-
Question 1
Incorrect
-
Regarding transportation of iron in the body, the process in which iron is transported from the enterocyte into the blood occurs using which transporter protein:
Your Answer: Transferrin
Correct Answer: Ferroportin
Explanation:Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) transport several divalent metals including iron across the enterocyte’s cell membrane into the cell. The cell can then release it into the body via the only known iron exporter in mammals, ferroportin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
What is the function of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family of proteins, Bax and Bak?
Your Answer: Form permissive pores in the mitochondrial membrane
Explanation:The pro-apoptotic proteins in the BCL-2 family, including Bax and Bak, normally act on the mitochondrial membrane to promote permeabilization and release of cytochrome C and ROS, that are important signals in the apoptosis cascade. Growing evidence suggests that activated BAX and/or Bak form an oligomeric pore, MAC in the mitochondrial outer membrane. This results in the release of cytochrome c and other pro-apoptotic factors from the mitochondria, often referred to as mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, leading to activation of caspases.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
Question 4
Correct
-
Which of the following drugs would be the safest to prescribe in a 22 year old man with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who is planning to start a family?
Your Answer: Prednisolone
Explanation:Prednisolone although has many undesirable side effects it may be considered relatively safe compared to the drugs that are provided here. Prolonged treatment with sulphasalazine may depress semen quality and cause irreversible infertility. Methotrexate and leflunomide both inhibit purine/pyrimidine synthesis (the former by inhibiting folate metabolism) and are contraindicated in pregnancy or while trying to conceive. In males, a temporary or permanent decrease in sperm count may occur with cyclophosphamide. Because the recovery of fertility after cyclophosphamide therapy is variable, sperm banking should be considered before treatment is begun.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 5
Incorrect
-
With regards to the function of the p53 protein produced by the p53 gene, which of the following statements is incorrect?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: It permits repair of mutations and other defects in RNA
Explanation:The p53 protein is a crucial tumor suppressor and plays several key roles in maintaining cellular integrity:
- Nuclear transcription factor: p53 is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates the expression of various genes involved in cell cycle control, DNA repair, apoptosis, and senescence.
- DNA repair: p53 permits repair of mutations and other defects in DNA (not RNA). It activates the transcription of genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms, allowing the cell to correct errors before proceeding with the cell cycle.
- Cell cycle regulation: p53 can induce the expression of p21, a protein that inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases, thereby halting the cell cycle at the G1/S checkpoint to allow time for DNA repair or to trigger apoptosis if the damage is irreparable. Mutations in p53 may fail to halt the cell cycle, allowing mutations to persist and potentially leading to cancer.
- Apoptosis: If DNA damage is extensive and cannot be repaired, p53 triggers apoptosis to prevent the propagation of damaged cells.
- Suppression of proto-oncogenes: p53 indirectly contributes to the suppression of proto-oncogenes by preventing the proliferation of cells with damaged DNA, thereby reducing the risk of oncogenic transformation.
Given these functions, the statement that p53 “permits repair of mutations and other defects in RNA” is incorrect, as p53 is primarily involved in the repair of DNA, not RNA.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 6
Incorrect
-
Initial depolarization of cardiac muscle is due to influx of:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Na+
Explanation:Initial depolarization of the cardiac muscle results from opening of the sodium voltage gated channels. This results in the influx of sodium and an increase in the membrane potential towards threshold. Potassium efflux results in repolarization.
The cardiac action potential has 5 phases:
- Phase 0—depolarization because of the opening of fast sodium channels. Potassium flux also decreases.
- Phase 1—partial repolarization because of a rapid decrease in sodium ion passage as fast sodium channels close.
- Phase 2—plateau phase in which the movement of calcium ions out of the cell, maintains depolarization.
- Phase 3—repolarization, sodium, and calcium channels all close and membrane potential returns to baseline.
- Phase 4—resting membrane potential (−90 mV), resulting from the activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump which creates a negative intracellular potential because of the exchange of three sodium ions for only two potassium ions.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 7
Incorrect
-
The function of the Golgi apparatus is
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Maturation of peptides secreted by the rER into functional proteins by glycosylation
Explanation:Steroidogenesis is a multi-step process that occurs in two organelles, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondrion. The Golgi apparatus is a major collection and dispatch station of protein products received from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Proteins synthesized in the ER are packaged into vesicles, which then fuse with the Golgi apparatus. The majority of proteins synthesized in the rough ER undergo glycosylation which occurs in the Golgi apparatus. Glycosylation mainly refers in particular to the enzymatic process that attaches glycans to proteins, lipids, or other organic molecules. These cargo proteins are modified and destined for secretion via exocytosis or for use in the cell. The Golgi apparatus is also involved in lipid transport and lysosome formation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 8
Incorrect
-
ANP and BNP in the circulation act on the kidney to?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Increase sodium excretion
Explanation:The physiologic actions of BNP are similar to those of ANP and include decrease in systemic vascular resistance and central venous pressure as well as an increase in natriuresis (sodium excretion). The net effect of these peptides is a decrease in blood pressure due to the decrease in systemic vascular resistance and, thus, afterload.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
-
-
Question 9
Incorrect
-
Which of the following cancers is responsible in producing osteoblastic bone metastases instead of osteolytic?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Prostate adenocarcinoma
Explanation:Osteoblastic (or sclerotic) bone metastases, characterized by deposition of new bone, present in prostate cancer, carcinoid, small cell lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma or medulloblastoma.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 10
Incorrect
-
A 51-year-old real estate agent takes hydrocortisone 20mg in the mornings and 5mg at night for Addison’s disease. The endocrinology consultant would like her to take prednisolone instead. What dose of prednisolone should be started?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 7 mg
Explanation:1mg Prednisolone = 4mg hydrocortisone, so the actual equivalent daily dose is 7mg.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 11
Incorrect
-
A 68 year old man presents with acute symptoms of gout on his first metatarsophalangeal joint. Which option best explains the underlying mechanism of gout?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Decreased renal excretion of uric acid
Explanation:Primary gout is related more often to underexcretion of uric acid or overproduction.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 12
Incorrect
-
The reflex responses activated by cold are controlled by which area?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Posterior hypothalamus
Explanation:The posterior nucleus of the hypothalamus is responsible for thermoregulation and thermogenesis. Studies have shown that the neurons in the posterior hypothalamus which mediate the reflex of shivering are sensitive to temperature; damage to this nucleus produces hypothermia.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 13
Incorrect
-
Which of the following tracts are involved in the control of vital functions?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Reticulospinal
Explanation:Reticulospinal tract pass down from the reticular formation of the mid brain, pons and medulla. It descends in the lateral white column. Both sets of fibers enter the anterior grey column and may facilitate or inhibit the gamma and alpha neurons. By this means the reticulospinal tract controls voluntary and reflex activities. It also contains the descending autonomic fiber, thus providing a pathway for the hypothalamus to control the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 14
Incorrect
-
A 52-year-old man has squamous-cell carcinoma of his lower lip. Which of the following is most likely to be a feature of this type of carcinoma?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: It is capable of metastasising via the lymphatics
Explanation:Squamous-cell skin cancer usually presents as a hard lump with a scaly top but can also form an ulcer. Onset is often over months and it is more likely to spread to distant areas than basal cell cancer vie the lymphatics. The greatest risk factor is high total exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Other risks include prior scars, chronic wounds, actinic keratosis, lighter skin, Bowen’s disease, arsenic exposure, radiation therapy, poor immune system function, previous basal cell carcinoma, and HPV infection. While prognosis is usually good, if distant spread occurs five-year survival is ,34%
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 15
Incorrect
-
The right border of the heart corresponds to which line on the surface of the chest?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Line drawn from the 3rd right costal cartilage to the 6th right costal cartilage
Explanation:The right border corresponds to a line drawn from the 3rd right costal cartilage to the 6th right costal cartilage; this border is slightly convex to the right.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 16
Incorrect
-
Which of the following describes a principal action of insulin?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inhibition of phosphorylase and gluconeogenic enzymes
Explanation:Insulin stimulates glycolysis and lipogenesis, but inhibits gluconeogenesis. Insulin promotes the dephosphorylating of glycogen phosphorylase, therefore suppressing glycogenolysis. Insulin also inhibits FOX3, FOX4, and FOX6 and their ability to promote hepatic gluconeogenesis.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 17
Incorrect
-
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus most often occurs after taking which of the following drugs?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Procainamide
Explanation:Many drugs are responsible for causing drug induced lupus. However, it is most commonly associated with hydralazine, procainamide and quinidine.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
Question 19
Incorrect
-
A 55 year old cardiac patient is comfortable at rest but heavy housework results in fatigue, palpitations or dyspnoea. What New York Heart Association class best describes the severity of their disease?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: NYHA Class II
Explanation:New York Heart Association functional classification:
Class I: no limitation is experienced in any activities; there are no symptoms from ordinary activities.
Class II: slight, mild limitation of activity; the patient is comfortable at rest or with mild exertion.
Class III: marked limitation of any activity; the patient is comfortable only at rest.
Class IV: any physical activity brings on discomfort and symptoms occur at rest.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 20
Incorrect
-
A 50-year-old man is admitted with nausea and excessive drowsiness after taking an antihistamine tablet with grapefruit juice. Which of the following liver enzyme systems is affected by grapefruit juice causing the given side effect?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cytochrome p450 3A4
Explanation:The cytochrome p450 3A4 enzyme system in the liver is affected by grapefruit juice. Patients taking antihistamines should be advised to avoid drinking grapefruit juice. This is because constituents of grapefruit juice such as naringin and bergamottin inhibit CYP3A4 in the liver, particularly at high doses, leading to decreased drug elimination via hepatic metabolism and can increase potential drug toxicities. Inhibition of this enzyme system leads to reduced metabolism of antihistamines leading to an increased incidence of side effects like excessive drowsiness and nausea as in this patient.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
Select the correct statement regarding terminal bronchioles:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Terminal bronchioles form part of the conducting zone
Explanation:Bronchioles divide into even smaller bronchioles, called terminal bronchioles, which are 0.5mm or less in diameter. Terminal bronchioles in turn divide into smaller respiratory bronchioles which divide into alveolar ducts. Terminal bronchioles mark the end of the conducting division of air flow in the respiratory system while respiratory bronchioles are the beginning of the respiratory division where actual gas exchange takes place. Terminal bronchioles are lined with simple cuboidal epithelium containing club cells. Terminal bronchioles contain a limited number of ciliated cells and no goblet cells. Club cells are non-ciliated, rounded protein secreting cells. Their secretions are a non-stick, proteinaceous compound (surfactant) to maintain the airway in the smallest bronchioles.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
-
-
Question 22
Incorrect
-
The ability of the SA node cells to allow ionic flow through channels activated in a hyperpolarized state is known as:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Pace maker potential
Explanation:Rhythmically discharging cells have a membrane potential that, after each impulse, declines to the firing level. Thus this prepotential or Pacemaker potential triggers the next impulse. The inherent leakiness of the sinus nodal fibers to Na+ and Ca2+ causes their self excitation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 23
Incorrect
-
Which statement is incorrect regarding nociceptor C fibers…
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: They are thinly myelinated
Explanation:Group C nerve fibers are unmyelinated and have a small diameter, which means they conduct impulses at a low velocity. They carry sensory information and nociception.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
5-methyltetrahydrofolate (Methyl THF) is converted to THF with the help of which of the following?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: B 12
Explanation:MTR, also known as methionine synthase, is a methyltransferase enzyme, which uses the Vitamin B12 to transfer a methyl group from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine, thereby generating tetrahydrofolate (THF) and methionine. This functionality is lost in vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in an increased homocysteine level and the trapping of folate as 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, from which THF (the active form of folate) cannot be recovered. THF plays an important role in DNA synthesis so reduced availability of THF results in ineffective production of cells with rapid turnover, in particular red blood cells, and also intestinal wall cells which are responsible for absorption.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 25
Incorrect
-
Relaxation of the cardiac muscle at the actin-myosin cross bridges is initiated by binding of which molecule to the exposed site on the myosin.
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: ATP
Explanation:A crossbridge is a myosin projection, consisting of two myosin heads, that extends from the thick filaments. Each myosin head has two binding sites: one for ATP and another for actin. The binding of ATP to a myosin head detaches myosin from actin, thereby allowing myosin to bind to another actin molecule. Once attached, the ATP is hydrolysed by myosin, which uses the released energy to move into the cocked position whereby it binds weakly to a part of the actin binding site.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
In Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), the DNA fragments are separated by length through a process known as:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gel electrophoresis
Explanation:Samples of DNA from individuals are broken into pieces by restriction enzymes and the fragments are separated according to their lengths via gel electrophoresis. Although now largely obsolete due to the rise of inexpensive DNA sequencing technologies, RFLP analysis was the first DNA profiling technique inexpensive enough to see widespread application.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
Which of the following structures lie in close proximity to the thyroid?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: All of the options
Explanation:The thyroid gland receives its blood supply from the inferior and superior thyroid arteries. The recurrent laryngeal nerves emerges from the superior thoracic outlet bounded in part by the thyroid lobe. Two pairs of parathyroid glands lie near the thyroid. The common carotid artery splits into its external and internal branches at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage; these branches are separated by the gland.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 28
Incorrect
-
Where does protein digestion begin?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Stomach
Explanation:Digestion typically begins in the stomach when pepsinogen is converted to pepsin by the action of hydrochloric acid, and continued by trypsin and chymotrypsin in the small intestine.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 29
Incorrect
-
Which of the following involving the scalp may produce alopecia (hair loss)?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Discoid lupus erythematosus
Explanation:Causes of hair loss include:
- Dissecting cellulitis
- Fungal infections (such as tinea capitis)
- Folliculitis
- Secondary syphilis
- Demodex folliculorum
- Lupus erythematosus (hair loss may be permanent due to scarring of the hair follicles).
Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis commonly involve the scalp but do not produce hair loss.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
A 78-year-old male with long-standing Alzheimer's disease is being reviewed in your clinic. Which among the following is true regarding memantine, a drug which has been approved for the management of dementia?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: It is an NMDA-receptor antagonist
Explanation:Memantine is an antagonist of the NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate)-receptor subtype of glutamate receptor. It is used to slow the neurotoxicity thought to be involved in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Drug interactions:
- When given concomitantly with other NMDA-receptor antagonists (e.g., ketamine, amantadine) there is increased risk of psychosis.
- Dopamine agonists, L-dopa, and anticholinergics enhance effects of memantine.
- Antispasmodics (e.g., baclofen) enhance effects, as memantine has some antispasmodic effects.
- Drugs excreted by cationic transporters in the kidney (e.g. quinine, cimetidine, ranitidine) reduce excretion.
- Common adverse effects include dizziness, headache, confusion, diarrhoea, and constipation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
