Which of the following is an example of a chemical mutagen? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Which of the following is an example of a chemical mutagen?
A. Nitrous acid
B. X-rays
C. UV radiation
D. Gamma rays
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Nitrous acid (HNO₂) is a chemical mutagen that can deaminate bases (e.g., cytosine to uracil), causing base-pair changes and mutations. X-rays, UV radiation, and gamma rays are physical mutagens (ionizing and non-ionizing radiation). Chemical mutagens include base analogs, alkylating agents, and intercalating agents. Mutagens increase the rate of mutations beyond natural levels.

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Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
A man with blood group AB marries a woman with blood group O. What are the possible blood groups of their children?
A. AB only
B. A, B, AB, and O
C. A and B only
D. AB and O

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The man's genotype is Iᴬ Iᴮ (AB) and the woman's genotype is ii (O). Gametes: man produces Iᴬ or Iᴮ, woman produces i only. Offspring: Iᴬ i (blood group A) and Iᴮ i (blood group B). Thus only A and B blood groups are possible. No AB (requires both Iᴬ and Iᴮ) or O (requires ii) children can be produced. This illustrates co-dominance and multiple alleles.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
During the depolarization phase of an action potential, there is a rapid influx of:
A. Potassium ions (K+)
B. Sodium ions (Na+)
C. Calcium ions (Ca2+)
D. Chloride ions (Cl-)

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
An action potential is initiated when a stimulus causes the membrane potential to reach a threshold. This opens voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to a rapid influx of sodium ions (Na+) into the neuron. This makes the inside of the cell positively charged relative to the outside, a process called depolarization. Repolarization follows with the efflux of K+ ions.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
The primary muscle of breathing is the:
A. Abdominal muscles
B. Intercostal muscles
C. Pectoral muscles
D. Diaphragm

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that contracts during inspiration, flattening and increasing thoracic volume. The external intercostal muscles assist.

This question belongs to: Science Biology