Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

This section includes 7 InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your Current Affairs knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

What is an atom and molecule? What is the order of magnitude of mass of one atom? What are isotopes?

Answer»
  • The smallest indivisible particle of an element is called an atom. 
  • A molecule is an aggregate of two or more atoms of definite composition which are held together by chemical bonds. 
  • Every atom of an element has definite mass. The order of magnitude of mass of one atom is 10-27kg. 
  • Isotopes are the atoms of the same element having same atomic number but different mass number. 
2.

i. One dozen means how many items? ii. One gross means how many items?

Answer»

i. One dozen means 12 items. 

ii. One gross means 144 items.

3.

Find the formula mass of CaSO4, if atomic mass of Ca = 40.1 u, S = 32.1 u and O = 16.0 u.

Answer»

Formula mass of CaSO4

= Average atomic mass of Ca + Average atomic mass of S + Average atomic mass of four O

= (40.1) + 32.1 + (4 × 16.0) 

= 136.2 u

∴ Formula mass of CaSO4 = 136.2 u

4.

Calculate number of atoms is each of the following. (Average atomic mass : N = 14 u, S = 32 u)a. 0.4 mole of nitrogen b. 1.6 g of sulfur

Answer»

(a). 0.4 mole of nitrogen (N)

Number of atoms of N = Number of moles × Avogadro’s constant

= 0.4 mol × 6.022 × 1023 atoms/mol

= 2.4088 × 1023 atoms of N

(b). 1.6 g of Sulphur (S) 

Molar mass of sulphur = 32 g mol-1

Number of moles = \(\frac{Mass\,of\,a\,substance}{Molar\,mass\,of\,a\,substance}\)

\(\frac{1.6\,g}{32\,g\,mol^{-1}}\)

= 0.05 mol

Number of atoms of S = Number of moles × Avogadro’s constant

= 0.05 mol × 6.022 × 1023 atoms/mol 

= 0.3011 × 1023 atoms

= 3.011 × 1022 atoms of S

∴ (a) Number of nitrogen atoms in 0.4 mole = 2.4088 × 1023 atoms of N

(b) Number of sulphur atoms in 1.6 g = 3.011 × 1022 atoms of S

5.

In two moles of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) calculate the following :a. Number of moles of carbon b. Number of moles of hydrogen c. Number of moles of oxygen d. Number of molecules of acetaldehyde

Answer»

Molecular formula of acetaldehyde : C2H4

Moles of acetaldehyde = 2 mol

a. Number of moles of carbon atoms = Moles of acetaldehyde × Number of carbon atoms 

= 2 × 2 

= 4 moles of carbon atoms

b. Number of moles of hydrogen atoms = Moles of acetaldehyde × Number of hydrogen atoms

= 2 × 4 

= 8 moles of hydrogen atoms

c. Number of moles of oxygen atoms = Moles of acetaldehyde × Number of oxygen atoms 

= 2 × 1 

= 2 moles of oxygen atoms

d. Number of molecules of acetaldehyde = Moles of acetaldehyde × Avogadro number = 2 mol × 6.022 × 1023 molecules/mol = 12.044 × 1023 molecules of acetaldehyde

∴ i. Number of moles of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are 4, 8, 2 respectively.

ii. Number of molecules of acetaldehyde = 12.044 × 1023

6.

List in tabular form two differences between an acid and a base based on their chemical properties.

Answer»
AcidsBases
1. H+ ions are released in aqueous solution.
2. Reacts with metal carbonates to liberate CO2 gas.
1. OH- ions are related in aqueous solutions
2. No reaction takes place with metal carbonates.

7.

100 mL of a solution of sulphuric acid, 50 mL, N/10 solution of NaOH of density 1.28 g/cc was added and the volume made upto 200 mL, 20 mL of this solution required 17 mL of N/10 Na2CO3 solution for neutralization. Determine the normality of sulphuric acid solution.

Answer»

Correct answer is 0.22 N

8.

Ten milliliter of 0.01 M iodine solution is titrated against 0.01 M sodium thiosulphate solution using starch solution. The volume of sodium thiosulphate consumed upto the end point isa. 10 mLb. 15 mLc. 20 mLd. 30 mL

Answer»

Correct option is c. 20 mL

9.

No. of oxalic acid molecules in 100 mL of 0.02 N oxalic acid are .a. 6.022 x 1020b. 6.022 x 1021c. 6.022 x 1022d. 6.022 x 1023

Answer»

Correct option is a. 6.022 x 1020

10.

Give the position, size and nature of image formed by a concave lens when the object is placed :(a) anywhere between optical centre and infinity.(b) at infinity.

Answer»

(a) When the object is placed anywhere between optical centre and infinity, the image is formed between optical centre and focus. It is diminished, virtual and erect.

(b) When the object is placed at infinity, the image is formed at focus. It is highly diminished, virtual and erect.

11.

If 2x+y = 2x-y = √8 then the value of y is(a) 1/2 (b) 3/2 (c) 0(d) none of these

Answer»

Correct answer = (c) 0

∵ 2x+y = 2x−y = √8 

∴ x + y = x – y 

⇒ y = 0

12.

If 29x + 37y = 103 and 37x + 29y = 95 then (a) x = 1, y = 2 (b) x = 2, y = 1 (c) x = 3, y = 2 (d) x = 2, y = 3

Answer»

Correct answer = (a) x = 1, y = 2

The given system of equations is 

29x + 37y = 103 ……..(i) 

37x + 29y = 95 ……..(ii) 

Adding (i) and (ii), we get 

66x + 66y = 198 

⇒ x + y = 3 ………(iii) 

Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get 

8x – 8y = –8 

⇒ x – y = –1 

Adding (iii) and (iv), we get 

2x = 2 ⇒ x = 1 

Substituting x = 1 in (iii), we have 

1 + y = 3 ⇒ y = 2 

Thus, x = 1 and y = 2.

13.

What do you mean by nonsense codon?

Answer»

The codon which do not code for any amino acid and leads to termination of translation process is called nonsense codon.

14.

Write the full form of VNTR. How is VNTR different from ‘probe’?

Answer»

VNTR stands for Variable Number Tandem Repeat.

VNTR is a small fragment of DNA containing tandemly repeated sequence, whose number and length vary among chromosome and individuals. VNTR shows a high level of polymorphism and is specific for different individual, whereas Probe is a small fragment of DNA or RNA used for identification of genes in biological system. These fragments are prepared for commercial and hybridization technology either for finding complementary sequence or in the diagnosis of some diseases. 

15.

Write the full form of VNTR. How is VNTR different from a probe?

Answer»

Full form of VNTR is Variable Number of Tandem Repeats

VNTRProbe
The segment of DNA which shows very high no. of repetitive nucleotide sequences which vary from person to person are called variable number tandem repeats.The small fragments of DNA strands which are highly selective and specific to be complementary to VNTR sequences are called probe.

16.

During Krebs cycle, fumaric acid gets converted into malic acid by (A) decarboxylation (B) dehydrogenation (C) dehydration (D) hydration

Answer»

The correct answer is (D) hydration

17.

What is aminoacylation ? State its significance.

Answer»

Amino acids are activated in the presence of ATP and linked to (cognate) t-RNA.

Carries amino acid to the site synthesis / reaches amino acids to the respective codon.

Detailed answer:

Aminoacylation is the process of adding an activated amino acid to the acceptor arm of a transfer RNA. It is an essential step for the synthesis of protein, as it activated the amino acids (amino acid + ATP) and helps in linking them to their cognate tRNA in the presence of an enzyme aminoacyl tRNA synthetase.

18.

Name the unlabelled areas ‘a’ and ‘b’ of the pie chart representing biodiversity of vertebrates showing the proportionate number of species of major taxa.

Answer»

a → Fishes; b → Amphibians.

19.

Would Western Ghats ecosystems be less functional if one of its tree frog species is lost forever? Substantiate your answer in the light of hypothesis proposed by Paul Ehrlich.

Answer»

According to the hypothesis proposed by Paul Ehrlich, the “Rivet popper hypothesis”, each species is essential in the balance of nature. If one is lost that much imbalance is caused in the ecosystem.

20.

……… increases homozygosity and exposes harmful recessive genes.

Answer»

Inbreeding increases homozygosity and exposes harmful recessive genes.

21.

Define the following terms. (a) Protandry (b) Protogyny

Answer»

(a) Protandry: The stamens mature earlier than stigma. 

E.g: Helianthus 

(b) Protogyny: The stigma mature earlier than stamens. 

E.g: Aristolochia bracteata

22.

What is non-disjunction ?

Answer»

The inability of homologous chromosomes to separate out during meiosis in an individual is called non-disjunction. As a result of this, some gametes get both chromosomes, while others receive neither.

23.

How self-pollination is avoided in Abutilon?

Answer»

In Abutilon, the self-pollination is avoided by self sterility or self-incompatibility, in which if the pollen grain reaches the stigma of the same flower, it will be prevented from germination. It is a genetic mechanism.

24.

What is Heterostyly? Give example.

Answer»

Heterostyly: Some plants produce two or three different forms of flowers that are different in their length of stamens and style. Pollination will take place only between organs of the same length. 

E.g: Primula.

25.

One of the most important functions of botanical gardens is that(a) one can observe tropical plants there(b) they allow exsitu conservation of germplasm(c) they provide the natural habitat for wild life(d) they Provide a beautiful area for recreation

Answer»

(b) they allow exsitu conservation of germplasm

26.

The diversity of the habitats over the total geographical area is called(a) alpha diversity(b) beta diversity(c) gamma diversity(d) delta diversity

Answer»

(c) gamma diversity

27.

While preparing the species area relationship graph of 4 areas, the following z values are obtained.Area A = 0.1 Area B = 0.8 Area C = 1.2 Area D = 0.3(a) Which area shows maximum species richness? (b) What are the expected reasons for the loss of biodiversity in areas with low species richness?

Answer»

(a) Area a = 0.1 

(b) 

(i) Habitat loss and fragmentation

(ii) Over-exploitation

(iii) Alien species invasions

(iv) Co-extinctions

28.

Bio-diversity is not uniform throughout the world, but shows a rather uneven distribution.1. What is latitudinal gradients in diversity?2. What is so special about tropics that might account for their greater biological diversity.3. Which is the area that has the highest biodiversity on earth?

Answer»

1. The distribution of diversity of plants and animals decreases as we move away from equator towards the poles.

2. biological diversity

  • Tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, thus had a long evolutionary time for species diversification. 
  • Tropical environments are less seasonal, relatively more constant and predictable.
  • More solar energy is available which contributes to high productivity and greater diversity.

3. Amazonian rain forest in South America.

29.

Which one of the following pairs of geographical areas shows maximum biodiversity in our country?(a) Sunderbans and Rann of Kutch(b) Eastern ghats and West Bengal(c) Eastern Himalaya and Western Ghats(d) Kerala and Punjab’

Answer»

(c) Eastern Himalaya and Western Ghats

30.

Tropical environments are less seasonal and constant that lead to a greater species diversity, it is come under(a) niche specialization(b) species richness (c) genetic erosion (d) genetic equilibrium

Answer»

(b) species richness

31.

The greatest biodiversity in world is reported in(a) Amazonian forest(b) coniferous forest(c) W ghats(d) Scandinavian forest

Answer»

(a) Amazonian forest

32.

How do ecologists estimate the total number of species present in the world?

Answer»

They make a statistical comparison of the species richness of exhaustively studied groups of insects of the temperate and tropical regions and extrapolate this ratio to other groups of animals and plants to calculate gross estimate of the total number of species present on the earth.

33.

Gopalan cultivated a variety of fruit crops and plants in this field and Raman destroyed the fruit crops and plants and cultivated rubbertrees which are double in number.(a) In your opinion which method is suitable for the ecosystem? Give reason.(b) Mention any three factors for the extinction of species.

Answer»

Method by Gopalan

Biodiversity depends on variety of species. Extinction of species is due to

1. Over exploitation 

2. Habitat loss and fragmentation 

3. Co-extinction

34.

The species diversity of the plants (22%) is much less that of animals (72%). What could be the explanations to how animals achieved greater diversification?

Answer»

Compared to plants, animals have increased size and genetic variation. Also, the animals possess complex nervous system to control and coordinate various body activities.

Animals possess receptor organs for receiving various environmental stimuli and able to respond against them. The ability of locomotion is also a factor for greater diversification of animals.

35.

Gopalan cultivated a variety of fruit crops and plants in this field and Raman destroyed the fruit crops and plants and cultivated rubber trees which are double in number.(a) In your opinion which method is suitable for the ecosystem? Give reason. (b) Mention any three factors for the extinction of species.

Answer»

Method by Gopalan

Biodiversity depends on variety of species.  Extinction of species is due to 

1. Over exploitation 

2. Habitat loss and fragmentation 

3. Co-extinction

36.

The species diversity of plants on earth will be(a) 2.4%(b) 22% (c) 8.1%(d) 85%

Answer»

The species diversity of plants on earth will be 22%

37.

The species diversity is maximum in(a) Western Ghats(b) Eastern Ghats(c) Alpine meadows(d) wetlands.

Answer»

(a) Western Ghats

38.

What are hot spots in biodiversity? Why endemism is considered an important criteria for identifying hot spots?

Answer»

1. Hot spots: are the regions with high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism.

2. Endemism: is the number of species conned to a particular region and not found anywhere else. High degree of endemism means species richness is more and are not found anywhere else and should be protected to prevent extinction.

39.

What is meant by the term ‘hot spots’ in biodiversity? List two criteria used for determining a ‘hot spot’. Name two hot spots of India.

Answer»

A hot spot is an area having endangered endemic species with very high levels of species richness. 

Criteria used for determining a hot spot:

i. Number of endemic species, i.e., species which are not found anywhere else. 

ii. Degree of threat which is measured in terms of habitat loss.

Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are two hot spots in India.

40.

Read the statement and state whether true or false.1.Endangered species are more in reptiles than in birds and mammals.Critically endangered species are more in birds than in reptiles and mammals.2. What is the role of Alien species invasions in extinction

Answer»

1.

  • True
  • False 

2. Alien species are foreign species, when introduced, some of them turn invasive and cause decline or extinction of indigenous species.

41.

The accelerated rates of species extinctions that the world is facing now are largely due to human activities. 1. Mention the evil quartet which cause extinction.2. Name two ex situ method to conserve diversity.

Answer»

1. The evil quartet which cause extinction

  • Habitat loss
  • Overexploitation
  • Alein species invasion
  • Coextinction

2. Two ex situ method to conserve diversity

  • Zoo
  • Botanical garden
42.

Would the extinction of one insect pollinator affect the ecosystem? Explain.

Answer»

It would affect the ecosystem because insect pollinators form a part of food web. It may lead to co-extinction of species in the case of a co-evolved plant. It is a case of mutualism where extinction of one invariably leads to the extinction of the other.

43.

Seeds of different genetic strains are kept for long periods in seed banks. Explain the conservative strategy involved in this process.

Answer»

The strategy is called Ex-situ conservation. In this technique, seeds are preserved in viable and fertile condition for long periods using cryopresrvation techniques.

44.

Name the socio-biologist who popularised the term biodiversity.

Answer»

Edward Wilson

45.

Lantana and Eichhornia are examples of two weeds. How do they affect the ecosystem?

Answer»

These are examples of Alien species invasions. They threaten the indigenous species and lead to their extinction.

46.

What are seed banks?

Answer»

The collection of seeds of many different genetic strains of commercially important plants, that are kept viable for longer periods in place are called seed banks.

47.

Name and explain any two ways that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity.

Answer»

Habitat loss and fragmentation

• Destruction of habitat is the primary cause of extinction of species. 

• The tropical rainforests initially covered 14 per cent of the land surface of earth, but now cover only 6 per cent of land area.

Over-exploitation

• When biological system is over-exploited by man for the natural resources, it results in degradation and extinction of the resources. 

• For example, Stellar’s sea cow, passenger pigeon and many marine fishes.

48.

Taking one example each of habitat loss and fragmentation, explain how are the two responsible for biodiversity loss.

Answer»

a. The Amazon rainforest (called the “lungs of the planet”) is being cut and cleared for cultivation of soya beans and for conversion into grasslands for raising beef cattle. 

b. When large-sized habitats are broken or fragmented due to human settlements, building of roads, digging of canals, etc., the population of animals requiring large territories and some animals with migratory habitats declines.

49.

Co-extinction and introduction of alien species too are responsible for the loss of biodiversity. Explain how.

Answer»

i. Alien (exotic) species invasions 

• Some alien (exotic) species when introduced unintentionally or deliberately, become invasive and cause harmful impact, resulting in extinction of the indigenous species. 

• Nile perch, a large predator fish when introduced in Lake Victoria (East Africa) caused the extinction of an ecologically unique species of Cichlid fish in the lake.

ii. Co-extinctions 

• When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an obligatory manner, also become extinct. 

• For example, if the host fish species becomes extinct, all those parasites exclusively dependent on it, will also become extinct; in plant–pollinator mutualism also, extinction of one results in the extinction of the other.

50.

Suggest a technique to a researcher who needs separate fragments of DNA.

Answer»

Gel electrophoresis.