The gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles by secreting melatonin is the: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles by secreting melatonin is the:
A. Pituitary
B. Thyroid
C. Thymus
D. Pineal
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
The pineal gland, a small endocrine gland in the brain, secretes melatonin in response to darkness, regulating circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. The pituitary controls other glands, thyroid metabolism, thymus immune development.

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Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
Consider statements about genetics: 1. A codon consists of three nucleotides. 2. The start codon is AUG. 3. Introns are coding sequences. Which are correct?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 3 only

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The genetic code is read in triplets of nucleotides called codons, each specifying an amino acid. AUG is the universal start codon, which also codes for methionine. In eukaryotic genes, introns are non-coding intervening sequences that are spliced out, while exons are the coding sequences that remain in the mature mRNA. Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
The vitamin that is also a hormone, synthesized by the skin upon exposure to sunlight, is:
A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin B₁
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin A

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is unique as it can be synthesized in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol in the presence of UV-B radiation. It acts as a hormone to regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis. It must be activated in the liver and kidneys. It is also obtained from dietary sources like fatty fish, egg yolk. Deficiency causes rickets/osteomalacia.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
In the human eye, the 'macula lutea' and its central depression, the 'fovea centralis', are significant because the fovea contains:
A. Only cones, providing the sharpest central vision and color discrimination
B. An equal number of rods and cones
C. The blind spot where the optic nerve exits
D. Only rods, providing high sensitivity to dim light

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The macula lutea is a yellowish spot near the center of the retina. Its central depression, the fovea centralis, is the point of sharpest vision. The fovea is packed exclusively with cone cells and lacks blood vessels and rods. This high density of cones, combined with the displacement of overlying retinal layers, allows for maximum visual acuity and color discrimination in bright light. The blind spot is the optic disc.

This question belongs to: Science Biology