UPSC-CMS 2025 Practice Questions

Q: Consider the following with regard to Amino Acids : I. Essential Amino Acids are those that the body cannot synthesize and they must be obtained from dietary proteins. II. Not just the Essential Amino Acids, Non-essential Amino Acids are also needed by the body for synthesis of tissue proteins. III. Unless a protein contains all the Essential Amino Acids in amounts corresponding to human needs, a protein is said to be biologically incomplete. IV. Animal proteins are rated superior to vegetable proteins. Of the above statements, how many are correct?

All four. ***All four*** - **Statement I is correct:** Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources. The 9 essential amino acids include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. - **Statement II is correct:** Both essential and non-essential amino acids are required for tissue protein synthesis. Non-essential amino acids (like alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, etc.) are equally important for building proteins, even though the body can synthesize them. - **Statement III is correct:** A protein is considered **biologically incomplete** if it lacks one or more essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids in proportions that meet human nutritional requirements. - **Statement IV is correct:** Animal proteins (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) are traditionally rated as superior to most plant proteins because they are **complete proteins** containing all essential amino acids in adequate proportions with high biological value. Most plant proteins (except soy, quinoa) are incomplete or limiting in one or more essential amino acids. Since all four statements (I, II, III, and IV) are factually correct, the answer is **all four**. *Only three* - This option is incorrect because all four statements about amino acids are medically accurate, not just three of them. *Only two* - This option is incorrect as it significantly underestimates the number of correct statements. All four statements are valid principles in biochemistry and nutrition. *Only one* - This option is incorrect as multiple statements are correct. All four statements represent established knowledge about protein nutrition and amino acid classification.

Q: Dietary fibres have :

no metabolic effect. ***no metabolic effect*** - Dietary fibers are **indigestible polysaccharides** that cannot be broken down by human digestive enzymes. - Humans lack enzymes like **cellulase** necessary to hydrolyze the β-glycosidic bonds in dietary fiber. - Dietary fibers pass through the gastrointestinal tract **without being metabolized** by human cells, meaning they do not participate in anabolic or catabolic pathways. - While gut bacteria can ferment some fibers producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), this is **bacterial metabolism**, not human metabolism. - The physiological effects of fiber (improved bowel motility, reduced cholesterol absorption, glycemic control) are **mechanical and physicochemical**, not metabolic. *catabolic effect* - Catabolic processes involve **breakdown of molecules with energy release** (e.g., glycolysis, lipolysis). - Dietary fibers cannot undergo catabolism in humans because we lack the enzymes to break them down. - The fermentation by gut bacteria is not human catabolism. *anabolic effect* - Anabolic processes involve **synthesis of complex molecules** from simpler ones (e.g., protein synthesis, glycogenesis). - Dietary fibers are not absorbed or incorporated into human tissues, so they cannot participate in anabolic reactions. *sometimes anabolic and sometimes catabolic effect, depending on the type* - Regardless of fiber type (soluble or insoluble), **all dietary fibers remain non-metabolizable** by human enzymes. - Neither type undergoes anabolic or catabolic metabolism in human cells.

Q: Egg proteins are considered to be the best among food proteins because : I. of their biological value II. of their digestibility III. they contain all the essential amino acids IV. their calorie content is higher than in proteins of vegetable sources Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

I, II and III. ***I, II and III*** - Egg proteins are considered high-quality due to their **high biological value**, meaning they are efficiently utilized by the body. This is a direct consequence of their **excellent digestibility** and complete amino acid profile. - They contain **all nine essential amino acids** in proportions that closely match human needs, making them a complete protein source. This characteristic is crucial for muscle repair, enzyme production, and overall bodily functions. *II, III and IV* - While egg proteins are highly digestible and contain all essential amino acids (II and III are correct), their **calorie content is not necessarily higher than proteins from vegetable sources (IV is incorrect)**. Calorie content depends on the specific food and its overall macronutrient composition, not just the protein source. - **Biological value** is a key reason egg proteins are considered superior, and this option omits it. *I only* - While the **high biological value (I)** of egg proteins is a fundamental reason for their quality, it is not the only reason. Their excellent digestibility and comprehensive essential amino acid profile are equally important factors. - This option is incomplete as it fails to acknowledge the other critical attributes that contribute to the superiority of egg proteins. *I, III and IV* - Egg proteins do have a **high biological value (I)** and contain **all essential amino acids (III)**. However, statement IV, which claims their calorie content is higher than vegetable proteins, is generally **incorrect**. - This option is incorrect because it includes an inaccurate statement about calorie content and overlooks the crucial aspect of **digestibility (II)**.

Q: Which one of the following is the major contributor to the total energy intake, in terms of energy provided, in an average Indian diet?

Carbohydrates. ***Carbohydrates*** - **Carbohydrates** are the primary source of energy in an average Indian diet, mainly from staple foods like rice, wheat, and millets. - They provide approximately **4 kcal/gram** and constitute the bulk of daily caloric intake for most individuals in India. *Proteins* - While essential for growth and repair, **proteins** are typically consumed in smaller quantities than carbohydrates in the average Indian diet. - They provide about **4 kcal/gram**, but total protein intake often contributes less to overall energy compared to carbohydrates. *Fats* - **Fats** are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing **9 kcal/gram**, but their overall contribution to total energy intake is usually less than that of carbohydrates. - The typical Indian diet emphasizes carbohydrate-rich vegetarian staples, with fats often used for cooking rather than forming the primary energy source. *Vitamins* - **Vitamins** are micronutrients essential for various bodily functions and do not provide any direct energy (calories). - They are crucial for metabolic processes but are not considered a source of energy intake.

Q: Which of the following strategies were encouraged by the UNICEF under its 'GOBI Campaign'? I. G for growth charts to better monitor child development II. O for oral rehydration to treat all mild and moderate dehydration III. B for better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age IV. I for immunization against measles, diphtheria, polio, pertussis, tetanus and tuberculosis Select the correct answer using the code given below :

I, II and IV. ***I, II and IV*** - The **GOBI campaign** by UNICEF stands for Growth monitoring, Oral rehydration, Breastfeeding, and Immunization. - Option I (**Growth charts**) and Option IV (**Immunization**) are direct components of the GOBI strategy; Option II (**Oral rehydration**) is also a key part of the strategy, as its second letter 'O' refers to Oral Rehydration. *I, III and IV* - This option incorrectly includes "better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age" as part of the GOBI campaign, which, while important child health practice, was not a direct component of the acronym. - The 'B' in GOBI specifically stands for **Breastfeeding**, not "better and continuous evaluation," making option III incorrect. *I, II and III* - This option incorrectly includes the detailed interpretation of 'B' as "better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age." - The actual 'B' in GOBI represents **Breastfeeding**, a crucial intervention for child health and nutrition. *II, III and IV* - This option omits "I. G for **growth charts to better monitor child development**," which is a fundamental component of the GOBI strategy (the 'G' in GOBI). - It also incorrectly interprets 'B' as "better and continuous evaluation," instead of **Breastfeeding**.

Q: What is the limit of daily exposure of noise that people can tolerate without substantial damage to their hearing?

85 dB. ***85 dB*** - The **National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)** and **WHO** recommend an exposure limit of **85 dB** averaged over an 8-hour workday to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. - This is the internationally recognized safe limit; OSHA uses 85 dB as the **action level** for implementing hearing conservation programs (though OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 90 dB). - Exposure to noise levels above this threshold for prolonged periods can cause **permanent damage** to the hair cells in the cochlea. *Incorrect Option: 105 dB* - Exposure to **105 dB** for even a short duration (e.g., 10-15 minutes) can cause significant and potentially **irreversible hearing damage**. - This level is characteristic of very loud environments such as **heavy machinery** or **live concerts**. *Incorrect Option: 65 dB* - This level is considered **safe and non-damaging** for daily exposure even over extended periods. - It is typically the noise level of a normal **conversation** or a quiet office environment. - This is below the threshold where hearing protection is needed. *Incorrect Option: 90 dB* - While 90 dB is OSHA's permissible exposure limit for an 8-hour average, it carries a **higher risk of hearing loss** compared to the safer 85 dB standard. - Prolonged exposure at this level significantly increases the likelihood of developing **noise-induced hearing impairment**. - NIOSH and WHO recommend the lower 85 dB limit for better hearing protection.

Q: How much illumination is recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society for general office work?

400 lux. ***400 lux*** - The **Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)** recommends 400 lux for general office work, which includes tasks requiring moderate visual precision. - This level of illumination ensures **adequate visibility** and **reduces eye strain** for typical office activities. *200 lux* - This level is generally considered **too low** for detailed office work and would likely lead to eye fatigue and reduced productivity. - 200 lux might be suitable for casual areas like **corridors** or **waiting rooms**, but not for active work environments. *100 lux* - **100 lux** is an extremely low level of illumination, typically suitable for areas with very minimal visual requirements, such as **storage rooms or archives**. - It is **insufficient** for any form of general office work, making tasks difficult and uncomfortable. *900 lux* - While providing high illumination, **900 lux** is usually considered **excessive** for general office work and can lead to glare and discomfort. - Such high levels are typically reserved for **precision tasks** like drafting or detailed examination, where very fine visual discrimination is needed.

Q: With which variety of asbestos, Mesothelioma has been shown to have a strong association?

Crocidolite. ***Crocidolite*** - **Crocidolite**, also known as blue asbestos, is the type of asbestos with the **strongest association** with the development of **mesothelioma**. - Its thin, needle-like fibers are highly durable and tend to penetrate deeply into lung tissue, making it particularly carcinogenic. *Amosite* - **Amosite**, or brown asbestos, is also associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma, but its carcinogenic potential is generally considered **lower than crocidolite**. - Exposure to amosite can also lead to other asbestos-related diseases such as **asbestosis** and **lung cancer**. *Chrysotile* - **Chrysotile**, or white asbestos, is the most commonly used type of asbestos and is generally thought to be **less carcinogenic** than amphibole forms like crocidolite and amosite. - While it can still cause mesothelioma, the risk is lower compared to crocidolite, and it is more commonly associated with **asbestosis**. *Anthophyllite* - **Anthophyllite** is a rare form of asbestos with a limited industrial history and **less data** regarding its direct association with mesothelioma compared to other types. - However, like all asbestos fibers, it is classified as a human carcinogen and exposure can contribute to the development of asbestos-related diseases.

Q: Under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016, human anatomical waste is to be carried in which colour plastic bags?

Yellow. ***Yellow*** - **Human anatomical waste** (e.g., organs, tissues, body parts) is designated to be collected in **yellow** plastic bags according to the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016. - This category also includes soiled waste (items contaminated with blood/body fluids), expired medicines, and chemical waste. - This waste is typically **incinerated or deeply buried** to ensure proper disposal and prevent the spread of infection. *Red* - **Red** plastic bags are used for **contaminated waste (recyclable)**, such as tubing, catheters, intravenous sets, soiled gloves, and other contaminated plastic items. - This waste is **sterilized by autoclaving/microwaving** before being shredded and sent for recycling. *White* - **White (translucent)** bags are used for **sharp waste** including needles, syringes with needles, scalpel blades, and broken glass. - Also used for waste sharps including metals. - This waste is **disinfected by autoclaving/microwaving** and then subjected to shredding or mutilation. *Blue* - **Blue** bags are used for **glassware and metallic body implants** (e.g., broken or discarded glass vials, ampoules). - This waste is **disinfected/autoclaved** and then sent for recycling or appropriate disposal.

Q: On a chest radiograph, which of the following occupational diseases is most likely to be mistaken as a case of tuberculosis of lungs?

Silicosis. ***Silicosis*** - **Silicosis** manifests with radiographic findings such as **nodular opacities**, often in the upper lobes, and can progress to **progressive massive fibrosis**. These can be visually similar to granulomatous lesions seen in **tuberculosis**. - Additionally, patients with silicosis have an **increased susceptibility to tuberculosis** (silico-tuberculosis), making differentiation solely based on chest radiographs challenging. *Anthracosis* - **Anthracosis** (coal worker's pneumoconiosis) primarily causes diffuse, small, rounded opacities, which are generally less organized and prominent than the nodules seen in silicosis or tuberculosis. - While it can lead to **progressive massive fibrosis** in severe cases, the initial presentation is usually less likely to be confused with tuberculosis compared to silicosis. *Siderosis* - **Siderosis** is caused by the inhalation of iron dust and typically results in fine, diffuse, and irregular opacities on chest radiographs. - These opacities are generally benign and rarely lead to significant pulmonary fibrosis or mimic the discrete, nodular pattern of tuberculosis. *Byssinosis* - **Byssinosis** is an occupational lung disease associated with exposure to cotton dust. It is primarily characterized by **bronchial hyperreactivity** and **asthma-like symptoms**, particularly "Monday chest tightness." - It does not typically produce significant or distinctive radiographic changes that could be confused with tuberculosis, as it is a disease of the airways rather than parenchymal infiltrates.

Question 1

Consider the following with regard to Amino Acids :
I. Essential Amino Acids are those that the body cannot synthesize and they must be obtained from dietary proteins.
II. Not just the Essential Amino Acids, Non-essential Amino Acids are also needed by the body for synthesis of tissue proteins.
III. Unless a protein contains all the Essential Amino Acids in amounts corresponding to human needs, a protein is said to be biologically incomplete.
IV. Animal proteins are rated superior to vegetable proteins.

Of the above statements, how many are correct?

Accepted Answer

All four

Answer

Only two

Answer

Only three

Answer

Only one

Question 2

Dietary fibres have :

Accepted Answer

no metabolic effect

Answer

catabolic effect

Answer

sometimes anabolic and sometimes catabolic effect, depending on the type

Answer

anabolic effect

Question 3

Egg proteins are considered to be the best among food proteins because :
I. of their biological value
II. of their digestibility
III. they contain all the essential amino acids
IV. their calorie content is higher than in proteins of vegetable sources

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II, III and IV

Answer

I only

Answer

I, III and IV

Question 4

Which one of the following is the major contributor to the total energy intake, in terms of energy provided, in an average Indian diet?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates

Answer

Proteins

Answer

Fats

Answer

Vitamins

Question 5

Which of the following strategies were encouraged by the UNICEF under its 'GOBI Campaign'?
I. G for growth charts to better monitor child development
II. O for oral rehydration to treat all mild and moderate dehydration
III. B for better and continuous evaluation of children up to 5 years of age
IV. I for immunization against measles, diphtheria, polio, pertussis, tetanus and tuberculosis

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and IV

Answer

I, III and IV

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II, III and IV

Question 6

What is the limit of daily exposure of noise that people can tolerate without substantial damage to their hearing?

Accepted Answer

85 dB

Answer

105 dB

Answer

65 dB

Answer

90 dB

Question 7

How much illumination is recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society for general office work?

Accepted Answer

400 lux

Answer

200 lux

Answer

100 lux

Answer

900 lux

Question 8

With which variety of asbestos, Mesothelioma has been shown to have a strong association?

Accepted Answer

Crocidolite

Answer

Amosite

Answer

Chrysotile

Answer

Anthophyllite

Question 9

Under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016, human anatomical waste is to be carried in which colour plastic bags?

Accepted Answer

Yellow

Answer

Red

Answer

White

Answer

Blue

Question 10

On a chest radiograph, which of the following occupational diseases is most likely to be mistaken as a case of tuberculosis of lungs?

Accepted Answer

Silicosis

Answer

Anthracosis

Answer

Siderosis

Answer

Byssinosis

UPSC-CMS 2025

Biochemistry

Community Medicine

Radiology