-
Question 1
Correct
-
Question 2
Incorrect
-
On which chromosome is the gene for insulin located?
Your Answer: Chromosome 12
Correct Answer: Chromosome 11
Explanation:Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, and usually, two pairs of copies of chromosome 11. It is one of the most complex, gene-rich chromosomes in the human genome, and it is associated with a number of diseases. Studies have shown they the human insulin gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 11.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
Which of the following drugs requires plasma level monitoring?
Your Answer: Vancomycin
Explanation:All patients require plasma-vancomycin measurement (after 3 or 4 doses if renal function normal, earlier if renal impairment). There is a risk of nephrotoxicity including renal failure, interstitial nephritis and ototoxicity.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 4
Correct
-
Which of the following corresponds to an oblique line drawn from the sternal end of the left 3rd costal cartilage to the sternal end of the right 6th costal cartilage?
Your Answer: Atrio-ventricular (coronary) groove
Explanation:The AV groove corresponds to the right border of the heart. 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 5
Correct
-
Question 6
Incorrect
-
Restriction Enzymes...
Your Answer: Cut RNA sequences at specific sites
Correct Answer: Cut DNA sequences at specific sites
Explanation:Restriction endonucleases are enzymes that recognise short sequences of double stranded DNA and cut them at specific nucleotide points or sequences. These sequences differ for different restriction endonucleases.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 7
Correct
-
The actions of thrombin result directly in the release of:
Your Answer: Fibrin monomers
Explanation:Thrombin in turn acts as a serine protease that converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble strands of fibrin, as well as catalysing many other coagulation-related reactions.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
Concerning surface anatomy, where is the apex beat found?
Your Answer: 5th intercostal space mid clavicular line
Explanation:The location of the apex beat may vary but it is mostly found in the left 5th intercostal space 6 cm from the anterior median line or in the mid clavicular line.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 9
Incorrect
-
The main source of nutrients in the liver is via the
Your Answer: Hepatic artery
Correct Answer: Portal vein
Explanation:The portal vein or hepatic portal vein is a blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This blood is rich in nutrients that have been extracted from food, and the liver processes these nutrients; it also filters toxins that may have been ingested with the food. 75% of total liver blood flow is through the portal vein, with the remainder coming from the hepatic artery proper.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
-
-
Question 10
Correct
-
A 34 year old woman presents to the emergency department due to right sided weakness. Past history reveals a DVT following the birth of her daughter, and two miscarriages. Head CT confirms an ischaemic stroke in the territory of left middle cerebral artery. What would be the most likely finding on echocardiography?
Your Answer: Normal
Explanation:The patient most likely suffers from antiphospholipid syndrome. The clinical criteria consist of vascular thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. Vascular thrombosis is defined as one or more clinical episodes of arterial, venous, or small-vessel thrombosis in any tissue or organ confirmed by findings from imaging studies, Doppler studies, or histopathology. ASD, VSDs would cause paradoxical emboli and stroke, however the recurrent pregnancy loss in this case is strongly suggestive of antiphospholipid syndrome. The ECG would be normal in most cases associated with anti phospholipid syndrome.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 11
Correct
-
A 35-year-old woman under treatment for long-term epilepsy with valproate presented with complaints of excessive weight gain. She is consuming oral contraceptive pills.Which among the following is the best alternative to valproate for treating long-term epilepsy?
Your Answer: Lamotrigine
Explanation:Among the given anti-epileptics the best drug that can be given in this patient is lamotrigine.Topiramate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital are all hepatic enzyme inducers and are associated with decreased effectiveness of the oral contraceptive (OCP) due to acceleration of the metabolism of oestrogens and progestogens.If she is planning on pregnancy then registry studies suggest that lamotrigine would also be the best choice.Other hepatic enzyme inducers include rifampicin, spironolactone, griseofulvin, etc.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 12
Correct
-
Stimulation of the carotid sinus results in:
Your Answer: Drop in blood pressure
Explanation:Stimulation of the carotid sinus will result in an increase in the baroreceptor discharge. This will travel via the afferent nerves to the medulla. Signals will pass through the vagus nerve to decrease the sympathetic outflow to the heart and the blood vessels. This inhibition will result in vasodilation of the blood vessels, venodilation and bradycardia hence decreasing the total peripheral resistance and lowering the blood pressure.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 13
Correct
-
In Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), the DNA fragments are separated by length through a process known as:
Your 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 14
Correct
-
Which is NOT a prognostic factor for patients with malignant melanoma?
Your Answer: Diameter of melanoma > 6 mm
Explanation:Features that affect prognosis are tumour thickness in millimetres (Breslow’s depth – the deeper the Breslow thickness the poorer the prognosis.), depth related to skin structures (Clark level – the level of invasion through the dermis), type of melanoma, presence of ulceration, presence of lymphatic/perineural invasion, presence of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (if present, prognosis is better), location of lesion, presence of satellite lesions, and presence of regional or distant metastasis. Malignant melanoma tends to grow radially before entering a vertical growth phase. The diameter it reaches has not been found to be a prognostic factor.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 15
Correct
-
The ability of the SA node cells to allow ionic flow through channels activated in a hyperpolarized state is known as:
Your 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 16
Correct
-
With regards to the function of the p53 protein produced by the p53 gene, which of the following statements is incorrect?
Your 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 17
Incorrect
-
Activation of baroreceptor reflex involves:
Your Answer: Increase in heart rate base of inhibition of the vagal cardiac motor neurons
Correct Answer: Short term regulation of systemic blood pressure
Explanation:Baroreceptors are found in the heart and the blood vessels. They are the carotid sinus and the aortic arch receptors and respond to the minute to minute change in the blood pressure i.e. a change in the pulsatile pressure and not to a change in the mean arterial pressure. If the pulse pressure decreases, the rate of firing of the receptors decreases, stimulating an increase in the heart rate and blood pressure. Mechanisms that regulate the long term blood pressure control include the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone mechanism.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 18
Correct
-
What is the isolated effect of B2 stimulation on the coronaries?
Your Answer: Vasodilatation
Explanation:Norepinephrine and epinephrine are agonists for all adrenergic receptor subtypes, although with varying affinities. Based on their physiology and pharmacology, adrenergic receptors have been divided into two principal types: alpha and beta. These types have been further differentiated into alpha-1, alpha-2, b1, and b2 receptors.
Alpha-1 Receptors are located on postsynaptic cells in smooth muscle and elicit vasoconstriction.
Alpha-2 receptors are localized on presynaptic membranes of postganglionic nerve terminals that synthesize norepinephrine. When activated by catecholamines, alpha-2 receptors act as negative feedback controllers, inhibiting further norepinephrine release.
Activation of myocardial b1 receptors stimulates the rate and strength of cardiac contraction, and consequently increases cardiac output. b1 Receptor activation also stimulates renin release from the kidney. Another class of antihypertensive agents acts by inhibiting b1 receptors.
Activation of b2 receptors by epinephrine relaxes vascular smooth muscle and results in vasodilation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
The blood supply to the greater curvature of the stomach is via the:
Your Answer: Right and left gastro-epiploic arteries
Explanation:The blood supply to the greater curvature of the stomach is via the left and the right gastro-epiploic arteries branching from the splenic artery near the hilum.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
-
-
Question 20
Correct
-
The inverse stretch reflex causing muscle relaxation when excessive force is applied to a muscle is mediated by which sensory organ?
Your Answer: Golgi tendon organ
Explanation:Both the muscle spindle and Golgi tendon body are proprioceptors. The Golgi tendon reflex is a normal component of the reflex arc of the peripheral nervous system. In a Golgi tendon reflex, skeletal muscle contraction causes the antagonist muscle to simultaneously lengthen and relax. This reflex is also called the inverse myotatic reflex, because it is the inverse of the stretch reflex.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 21
Correct
-
A 56-year-old male presents to the emergency department with confusion and agitation for the past four hours. He is a known alcoholic who has abstained from drinking for the past three days.On examination, he is sweating, agitated and disorientated. His temperature is 37.7°C, pulse 112 bpm regular and blood pressure is 150/76 mmHg. Blood investigations performed in the emergency department reveal:FBC: NormalU&E: NormalPlasma glucose: 4.6 mmol/l (3.6-6)Which of the following medications would be the most appropriate treatment for this man?
Your Answer: Oral lorazepam
Explanation:The most probable diagnosis for this patient is delirium tremens due to alcohol withdrawal, which should be treated as a medical emergency. Delirium tremens is a hyperadrenergic state and is often associated with tachycardia, hyperthermia, hypertension, tachypnoea, tremor, and mydriasis.Treatment:- The most common and validated treatment for alcohol withdrawal is benzodiazepine: first-line treatment includes oral lorazepam. – If the symptoms persist, or the medication is refused, parenteral lorazepam, haloperidol or olanzapine should be given.- Central-acting, alpha-2 agonists such as clonidine and dexmedetomidine should not be used alone for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.- It is also recommended to avoid using alcohol, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, and baclofen for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal as there are not enough studies to support the safety of these.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 22
Incorrect
-
Which of the following stimuli increase growth hormone secretion?
Your Answer: Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)
Correct Answer: Ghrelin
Explanation:Ghrelin is a hormone which serves as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It acts on the pituitary and the hypothalamus by affecting the vagus nerve. It acts on the somatotrophs of the anterior pituitary, GHRH-secreting neurons, and on GHIH-secreting neurons in the hypothalamus, causing a time-dependent and pulsatile stimulation over the secretion of growth hormone.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 23
Incorrect
-
Which statement is incorrect?
Your Answer: The addition of an inverted guanine residue at the 5’ site as well as polyadenylation at the 3’ site prevents nucleases from degrading primary mRNA in the nucleus of the cell.
Correct Answer: Translation begins when the triplet (UGA) encoding for methionine is encountered.
Explanation:Translation being when the codon for methionine is encountered which is AUG not UGA. This process is known as initiation. All the other options are correct.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
Where are the cell bodies to the preganglionic neurons located?
Your Answer: Thalamus
Correct Answer: Midbrain
Explanation:The cell bodies of the preganglionic neurons are located in the lateral grey column of the spinal cord and in the motor nuclei of the 3rd, 7th, 9th and 10th cranial nerves. These cranial nerves take origin from the midbrain.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
-
-
Question 25
Incorrect
-
Amongst the following cells, which is responsible for the secretion of defensins?
Your Answer: Eosinophils
Correct Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:Eosinophils are phagocytic and they are directed against helminths. Basophils are involved in allergic reactions and contain histamine and vasoactive granules in their cytoplasm. Mast cells are similar to basophils. Monocytes differentiate into macrophages in the tissue, secret interleukins and are phagocytic. Neutrophils are phagocytic but are also responsible for secreting defensins.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 26
Correct
-
A 60 year old male presents with one month history of generalized headache, fever and malaise. He also complains of scalp sensitivity while combing his hair. In order to confirm the diagnosis, which of the following would be the definite test?
Your Answer: Temporal artery biopsy
Explanation:Temporal arteritis is a chronic large- and medium-sized vessel vasculitis that typically involves the temporal arteries. Classical symptoms include temporal headaches, jaw claudication, amaurosis fugax. Physical exam shows scalp tenderness, palpation of the temporal area may demonstrate an absent pulse, knot-like swelling, and vision loss. Lab results reveal an increased erythematous sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Temporal artery biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Management approach: high-dose systemic corticosteroids should be promptly administered even before the diagnosis is established. Temporal artery biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Inability to manage this or administer glucocorticoids might lead to development of blindness.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
The interstitium of the kidney is most hypertonic in the:
Your Answer: Outer cortex
Correct Answer: Papillary tip of the medulla
Explanation:The medullary interstitium is the tissue surrounding the loop of Henle in the renal medulla. It functions in renal water reabsorption by building up a high hypertonicity, which draws water out of the thin descending limb of the loop of Henle and the collecting duct system. This hypertonicity, in turn, is created by an efflux of urea from the inner medullary collecting duct.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
-
-
Question 28
Correct
-
A 75-year-old man has presented to the clinic with a complaint of disturbed sleep. The physician has prescribed temazepam. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of this drug?
Your Answer: Enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid
Explanation:Temazepam is an orally available benzodiazepine used in the therapy of insomnia. The soporific activity of the benzodiazepines is mediated by their ability to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission through binding to the GABA-A receptor.The recommended initial dose for insomnia is 7.5 mg before bedtime, increasing as needed to a maximum dose of 30 mg. The most common side effects of temazepam are dose-related and include daytime drowsiness, lethargy, ataxia, dysarthria, and dizziness.Tolerance develops to these side effects, but tolerance may also develop to the effects on insomnia.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 29
Correct
-
Question 30
Correct
-
A 22 year old man is being evaluated for chronic lower backache. Which of the following would most strongly point towards the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis?
Your Answer: Reduced lateral flexion of the lumbar spine
Explanation:Ankylosing spondylitis (spondylarthritis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton that leads to partial or even complete fusion and rigidity of the spine. Males are disproportionately affected and upwards of 90% of patients are positive for the HLA-B27 genotype, which predisposes to the disease. The most characteristic early finding is pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back, caused by inflammation of the vertebral column and the sacroiliac joints. The pain typically improves with activity and is especially prominent at night. Other articular findings include tenderness to percussion and displacement of the sacroiliac joints (Mennell’s sign), as well as limited spine mobility, which can progress to restrictive pulmonary disease. The most common extra-articular manifestation is acute, unilateral anterior uveitis. Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms and x-ray of the sacroiliac joints, with HLA-B27 testing and MRI reserved for inconclusive cases. There is no curative treatment, but regular physiotherapy can slow progression of the disease. Additionally, NSAIDs and/or tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors may improve symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to improve quality of life. The spine adopts a bamboo shape, not lordosis. The pain usually improves as the day progresses. leg raise test causes pain in cases of meningitis etc not in this case.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
