-
Question 1
Correct
-
The following cells replicate without shortening their telomeres because they express telomerase.
Your Answer: Germ cells
Explanation:Telomerase activity is seen in germ cells and is absent in somatic cells. Telomeres prevent the chromosomes from shortening and prevent the coding portion of the DNA from being lost, thus allowing the cell to replicate indefinitely. During replication telomeres may be lost resulting in cell death.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
Which of the following conditions is procoagulant?
Your Answer: Factor V Leiden
Explanation:Factor V Leiden is a genetic mutation of one of the clotting factors in the blood, Factor V. This mutation makes Factor V resistant to inactivation by activated Protein C, which normally helps to regulate clot formation. As a result, individuals with Factor V Leiden are at increased risk of developing abnormal blood clots (thrombophilia), making it a procoagulant condition.
The other conditions listed are associated with bleeding tendencies rather than increased clotting:
- Afibrinogenemia: A rare genetic disorder where there is a complete lack of fibrinogen, leading to bleeding problems.
- Hemophilia: A group of inherited bleeding disorders where blood does not clot properly due to the lack of sufficient blood-clotting proteins (factors VIII or IX).
- Hypothrombinemia: A condition characterized by low levels of prothrombin, leading to increased bleeding.
- Christmas disease (Hemophilia B): A form of hemophilia caused by a deficiency of factor IX, resulting in a bleeding tendency.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 3
Incorrect
-
The end product of trehalase action on oligosaccharides is
Your Answer: Maltotriose and maltose
Correct Answer: Two glucose molecules
Explanation:Disaccharides are glycoside hydrolases, enzymes that break down certain types of sugars called disaccharides into simpler sugars called monosaccharides.Examples of disaccharides:Lactase (breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose)Maltase (breaks down maltose into 2 glucoses)Sucrase (breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose)Trehalase (breaks down trehalose into 2 glucoses)
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 4
Incorrect
-
The areas of extensive series of sarcoplasmic folds known as intercalated discs always occur at what portion of the muscle fiber?
Your Answer: M line
Correct Answer: Z lines
Explanation:The muscle fibers of the heart branch and interdigitate, but one complete unit is surrounded by a cell membrane. The place where one muscle fiber abuts the other, the cell membrane of both the fibers run parallel to each other through a series of extensive folds. These areas always occur on the Z lines and are known as intercalated discs.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 5
Correct
-
Why is the sub-endocardial portion of the left ventricle the most common site for ischaemic damage and myocardial infarction?
Your Answer: No blood flow occurs during systole
Explanation:The subendocardium receives the least amount of blood from the coronary arteries. During systole the coronary arteries collapse as a result of the pressure due to contraction that is exerted on them. During diastole the heart muscle relaxes and the pressure on the coronary vessels is relieved allowing blood to flow through them to the subendocardium.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 6
Correct
-
A 79-year-old woman has a waddling gait. History reveals enuresis and change in behaviour. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Explanation:The waddling gait and behaviour change are attributes of normal pressure hydrocephalus along with loss of bladder control which commonly happens with elder age.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 7
Incorrect
-
Which of the following statements is true of the beta- lactams:
Your Answer: Acts by directly disrupting bacterial cell walls
Correct Answer: Co-amoxiclav is more likely to cause obstructive jaundice than amoxicillin
Explanation:β-lactam antibiotics are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics, consisting of all antibiotic agents that contain a β-lactam ring in their molecular structures. This includes penicillin derivatives (penams), cephalosporins (cephems), monobactams, and carbapenems. Most β-lactam antibiotics work by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis in the bacterial organism and are the most widely used group of antibiotics. Bacteria often develop resistance to β-lactam antibiotics by synthesizing a β-lactamase, an enzyme that attacks the β-lactam ring. To overcome this resistance, β-lactam antibiotics are often given with β-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanic acid. Immunologically mediated adverse reactions to any β-lactam antibiotic may occur in up to 10% of patients receiving that agent (a small fraction of which are truly IgE-mediated allergic reactions). Rarely, cholestatic jaundice has been associated with Co-amoxiclav (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid). The reaction may occur up to several weeks after treatment has stopped, and usually takes weeks to resolve. It is more frequent in men, older people, and those who have taken long courses of treatment; the estimated overall incidence is one in 100,000 exposures.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
Question 9
Incorrect
-
The most resistant area in the brain to hypoxia is:
Your Answer: Cerebral cortex
Correct Answer: Brain stem
Explanation:The structures in the brainstem are more resistant to hypoxia than the cerebral cortex and the rest of the brain structures.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 10
Incorrect
-
A 55-year-old diabetic male presents with a feeling of generally being unwell. He also has a history of atrial fibrillation and epilepsy. His main complaint is a blue tinge to his vision. Which one of his medications is most likely to be responsible?
Your Answer: Digoxin
Correct Answer: Sildenafil
Explanation:Blue tinge of vision/cyanopsia is caused due to the intake of sildenafil citrate.Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is the first oral drug to be widely approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is a potent and selective inhibitor of type-V phosphodiesterase, the primary form of the enzyme found in human penile erectile tissue, thereby preventing the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the intracellular second messenger of nitric oxide.Uses:It is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, premature ejaculation, high altitude illness, penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy, angina pectoris, and lower urinary tract symptoms.Adverse effects:Mild headache, flushing, dyspepsia, cyanopsia, back pain, and myalgias – due to a high concentration of PDE11 enzyme in skeletal muscle, which shows significant cross-reactivity with the use of tadalafil.It can also cause hypotension, dizziness, and rhinitis.Note: Xanthopsia (yellow-green vision) may occur secondary to treatment with digoxin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 11
Correct
-
Which one of the following statements regarding epidemiological measures is correct?
Your Answer: Cross-sectional surveys can be used to estimate the prevalence of a condition in the population
Explanation:The incidence rate is the number of new cases per population at risk in a given time period. For example, if a population initially contains 1,000 non-diseased persons and 28 develop a condition over two years of observation, the incidence proportion is 28 cases per 1,000 persons per two years, i.e. 2.8% per two years.Prevalence is the proportion of a particular population found to be affected by a medical condition (typically a disease or a risk factor such as smoking or seat-belt use). It is derived by comparing the number of people found to have the condition with the total number of people studied, and is usually expressed as a fraction, as a percentage, or as the number of cases per 10,000 or 100,000 people.Incidence should not be confused with prevalence, which is the proportion of cases in the population at a given time rather than rate of occurrence of new cases. Thus, incidence conveys information about the risk of contracting the disease, whereas prevalence indicates how widespread the disease is.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
-
-
Question 12
Correct
-
What is the function of migrating motor complex
Your Answer: Clears the gut of luminal contents in preparation of the next meal
Explanation:Migrating motor complexes (MMC) are waves of electrical activity that sweep through the intestines in a regular cycle during fasting. These motor complexes trigger peristaltic waves, which facilitate transportation of indigestible substances such as bone, fiber, and foreign bodies from the stomach, through the small intestine, past the ileocecal sphincter, and into the colon. The MMC occurs every 90–120 minutes during the interdigestive phase (between meals), and is responsible for the rumbling experienced when hungry. It also serves to transport bacteria from the small intestine to the large intestine, and to inhibit the migration of colonic bacteria into the terminal ileum.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 13
Correct
-
Myocardial oxygen consumption is increased by:
Your Answer: An increase in after load
Explanation:Cardiac oxygen consumption is directly related to the amount of tension that develops in the ventricles. It is increased by an increased size of heart, increased afterload, increased contractility and increased heart rate.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 14
Incorrect
-
Normal parents have a child with a recessive condition, Tay Sachs. The chance of them having a normal child is?
Your Answer: 25%
Correct Answer: 75%
Explanation:The chance for normal parents having a child with a recessive disease is 1:4 or 25%. As both the parents are heterozygous for this condition. They have a 3:4 chance of having a normal child or 75%.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 15
Correct
-
The effects of β1 stimulation include the following
Your Answer: Increased strength of contraction
Explanation:β1 stimulation include the phosphorylation of L type Ca++ channels and phospholamban and increased Ca++ influx from myocytes.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 16
Incorrect
-
An 87-year-old woman had to double up her dosage of morphine 60mg into 120mg twice a day, in addition to another 10mg oral Morphine 6 times a day. What is the best method of management?
Your Answer: Fentanyl patches
Correct Answer: Subcutaneous morphine infusion
Explanation:Stable dose of Morphine is essential for chronic cases of pain that are non-malignant in origin. Using the SC route avoids having to intravenously cannulate a patient and allows for a continuous infusion of drugs over a calculated period of time providing constant dosing A significant advantage is that plasma levels of a drug are much more stable, and appropriate symptom control can be achieved without the toxic effects of the peaks and troughs resulting from episodic drug administration.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 17
Incorrect
-
With regard to cell membrane proteins:
Your Answer: Pumps are also involved in facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer: Carriers are involved in facilitated diffusion
Explanation:Pumps use a source of free energy such as ATP to transport ions against a gradient and is an example of active transport. Unlike channel proteins which only transport substances through membranes passively, carrier proteins can transport ions and molecules either passively through facilitated diffusion, or via secondary active transport. Channels are either in open state or closed state. When a channel is opened, it is open to both extracellular and intracellular. Pores are continuously open to both environments, because they do not undergo conformational changes. They are always open and active.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 18
Correct
-
With regard to carbohydrate absorption, which sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT) is responsible for the uptake of dietary glucose from the gut?
Your Answer: SGLT 1
Explanation:SGLT- Sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter or sodium-glucose linked transporter are family of proteins of different types. SGLT1 transporter is found in the intestinal mucosa of the small intestine.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
Which of the following is NOT true of the parasympathetic control of the heart?
Your Answer: It can be blocked by beta blockers
Explanation:Parasympathetic fibers do not innervate the Beta receptors on the heart. They are innervated by the sympathetic nerve fibers. Then a beta blocker such as propranolol will block the sympathetic outflow and increase the parasympathetic tone of the heart.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 20
Correct
-
What is a characteristic findings on ECG in hyperkalaemia?
Your Answer: Tall, tented T waves
Explanation:Hyperkalaemia leads to:
– Prolonged PR interval
– Small P waves
– Tall, tented T waves
– Widened QRS complexes and eventually asystole.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
What is the most common cardiac defect seen in patients with Down’s syndrome?
Your Answer: Ventricular septal defect
Correct Answer: Atrioventricular septal defect
Explanation:The rate of congenital heart disease in new-borns with Down syndrome is around 40%. Of those with heart disease, about 80% have an atrioventricular septal defect or ventricular septal defect with the former being more common. Mitral valve problems become common as people age, even in those without heart problems at birth.[3] Other problems that may occur include tetralogy of Fallot and patent ductus arteriosus.[38] People with Down syndrome have a lower risk of hardening of the arteries
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 22
Correct
-
Which of the following substances is involved in the respiratory burst by the neutrophil?
Your Answer: NADPh oxidase
Explanation:The respiratory burst is a rapid release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from neutrophils and other phagocytes. This process is crucial for the destruction of pathogens. The key components and enzymes involved in the respiratory burst include:
- NADPH oxidase: This enzyme complex plays a central role in the respiratory burst by converting oxygen (O2) into superoxide anion (O2•-), a reactive oxygen species. This is the initial step in the production of various ROS.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD): This enzyme converts superoxide anion (O2•-) into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). While SOD is involved in the pathway, the respiratory burst is initiated by NADPH oxidase.
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO): This enzyme uses hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) from chloride ions (Cl-), which is a potent antimicrobial agent. Myeloperoxidase also produces other reactive species using halide ions.
- Catalase: This enzyme degrades hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). While catalase helps to protect the cell from oxidative damage by breaking down H2O2, it is not involved in the generation of ROS during the respiratory burst.
- Adenylate cyclase: This enzyme is involved in the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP) from ATP and is not directly related to the respiratory burst.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 23
Incorrect
-
Where do the spinothalamic axons decussate?
Your Answer: Medulla
Correct Answer: Spinal cord
Explanation:The second order neurons from the spinothalamic tract cross obliquely to the opposite side in the anterior grey and white commissure within one segment of the spinal cord.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
A 28 year old female presents to the rheumatology clinic for review. She has a history of adult onset Still's disease and complains of joint pains and persistent skin rash despite undergoing treatment with methotrexate and etanercept. On examination, an erythematous macular rash and active synovitis is noted. CRP is high (95 mg/dl). Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
Your Answer: Rituximab
Correct Answer: Anakinra
Explanation:Adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is an uncommon systemic inflammatory disease on the clinical spectrum of autoinflammatory disorders. Its presentation and clinical course may result in several well-differentiated phenotypes: from a systemic and highly symptomatic pattern to a chronic articular pattern. Overproduction of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines is observed in AOSD. Anakinra, a human interleukin (IL)-1R antagonist, has recently been approved in the treatment of AOSD. Denosumab is a RANK ligand inhibitor used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Mepolizumab is used in the treatment of severe asthma with elevated eosinophils. There is some evidence to support the use of tocilizumab, an anti-IL6 monoclonal antibody in adult onset Still’s, but there is stronger data favouring the use of tocilizumab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rituximab is usually reserved for patients who are unresponsive to anakinra.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 25
Incorrect
-
With regards to environmental temperature, for each degree Celsius of elevation, the metabolic rate rises?
Your Answer: 0.1
Correct Answer: 0.14
Explanation:An increase in body temperature is associated with a higher metabolic rate. Evidence suggests that an increase of 1°C in your body temperature increases your metabolism by 10 to 14%.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
-
-
Question 26
Correct
-
Concerning the sleep-wake cycle, Melatonin is secreted by which structure in the brain following which environmental conditions?
Your Answer: Pineal gland, darkness
Explanation:Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland located in the midline attached to the posterior roof of the third ventricle in the brain. Melatonin affects circadian rhythm in the body or the sleep wake cycle. The precursor to melatonin is serotonin and the rate limiting enzyme that converts serotonin to melatonin is low during the day time and reaches its peak during the night.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 27
Correct
-
Question 28
Correct
-
Select the correct pairing regarding the surface of the cerebral hemispheres.
Your Answer: Parietal lobe : primary somatosensory cortex
Explanation:Parietal lobe: The primary somatosensory cortex is located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe. It is responsible for processing sensory information from the body.
Frontal lobe: The primary motor cortex is located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe also contains the premotor cortex, which is involved in planning movements. The primary visual cortex is located in the occipital lobe, not the frontal lobe.
Temporal lobe: The primary auditory cortex is located in the superior temporal gyrus of the temporal lobe. The primary motor and premotor cortices are located in the frontal lobe, not the temporal lobe.
Occipital lobe: The primary visual cortex is located in the occipital lobe. The primary auditory cortex is located in the temporal lobe, not the occipital lobe.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 29
Incorrect
-
In the urea cycle, which substance is formed in the mitochondria?
Your Answer: Ornithine
Correct Answer: Carbamoyl phosphate
Explanation:Before the urea cycle begins ammonia is converted to carbamoyl phosphate in the mitochondria.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
In the event of an overdose, haemodialysis is ineffective as a treatment modality for which of the following drugs?
Your Answer: Aminophylline
Correct Answer: Tricyclics
Explanation:Tricyclic compounds can’t be cleared by haemodialysis.Drugs that can be cleared with haemodialysis include: (BLAST)- Barbiturate- Lithium- Alcohol (inc methanol, ethylene glycol)- Salicylates- Theophyllines (charcoal hemoperfusion is preferable)Drugs which cannot be cleared with haemodialysis include:- Tricyclics- Benzodiazepines- Dextropropoxyphene (Co-proxamol)- Digoxin- Beta-blockers
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
