In the context of environmental pollution, 'Minamata disease' in Japan was caused by the severe contamination of water with: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

In the context of environmental pollution, 'Minamata disease' in Japan was caused by the severe contamination of water with:
A. Lead
B. Methylmercury
C. Arsenic
D. Cadmium
Answer: Option B
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Minamata disease is a severe neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. It was first discovered in Minamata city, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan, in 1956. It was caused by the release of methylmercury in the industrial wastewater from the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory, which contaminated the local bay and the fish and shellfish. People who consumed the contaminated seafood suffered from severe neurological damage, including ataxia, numbness, and muscle weakness.

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Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
In a double-stranded DNA molecule, if adenine constitutes 30%, what is the percentage of guanine?
A. 20%
B. 40%
C. 30%
D. 70%

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
According to Chargaff's rule, A = T and G = C. If A = 30%, then T = 30%. The total for A+T is 60%. The remaining 40% is G+C, so G = 20% and C = 20%. This base pairing is due to specific hydrogen bonding: A-T (2 bonds), G-C (3 bonds). This question applies the concept of base composition.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
Photorespiration in C3 plants occurs when RuBisCO acts as an oxygenase instead of a carboxylase. This process primarily takes place in which organelles?
A. Chloroplast, Mitochondria, and Peroxisome
B. Peroxisome and Lysosome
C. Chloroplast and Nucleus
D. Mitochondria and Golgi apparatus

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Photorespiration is a wasteful pathway that occurs when RuBisCO fixes O2 instead of CO2, producing phosphoglycolate. This 2-carbon compound is metabolized through a complex pathway involving three organelles: it is processed in the peroxisome, then the mitochondria, and finally returns to the chloroplast. This process consumes ATP and releases CO2 without producing any sugar.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
The element that is a central component of the chlorophyll molecule is:
A. Zinc
B. Iron
C. Magnesium
D. Calcium

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Magnesium (Mg²⁺) is the central atom in the porphyrin ring of chlorophyll, essential for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis. Iron is central in heme (hemoglobin, cytochromes). Calcium is a secondary messenger and structural component, zinc is a cofactor. Magnesium deficiency causes chlorosis.

This question belongs to: Science Biology