General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is programmed cell death?

All of the above. **Explanation:** The concept of cell death has evolved from a simple binary (Necrosis vs. Apoptosis) to a spectrum of regulated and unregulated processes. **Programmed Cell Death (PCD)** refers to cell death mediated by an intracellular genetic program [1]. 1. **Apoptosis:** The classic form of PCD. It is a non-inflammatory process involving caspases (8, 9, and 3) that leads to cell shrinkage and DNA fragmentation without spilling cellular contents [1]. 2. **Pyroptosis:** A form of programmed death triggered by the **inflammasome**. It involves **Caspase-1, 4, and 5**, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β [1]. It is "programmed" but, unlike apoptosis, it results in cell swelling and inflammation. 3. **Necroptosis:** Often called "programmed necrosis," it is a caspase-independent pathway regulated by **RIPK1 and RIPK3** kinases [1]. It mimics necrosis morphologically (cell swelling, membrane rupture) but follows a genetically orchestrated signaling cascade. Since all three processes are regulated by specific molecular pathways and genetic machinery, **Option D** is the correct answer. **High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Apoptosis:** Characterized by "Step-ladder pattern" on DNA electrophoresis. * **Necroptosis:** Seen in conditions like acute pancreatitis, reperfusion injury, and as a defense against certain viruses (e.g., CMV) [1]. * **Pyroptosis:** Essential for clearing intracellular pathogens (e.g., *Salmonella*) [1]. * **Ferroptosis:** Another form of PCD triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. * **Anoikis:** Apoptosis induced by loss of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 63-71.

Q: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a:

X-linked recessive disease. **Explanation:** Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is a rare, primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the **WAS gene**, located on the **short arm of the X chromosome (Xp11.23)** [1]. Because the gene is located on the X chromosome and requires only one mutated copy in males to manifest the phenotype, it follows an **X-linked recessive** inheritance pattern [2]. The WAS gene encodes the **Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASP)**, which is expressed exclusively in hematopoietic cells. WASP is crucial for actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Deficiency leads to defective cell migration, immunological synapse formation, and pro-platelet formation [1]. **Analysis of Options:** * **Option A (Correct):** The WAS gene is located on the X chromosome; hence, the disease primarily affects males, while females are typically asymptomatic carriers [2]. * **Options B, C, & D (Incorrect):** WAS does not follow dominant or autosomal inheritance patterns. Most primary immunodeficiencies involving the cytoskeleton or specific signaling molecules (like Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase) are X-linked recessive. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Classic Triad:** 1. Microthrombocytopenia (small platelets/low count), 2. Eczema, 3. Recurrent pyogenic infections. * **Laboratory Findings:** Low IgM, normal/high IgG, and elevated IgA and IgE levels [1]. * **Complications:** High risk of developing B-cell lymphomas and autoimmune hemolytic anemia [1]. * **Treatment:** Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is the definitive cure [1]. * **Mnemonic:** **TIE** (Thrombocytopenia, Infections, Eczema). **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of the Immune System, pp. 250-251. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, p. 151.

Question 1

Which of the following is programmed cell death?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Apoptosis

Answer

Pyroptosis

Answer

Necroptosis

Question 2

A 68-year-old male presents with symptoms of anemia. Workup reveals GI tract blood loss secondary to a tumor mass in his colon. A biopsy specimen indicates this mass is an invasive adenocarcinoma. Which of the following best describes the most likely histologic appearance of this tumor?

Accepted Answer

A disorganized mass of cells forming glandular structures

Answer

A uniform proliferation of fibrous tissue

Answer

A disorganized mass of proliferating fibroblasts and blood vessels

Answer

A uniform proliferation of glandular structures

Question 3

Which of the following statements regarding lipofuscin is not true?

Accepted Answer

It results in excessive lipid accumulation in the circulation

Answer

Perinuclear location

Answer

It is yellow-brown in color

Answer

Has a role in lipid peroxidation

Question 4

Which of the following is not a common site for metastatic calcification?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid

Answer

Gastric mucosa

Answer

Kidney

Answer

Lung

Question 5

What is programmed cell death called?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis

Answer

Cell necrosis

Answer

Aplasia

Answer

Phagocytosis

Question 6

Conversion of normal cell into their tombstones is the hallmark of which type of necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Coagulative necrosis.

Answer

Liquefaction necrosis.

Answer

Caseous necrosis.

Answer

Gangrenous necrosis.

Question 7

Which of the following cell types is least sensitive to anoxia?

Accepted Answer

Fibroblasts

Answer

Neurons

Answer

Cardiac myocytes

Answer

Proximal renal tubule cells

Question 8

Polycythemia is associated with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Renal cell cancer

Answer

Stomach cancer

Answer

Liver cancer

Answer

Prostate cancer

Question 9

Apoptosis causes all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Local inflammatory response

Answer

Activation of caspase

Answer

Condensation of chromatin

Answer

Cleavage of chromatin by endonucleases

Question 10

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a:

Accepted Answer

X-linked recessive disease

Answer

X-linked dominant disease

Answer

Autosomal dominant disease

Answer

Autosomal recessive disease

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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