. Iron
- B. Selenium (Correct Answer)
- C. Copper
- D. Zinc
Explanation: ***Selenium*** - Selenium is an essential component of **glutathione peroxidase**, an enzyme that works alongside vitamin E to protect cells from **oxidative damage**. - Its antioxidant properties are similar to **vitamin E**, as both scavenge free radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation. *Iron* - Iron is vital for **oxygen transport** in hemoglobin and myoglobin, and for cellular respiration as a component of cytochromes. - While essential, iron does not have direct **antioxidant properties** akin to vitamin E; in excess, it can even promote oxidative stress. *Copper* - Copper is a cofactor for several enzymes, including **superoxide dismutase (SOD)**, an antioxidant enzyme, but its primary role is not directly analogous to vitamin E's lipid-soluble antioxidant function. - It also plays a role in **energy production**, iron metabolism, and neurotransmission. *Zinc* - Zinc is crucial for **immune function**, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, acting as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes. - Although it has indirect antioxidant effects by stabilizing cell membranes and reducing oxidative damage, its mechanism and direct action are not considered "vitamin E-like."
Question 109: Which vitamin is primarily associated with the antioxidant properties of glutathione?
- A. Vitamin E
- B. Niacin (Correct Answer)
- C. Vitamin C
- D. Vitamin A
Explanation: ***Niacin*** - **Niacin** (Vitamin B3) is the vitamin most directly associated with glutathione's antioxidant properties - Niacin is a precursor to **NAD+** and **NADP+**, which are converted to **NADPH** - **NADPH is the essential cofactor** for **glutathione reductase**, the primary enzyme that reduces oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back to its active reduced form (GSH) - This NADPH-dependent enzymatic pathway is the **main mechanism** for maintaining the body's glutathione antioxidant system - Without adequate niacin → NADPH, glutathione cannot be efficiently regenerated *Vitamin C* - **Vitamin C** can non-enzymatically reduce GSSG to GSH, providing a **secondary backup mechanism** - While vitamin C does support glutathione regeneration, this is an **indirect, non-enzymatic process** - It acts as an antioxidant itself but is not the primary vitamin associated with glutathione's antioxidant function *Vitamin E* - **Vitamin E** is a **lipid-soluble antioxidant** that primarily protects cell membranes from oxidative damage - Works synergistically with other antioxidants but has **no direct role** in glutathione synthesis or regeneration *Vitamin A* - **Vitamin A** (retinol) is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell differentiation - Has some antioxidant properties as a carotenoid derivative but **no direct involvement** in glutathione metabolism
Question 110: Which of the following statements about vitamin E is false?
- A. Act as antioxidant
- B. Chemically tocopherol
- C. Water soluble vitamin (Correct Answer)
- D. Prevent lipid peroxidation of cell membrane
Explanation: ***Water soluble vitamin*** - This statement is false because **vitamin E** is a **fat-soluble vitamin**, meaning it dissolves in lipids and is stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. - Its absorption requires the presence of dietary fat and bile salts, unlike water-soluble vitamins. *Act as antioxidant* - **Vitamin E** is a powerful **lipid-soluble antioxidant**, protecting cell membranes from damage by scavenging **free radicals**. - It helps prevent **oxidative damage** to polyunsaturated fatty acids within cell membranes. *Chemically tocopherol* - The most biologically active form of **vitamin E** is **alpha-tocopherol**, although vitamin E encompasses a group of eight fat-soluble compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols. - This term correctly identifies the chemical nature of the prominent forms of vitamin E. *Prevent lipid peroxidation of cell membrane* - As an **antioxidant**, **vitamin E** specifically interferes with the **propagation of lipid peroxidation**, a chain reaction that damages cell membranes by oxidizing their lipid components. - It donates an electron to **free radicals**, thereby neutralizing them and protecting the integrity of the cell membrane.