-
Question 1
Correct
-
Which of the following statements is true regarding herpes simplex virus type I:
Your Answer: More than half of the population is infected.
Explanation:HSV-1 is often acquired orally during childhood. It may also be sexually transmitted, including contact with saliva, such as kissing and mouth-to-genital contact (oral sex). HSV-2 is primarily a sexually transmitted infection, but rates of HSV-1 genital infections are increasing. HSVs may persist in a quiescent but persistent form known as latent infection, notably in neural ganglia. HSV-1 tends to reside in the trigeminal ganglia, while HSV-2 tends to reside in the sacral ganglia, but these are tendencies only, not fixed behaviour. The virus can be reactivated by illnesses such as colds and influenza, eczema, emotional and physical stress, gastric upset, fatigue or injury, by menstruation and possibly exposure to bright sunlight. Genital Herpes may be reactivated by friction. Shingles is due to a reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
One of the cells of the bone marrow that are responsible for forming the various forms of differentiated blood cells are called?
Your Answer: Hematopoietic stem cell
Explanation:Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or hemocytoblasts are the stem cells that give rise to all the other blood cells through the process of haematopoiesis. They are derived from mesoderm and located in the red bone marrow, which is contained in the core of most bones.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 3
Incorrect
-
An 86 year old woman accidentally inhaled her hearing aid due to her advanced Alzheimer's dementia. Upon clinical examination, her respiratory rate is found to be 35, and thus a bronchoscopy is recommended. According to which of the following would you obtain consent for this patient?
Your Answer: The doctor will be able to consent for the patient
Correct Answer: The procedure does not require a written consent
Explanation:This is an emergency case regarding a patient with impaired cognitive functioning. This is why the procedure does not require a written consent. In any other case where the patient has a normal mental capacity, the consent would be obtained as an informed written consent. In this case however, the suggested procedure is almost a matter of life and death, the doctor being required to act on behalf of the patient to her optimal advantage. Under English law no other person can consent to treatment on behalf of an adult, though it is desirable that next of kin are consulted before treating an adult without consent. Recent legislation gives legal authority to people appointed by the patient, or by the state, or a relative or carer, to consent (or refuse) on behalf of the patient. A mini-mental score may not adequately identify those unable to give consent.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 4
Incorrect
-
Which of the following substances inhibits pancreatic secretion?
Your Answer: Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
Correct Answer: Pancreatic polypeptide
Explanation:Number of hormones and neurotransmitters can stimulate and inhibit pancreatic exocrine secretion. Cholecystokinin, secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P stimulate pancreatic secretion. Pancreatic polypeptide, somatostatin inhibit pancreatic secretion.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 5
Correct
-
Which statement regarding fever is correct:
Your Answer: Body temperature is regulated is by a centre in the floor of the third ventricle
Explanation:The hypothalamus is located on the floor of the third ventricle and is the centre of regulation of body temperature. It uses a set point to regulate other body systems as well. Diurnal variation of temperature is not seen in humans. the principal mediator of fever is interleukin I, although interferon alfa also plays a role. Fever can cause rhabdomyolysis or muscle breakdown
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
-
-
Question 6
Incorrect
-
Excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscle involves all of the following except:
Your Answer: Increase in permeability of muscle fiber to Na+
Correct Answer: Binding of Ca2+ to calmodulin
Explanation:In the excitation contraction coupling model, an action potential is transmitted to the fibrils of a fiber through the T tubule system. It triggers the release of Ca 2+ from the terminal cisterns. Depolarization of the T tubules activates the sarcoplasmic reticulum through the dihydropyridine receptors. These are voltage gates calcium channels. Calcium binds to calmodulin during contraction of the smooth muscle and not the cardiac muscles.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 7
Correct
-
Which of the following normally has a slow depolarizing “prepotential”?
Your Answer: Sinoatrial node
Explanation:There are 2 main types of action potentials (AP) in the heart, the slow response and the fast response:The slow response is initiated by the slow calcium-sodium channels, found in the SA node (which is the natural pacemaker of the heart) and the conduction fibers of the AV node.The fast response occurs in the atrial and ventricles muscle cells and the purkinje fibers.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
Which cells produce the immunoglobulin proteins involved in mediating humoral immunity?
Your Answer: Differentiated forms of B lymphocytes known as plasma cells
Explanation:After the B cells have been activated by a certain antigens, they transform into plasma cells. These plasma cells are responsible for the generation of antibodies (or immunoglobulins Ig) which are also known as regulators of humoral immunity. There are fives classes of Ig: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE and IgD
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 9
Correct
-
The ‘c’ wave in JVP corresponds more closely with:
Your Answer: Isovolumetric contraction
Explanation:The jugular venous pressure (JVP, sometimes referred to as jugular venous pulse) is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system via visualization of the internal jugular vein. It can be useful in the differentiation of different forms of heart and lung disease. Classically three upward deflections (peaks) and two downward deflections (troughs) have been described:The upward deflections are the a (atrial contraction), c (ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of tricuspid into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole) and v = venous filling.The downward deflections of the wave are the x (the atrium relaxes and the tricuspid valve moves downward) and the y descent (filling of ventricle after tricuspid opening).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 10
Correct
-
Which of the following conditions is associated with eosinophilia?
Your Answer: Ascaris
Explanation:Eosinophilia can be idiopathic (primary) or, more commonly, secondary to another disease. In the Western World, allergic or atopic diseases are the most common causes, especially those of the respiratory or integumentary systems. In the developing world, parasites are the most common cause e.g. Ascaris
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 11
Correct
-
Which of the following is an example of a ketone body?
Your Answer: Acetoacetate
Explanation:Ketone bodies are three water-soluble molecules (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and their spontaneous breakdown product, acetone) that are produced by the liver from fatty acids during periods of low food intake (fasting), carbohydrate restrictive diets, starvation, prolonged intense exercise, alcoholism or in untreated (or inadequately treated) type 1 diabetes mellitus.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
-
-
Question 12
Incorrect
-
Which of the following is a physiological effect of pregnancy on the kidney?
Your Answer: Decreased GFR
Correct Answer: Decreased creatinine
Explanation:A pregnant woman may experience an increase in kidney and ureter size. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) commonly increases by 50%, returning to normal around 20 weeks postpartum. Plasma sodium does not change because this is offset by the increase in GFR. There is decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine and potentially glucosuria (due to saturated tubular reabsorption).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
-
-
Question 13
Incorrect
-
Almost all of the protein that appears in the stool is:
Your Answer: From partially digested proteins
Correct Answer: Comes from bacteria and cellular debris
Explanation:75% of faecal weight is water. By dry weight 30% of faeces is bacteria,10-20% is fat and 2-3% proteins. Almost all proteins ingested are absorbed in the gut.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 14
Incorrect
-
The conversion of fructose to fructose 1-phosphate is catalysed by:
Your Answer: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
Correct Answer: Fructokinase
Explanation:The first step in the metabolism of fructose is the phosphorylation of fructose to fructose 1-phosphate by fructokinase.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
-
-
Question 15
Correct
-
A 70-year-old male with advanced COPD currently on treatment with salbutamol (as required) presents for review. After a complete history and examination, you conclude that he requires to be stepped up in his inhalational therapy. The decision to add tiotropium bromide to his regime was taken. Which of the following best describe the mechanism of action of tiotropium?
Your Answer: It is a long-acting anticholinergic agent
Explanation:Tiotropium is a specific long-acting antimuscarinic agent indicated as maintenance therapy for patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It should be used cautiously in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia or bladder neck obstruction.The most frequently encountered adverse effects of tiotropium include pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, dry mouth, cough, and headaches. Paradoxical bronchospasm may also occur as a rare side-effect. Dry mouth occurs in up to 14% of patients taking tiotropium, in keeping with its anticholinergic profile. Rarer side-effects include tachycardia, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 16
Correct
-
Adrenergic stimulation will lead to myocyte relaxation via the following mechanisms
Your Answer: Increased phosphorylation of phosholamban
Explanation:Phosphorylation of phospholamban, which increases calcium ATPase activity and sequestration of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. An increased rate of relaxation is explained because cAMP also activates the protein phospholamban, situated on the membrane of the SR, that controls the rate of uptake of calcium into the SR. The latter effect explains enhanced relaxation (lusitropic effect).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 17
Correct
-
Where is Vitamin B12 mainly stored in the body?
Your Answer: Liver
Explanation:The total amount of vitamin B12 stored in body is about 2–5 mg in adults. Around 50% of this is stored in the liver. Approximately 0.1% of this is lost per day by secretions into the gut, as not all these secretions are reabsorbed.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
Which of the following increase insulin secretion?
Your Answer: K+ depletion
Correct Answer: Sulfonylureas
Explanation:Sulfonylureas are a type of antidiabetic drug used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2. Their main mechanism of action is producing a rise in plasma insulin levels, through stimulation of insulin secretion and a decrease in hepatic clearance of insulin. Sulfonylureas include gliclazide, glipizide, glibenclamide and glimepiride.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
Question 20
Correct
-
The areas of extensive series of sarcoplasmic folds known as intercalated discs always occur at what portion of the muscle fiber?
Your 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 21
Incorrect
-
Calcium induced calcium release occurs in the sarcoplasmic reticulum by activation of which receptors
Your Answer: Dihydropyridine receptors
Correct Answer: Ryanodine receptors
Explanation:Calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) describes a biological process whereby calcium is able to activate calcium release from intracellular Ca2+ stores (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum or sarcoplasmic reticulum). CICR occurs when the resulting Ca2+ influx activates ryanodine receptors on the SR membrane, which causes more Ca2+ to be released into the cytosol.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 22
Incorrect
-
With regards to the function of the p53 protein produced by the p53 gene, which of the following statements is incorrect?
Your Answer: It triggers apoptosis
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 23
Incorrect
-
Which of the following values of bone mineral density measured by DEXA would signify osteopenia?
Your Answer: Z score of -1.5
Correct Answer: T score of -2.2
Explanation:DEXA T Scores:Normal T-score ≥ −1.0Osteopenia −2.5 < T-score < −1.0Osteoporosis T-score ≤ −2.5Severe osteoporosis T-score ≤ −2.5 with fragility fracture
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 24
Correct
-
What is the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system called?
Your Answer: Astrocyte
Explanation:Astrocytes are the supporting cells of the central nervous system. There are two types; the fibrous type is found in the white matter and the protoplasmic type in the grey matter. They are the most abundant cell type in the CNS.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 25
Correct
-
Translation usually begins at which codon?
Your Answer: AUG
Explanation:The start codon is the first codon of a messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript translated by a ribosome. The start codon always codes for methionine in eukaryotes and the most common start codon is AUG.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
-
-
Question 26
Correct
-
The principle by which the energy of contraction is proportional to the initial length of cardiac muscle fiber is known as:
Your Answer: Starling’s law
Explanation:The Frank starling relationship describes that an increase in the venous return or the end diastolic volume will cause an increase in the stroke volume/ preload and also cardiac output. It stems from the fact that increase venous return will increase the stretch on the ventricular muscle fibers. The sarcomere will stretch a considerable length that is needed for maximum contraction and increased development of tension in the muscle fiber. The greater the venous return the greater the cardiac output. This relation is directly proportional.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 27
Correct
-
The Sinoatrial node in the majority of people is supplied by the?
Your Answer: Right coronary artery
Explanation:In 60% of people, the SA node is supplied by the right coronary artery branch and in 40% of the people by the left coronary artery.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 28
Correct
-
Select a factor which stimulates glucagon secretion.
Your Answer: Protein meal
Explanation:Several studies have shown that glucagon levels are increased in individuals with a high protein diet. It is still debated, however, whether this type of diet affects insulin levels as well.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 29
Correct
-
A patient who has recently been diagnosed with SLE undergoes serum testing. A rise in which of the following antibodies would indicate severe systemic involvement?
Your Answer: Anti double-stranded DNA antibodies
Explanation:Anti ds-DNA antibodies are very specific for SLE and their presence most often indicates systemic spread of the disease. These antibodies are present in about 30 percent of the total cases of SLE.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
Periodic fevers occur in humans with mutations in the gene for pyrin. Pyrin is a protein found in which one of the following cells?
Your Answer: T lymphocytes
Correct Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:Pyrin, also known as marenostrin or TRIM20, is a protein encoded by the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene, causing the autoinflammatory disease familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Pyrin produces an increased sensitivity to intracellular signals. It is produced mainly in neutrophils, which display an increased ratio of cells entering apoptosis when exposed to pyrin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
