Biology MCQs Set 10 | UPSC, PSC, SSC Competitive Exam Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations

  1. Which organelle is known as the “suicide bag” of the cell?
    A) Mitochondria
    B) Lysosome
    C) Golgi apparatus
    D) Ribosome
    Correct Answer: B) Lysosome
    Explanation: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest worn-out cell parts and foreign substances. If they rupture, their enzymes can destroy the cell, hence the nickname “suicide bag.”
  2. What is the genetic material in most bacteria?
    A) Linear DNA in nucleus
    B) Circular DNA in cytoplasm
    C) RNA only
    D) Protein
    Correct Answer: B) Circular DNA in cytoplasm
    Explanation: Most bacteria have a single, circular DNA molecule located in the cytoplasm, not enclosed in a nucleus.
  3. Which process describes the conversion of glucose to pyruvate?
    A) Krebs cycle
    B) Glycolysis
    C) Fermentation
    D) Electron transport chain
    Correct Answer: B) Glycolysis
    Explanation: Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration, breaking one glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules, producing ATP and NADH.
  4. What is the function of guard cells in plants?
    A) Absorb water
    B) Regulate opening and closing of stomata
    C) Transport food
    D) Store starch
    Correct Answer: B) Regulate opening and closing of stomata
    Explanation: Guard cells surround each stoma and control its opening and closing, thus regulating gas exchange and water loss.
  5. In humans, which chromosome pair determines sex?
    A) 1st
    B) 7th
    C) 23rd
    D) 22nd
    Correct Answer: C) 23rd
    Explanation: The 23rd pair of chromosomes are sex chromosomes (XX for females, XY for males) and determine an individual’s sex.
  6. Which plant pigment is essential for photosynthesis?
    A) Carotene
    B) Xanthophyll
    C) Chlorophyll
    D) Anthocyanin
    Correct Answer: C) Chlorophyll
    Explanation: Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and is crucial for converting light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis.
  7. Which enzyme is secreted by the stomach to digest proteins?
    A) Amylase
    B) Pepsin
    C) Lipase
    D) Maltase
    Correct Answer: B) Pepsin
    Explanation: Pepsin is a protease enzyme that breaks down proteins into peptides in the acidic environment of the stomach.
  8. What is the main function of red bone marrow?
    A) Store fat
    B) Produce blood cells
    C) Support joints
    D) Store calcium
    Correct Answer: B) Produce blood cells
    Explanation: Red bone marrow is the primary site of new blood cell production, including red cells, white cells, and platelets.
  9. Which process involves the movement of substances against their concentration gradient?
    A) Passive diffusion
    B) Active transport
    C) Osmosis
    D) Facilitated diffusion
    Correct Answer: B) Active transport
    Explanation: Active transport requires energy (ATP) to move substances from low to high concentration, against the gradient.
  10. Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
    A) Vitamin A
    B) Vitamin B12
    C) Vitamin C
    D) Vitamin K
    Correct Answer: D) Vitamin K
    Explanation: Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver, preventing excessive bleeding.
  11. Which part of the human brain regulates body temperature?
    A) Cerebellum
    B) Medulla oblongata
    C) Hypothalamus
    D) Cerebrum
    Correct Answer: C) Hypothalamus
    Explanation: The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat, regulating temperature, hunger, thirst, and other autonomic functions.
  12. Which structure in the heart prevents backflow of blood?
    A) Septum
    B) Valves
    C) Atrium
    D) Aorta
    Correct Answer: B) Valves
    Explanation: Heart valves (tricuspid, bicuspid, semilunar) ensure unidirectional flow of blood and prevent backflow.
  13. What is the main function of the human large intestine?
    A) Digestion of proteins
    B) Absorption of water and minerals
    C) Production of insulin
    D) Storage of bile
    Correct Answer: B) Absorption of water and minerals
    Explanation: The large intestine absorbs water and minerals from indigestible food residue, forming solid feces.
  14. Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels?
    A) Glucagon
    B) Insulin
    C) Adrenaline
    D) Thyroxine
    Correct Answer: B) Insulin
    Explanation: Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, lowering blood sugar levels.
  15. Which process describes the fusion of male and female gametes in plants?
    A) Germination
    B) Fertilization
    C) Pollination
    D) Fragmentation
    Correct Answer: B) Fertilization
    Explanation: Fertilization is the union of male (pollen) and female (egg) gametes, forming a zygote.
  16. What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?
    A) Energy production
    B) Protein synthesis
    C) Lipid storage
    D) DNA replication
    Correct Answer: B) Protein synthesis
    Explanation: Ribosomes are molecular machines that translate mRNA into proteins, essential for cell structure and function.
  17. Which blood group is considered the universal recipient?
    A) O negative
    B) A positive
    C) AB positive
    D) B negative
    Correct Answer: C) AB positive
    Explanation: AB positive individuals can receive blood from any group due to the presence of both A and B antigens and the Rh factor.
  18. What is the function of the mitochondria?
    A) Protein synthesis
    B) ATP (energy) production
    C) Storage of waste
    D) Photosynthesis
    Correct Answer: B) ATP (energy) production
    Explanation: Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration, generating ATP, the cell’s main energy currency.
  19. Which element is a key component of thyroid hormones?
    A) Calcium
    B) Iron
    C) Iodine
    D) Potassium
    Correct Answer: C) Iodine
    Explanation: Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3, T4), which regulate metabolism.
  20. Which process is responsible for the exchange of gases in the lungs?
    A) Filtration
    B) Diffusion
    C) Active transport
    D) Osmosis
    Correct Answer: B) Diffusion
    Explanation: Oxygen and carbon dioxide move across the alveolar membrane by diffusion, from high to low concentration.
  21. Which part of the plant is responsible for anchoring it to the soil?
    A) Stem
    B) Leaf
    C) Root
    D) Flower
    Correct Answer: C) Root
    Explanation: Roots anchor the plant, absorb water and minerals, and sometimes store food.
  22. Which disease is caused by a deficiency of iron?
    A) Scurvy
    B) Anemia
    C) Rickets
    D) Goiter
    Correct Answer: B) Anemia
    Explanation: Iron deficiency leads to anemia, characterized by fatigue and weakness due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
  23. Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?
    A) Vein
    B) Artery
    C) Capillary
    D) Venule
    Correct Answer: B) Artery
    Explanation: Arteries carry blood away from the heart to various parts of the body, usually oxygenated except the pulmonary artery.
  24. What is the function of the human diaphragm?
    A) Pump blood
    B) Aid in breathing
    C) Produce hormones
    D) Filter toxins
    Correct Answer: B) Aid in breathing
    Explanation: The diaphragm contracts and flattens to enlarge the chest cavity, drawing air into the lungs during inhalation.
  25. Which part of the flower produces pollen?
    A) Stigma
    B) Ovary
    C) Anther
    D) Style
    Correct Answer: C) Anther
    Explanation: The anther, part of the stamen, produces and releases pollen grains containing male gametes.
  26. Which organ secretes bile?
    A) Pancreas
    B) Liver
    C) Gallbladder
    D) Stomach
    Correct Answer: B) Liver
    Explanation: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine for fat digestion.
  27. What is the function of the cornea in the human eye?
    A) Focus light
    B) Produce tears
    C) Control pupil size
    D) Transmit nerve impulses
    Correct Answer: A) Focus light
    Explanation: The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that bends and focuses incoming light onto the lens.
  28. Which hormone is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in males?
    A) Estrogen
    B) Testosterone
    C) Progesterone
    D) Insulin
    Correct Answer: B) Testosterone
    Explanation: Testosterone, produced by the testes, promotes development of male secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair and deep voice.
  29. Which process describes the breakdown of glucose in the absence of oxygen?
    A) Aerobic respiration
    B) Anaerobic respiration
    C) Photosynthesis
    D) Chemosynthesis
    Correct Answer: B) Anaerobic respiration
    Explanation: Anaerobic respiration (fermentation) breaks down glucose without oxygen, producing less ATP and byproducts like lactic acid or ethanol.
  30. Which vitamin deficiency causes rickets in children?
    A) Vitamin A
    B) Vitamin C
    C) Vitamin D
    D) Vitamin K
    Correct Answer: C) Vitamin D
    Explanation: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Deficiency leads to rickets, causing weak and deformed bones in children.
  31. Which structure in the neuron transmits impulses away from the cell body?
    A) Dendrite
    B) Axon
    C) Synapse
    D) Soma
    Correct Answer: B) Axon
    Explanation: The axon is a long fiber that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons or muscles.
  32. Which process describes the movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane from low to high solute concentration?
    A) Diffusion
    B) Active transport
    C) Osmosis
    D) Endocytosis
    Correct Answer: C) Osmosis
    Explanation: Osmosis is the passive movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.
  33. Which disease is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine)?
    A) Pellagra
    B) Beriberi
    C) Scurvy
    D) Rickets
    Correct Answer: B) Beriberi
    Explanation: Beriberi is a nervous system disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, leading to weakness and heart problems.
  34. Which organ filters old red blood cells from the blood?
    A) Liver
    B) Spleen
    C) Kidney
    D) Pancreas
    Correct Answer: B) Spleen
    Explanation: The spleen removes old or damaged red blood cells and helps fight infection.
  35. Which hormone stimulates the release of milk during breastfeeding?
    A) Prolactin
    B) Oxytocin
    C) Estrogen
    D) Progesterone
    Correct Answer: B) Oxytocin
    Explanation: Oxytocin triggers the contraction of muscles around mammary glands, allowing milk to be ejected during breastfeeding.
  36. What is the function of the human epiglottis?
    A) Produce sound
    B) Prevent food from entering the windpipe
    C) Increase lung capacity
    D) Filter dust
    Correct Answer: B) Prevent food from entering the windpipe
    Explanation: The epiglottis is a flap that covers the trachea during swallowing, preventing food from entering the airway.
  37. Which element is essential for hemoglobin synthesis?
    A) Calcium
    B) Iron
    C) Zinc
    D) Magnesium
    Correct Answer: B) Iron
    Explanation: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, necessary for oxygen transport in the blood.
  38. Which organ is responsible for the production of urea?
    A) Kidney
    B) Liver
    C) Pancreas
    D) Spleen
    Correct Answer: B) Liver
    Explanation: The liver converts ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea, which is then excreted by the kidneys.
  39. Which part of the human skeleton protects the brain?
    A) Rib cage
    B) Pelvis
    C) Skull
    D) Vertebral column
    Correct Answer: C) Skull
    Explanation: The skull encases and protects the brain from injury.
  40. Which process describes the transfer of pollen from anther to stigma?
    A) Fertilization
    B) Germination
    C) Pollination
    D) Seed dispersal
    Correct Answer: C) Pollination
    Explanation: Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma, enabling fertilization in plants.
  41. Which gland secretes growth hormone?
    A) Thyroid gland
    B) Pituitary gland
    C) Adrenal gland
    D) Pineal gland
    Correct Answer: B) Pituitary gland
    Explanation: The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, secretes growth hormone, which stimulates body growth and cell reproduction.
  42. What is the function of the human alveoli?
    A) Absorb nutrients
    B) Exchange gases
    C) Filter blood
    D) Produce mucus
    Correct Answer: B) Exchange gases
    Explanation: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed.
  43. Which vitamin is essential for vision and immune function?
    A) Vitamin A
    B) Vitamin B12
    C) Vitamin C
    D) Vitamin D
    Correct Answer: A) Vitamin A
    Explanation: Vitamin A is necessary for the formation of visual pigments and maintaining healthy immune function.
  44. Which organ produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin?
    A) Liver
    B) Pancreas
    C) Gallbladder
    D) Spleen
    Correct Answer: B) Pancreas
    Explanation: The pancreas produces digestive enzymes for the small intestine and hormones (insulin, glucagon) for blood sugar regulation.
  45. Which plant hormone is responsible for seed dormancy?
    A) Auxin
    B) Gibberellin
    C) Abscisic acid
    D) Ethylene
    Correct Answer: C) Abscisic acid
    Explanation: Abscisic acid induces and maintains seed dormancy, preventing germination under unfavorable conditions.
  46. Which process produces lactic acid in muscles during intense exercise?
    A) Aerobic respiration
    B) Anaerobic respiration
    C) Photosynthesis
    D) Chemosynthesis
    Correct Answer: B) Anaerobic respiration
    Explanation: When oxygen is scarce, muscles switch to anaerobic respiration, producing lactic acid as a byproduct.
  47. Which structure in the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body?
    A) Left atrium
    B) Right atrium
    C) Left ventricle
    D) Right ventricle
    Correct Answer: B) Right atrium
    Explanation: The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava.
  48. Which mineral is essential for bone and teeth formation?
    A) Sodium
    B) Potassium
    C) Calcium
    D) Iron
    Correct Answer: C) Calcium
    Explanation: Calcium is a major component of bones and teeth, providing strength and structure.
  49. Which enzyme converts starch to maltose in saliva?
    A) Pepsin
    B) Amylase
    C) Lipase
    D) Lactase
    Correct Answer: B) Amylase
    Explanation: Amylase, present in saliva, breaks down starch into maltose, beginning the process of carbohydrate digestion.
  50. Which blood vessel supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscle?
    A) Pulmonary vein
    B) Coronary artery
    C) Aorta
    D) Carotid artery
    Correct Answer: B) Coronary artery
    Explanation: The coronary arteries branch from the aorta and supply oxygen-rich blood directly to the heart muscle, ensuring its function.

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