NEET-PG 2013 - Biochemistry Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the genetic code?

Overlapping. ***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.

Q: A frameshift mutation does not affect the complete amino acid sequence if it occurs in multiples of what number?

3. ***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.

Q: Chemical process involved in conversion of progesterone to glucocorticoids is

Hydroxylation. ***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.

Q: Which is the first steroid intermediate formed in the conversion of cholesterol to steroid hormones?

Pregnenolone. ***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

Q: Which of the following coenzymes is directly derived from riboflavin?

FMN. ***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

Q: The main function of Vitamin C in the body is

Cofactor for hydroxylation reactions in collagen synthesis. ***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.

Q: Which of the following trace elements has vitamin E-like action?

Selenium. ***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."

Q: Which vitamin is primarily associated with the antioxidant properties of glutathione?

Niacin. ***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

Q: Which of the following statements about vitamin E is false?

Water soluble vitamin. ***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.

Q: Which mineral is known for its antioxidant properties similar to those of vitamin E?

Selenium. ***Selenium*** - Selenium is a crucial component of **glutathione peroxidase**, an enzyme with significant **antioxidant properties** that protects cells from oxidative damage. - Its antioxidant function is often compared to that of **vitamin E**, as both work to neutralize **free radicals** in the body. *Calcium* - Calcium is primarily known for its role in **bone health**, muscle contraction, and **nerve transmission**, not for its antioxidant properties. - It does not directly participate in neutralizing free radicals like selenium or vitamin E. *Iron* - Iron is essential for **oxygen transport** in red blood cells and various metabolic processes. - While crucial, excessive free iron can actually promote the formation of **free radicals** (Fenton reaction), making it pro-oxidant rather than antioxidant. *Magnesium* - Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including **energy metabolism** and muscle and nerve function. - It does not share direct antioxidant properties similar to vitamin E or selenium.

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

Overlapping

Answer

Universal

Answer

Degeneracy

Answer

Nonambiguous

Question 2

A frameshift mutation does not affect the complete amino acid sequence if it occurs in multiples of what number?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

1

Answer

2

Answer

None of the options

Question 3

Chemical process involved in conversion of progesterone to glucocorticoids is

Accepted Answer

Hydroxylation

Answer

Methylation

Answer

Carboxylation

Answer

None of the options

Question 4

Which is the first steroid intermediate formed in the conversion of cholesterol to steroid hormones?

Accepted Answer

Pregnenolone

Answer

Glucocorticoid

Answer

Mineralocorticoid

Answer

Estradiol

Question 5

Which of the following coenzymes is directly derived from riboflavin?

Accepted Answer

FMN

Answer

NAD

Answer

THF

Answer

FAD

Question 6

The main function of Vitamin C in the body is

Accepted Answer

Cofactor for hydroxylation reactions in collagen synthesis

Answer

Regulation of lipid synthesis

Answer

Involvement as antioxidant

Answer

Inhibition of cell growth

Question 7

Which of the following trace elements has vitamin E-like action?

Accepted Answer

Selenium

Answer

Iron

Answer

Copper

Answer

Zinc

Question 8

Which vitamin is primarily associated with the antioxidant properties of glutathione?

Accepted Answer

Niacin

Answer

Vitamin E

Answer

Vitamin C

Answer

Vitamin A

Question 9

Which of the following statements about vitamin E is false?

Accepted Answer

Water soluble vitamin

Answer

Act as antioxidant

Answer

Chemically tocopherol

Answer

Prevent lipid peroxidation of cell membrane

Question 10

Which mineral is known for its antioxidant properties similar to those of vitamin E?

Accepted Answer

Selenium

Answer

Calcium

Answer

Iron

Answer

Magnesium

NEET-PG 2013 — Biochemistry