MCQ 1. Consider the following statements regarding Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):
1. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the beta-globin chain of haemoglobin.
2. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
3. The disease manifests even if only one parent carries the sickle cell gene.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
• Statement 1: Correct. SCD is caused by a point mutation (Glu → Val) in the HBB gene, which encodes the beta-globin component of haemoglobin.
• Statement 2: Correct. SCD is autosomal recessive. A child gets the disease only when both parents carry the sickle mutation.
• Statement 3: Incorrect. If only one parent is a carrier (AS), the child becomes a carrier but does not get the disease.
Hence, 1 and 2 only.
MCQ 2. With reference to Sickle Cell Trait (SCT), consider the following statements:
1. Individuals with SCT generally do not develop symptoms under normal conditions.
2. SCT provides some protection against severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
3. Two SCT parents have a 50% chance of producing a child with Sickle Cell Disease.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
• Statement 1: Correct — SCT (AS) is usually asymptomatic in normal conditions.
• Statement 2: Correct — Provides partial protection against severe falciparum malaria.
• Statement 3: Incorrect — AS × AS gives: 25% AA, 50% AS, 25% SS (SCD). Not 50%.
Hence, 1 and 2 only.
MCQ 3. Consider the following:
1. Hydroxyurea
2. Folic Acid
3. Magnesium Sulphate
4. Pain-relief medicines (Analgesics)
Which of the above are commonly used to manage Sickle Cell Disease?
• Hydroxyurea (1): Used — reduces pain crises, increases fetal haemoglobin.
• Folic Acid (2): Used — supports RBC production in chronic haemolysis.
• Magnesium Sulphate (3): Not routine for SCD management.
• Analgesics (4): Used — essential for pain crisis management.
Hence, 1, 2 and 4 only.
MCQ 4. Sickle Cell Disease is most prevalent among:
1. Scheduled Tribes of central India
2. Himalayan pastoral tribes
3. Coastal fishing communities
4. Andaman & Nicobar tribal groups
Select the correct answer using the code below.
• SCD is most widespread in central Indian tribal belts, particularly STs of: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan.
• Himalayan and coastal communities do not have significant prevalence.
• Andaman tribes mostly show G6PD deficiency, not SCD.
Thus, only statement 1 is correct.
MCQ 5. Consider the following statements regarding the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission (2023–2047):
1. It aims to screen 100% population in the age group 0–40 years in high-prevalence areas.
2. Genetic counselling is a key component of the mission.
3. It is implemented only by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
• Statement 1: Correct — targets universal screening (0–40 years) in high-burden areas.
• Statement 2: Correct — genetic counselling is central to preventing high-risk births.
• Statement 3: Incorrect — implemented jointly by MoHFW and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Hence, 1 and 2 only.
MCQ 6. Which of the following conditions can be a direct consequence of Sickle Cell Disease?
1. Splenic dysfunction
2. Increased risk of infection
3. Stroke
4. Reduced life expectancy
Select the correct answer using the code below.
All are direct consequences of SCD:
1. Splenic dysfunction: Repeated infarction destroys spleen.
2. Infections: Damaged spleen → increased infections.
3. Stroke: Due to vaso-occlusion of cerebral arteries.
4. Reduced life expectancy: Due to chronic organ damage and crises.
Hence, all are correct.
MCQ 7. Which of the following can reduce new births of children with Sickle Cell Disease?
1. Prenatal screening
2. Premarital genetic testing
3. Carrier counselling
4. Bone marrow transplant
Select the correct answer using the code below.
• Prenatal screening → identifies affected fetuses.
• Premarital testing → helps avoid high-risk marriages (AS × AS).
• Carrier counselling → explains risk and reproductive choices.
• Bone marrow transplant does NOT prevent births; it only cures existing patients.
Hence, 1, 2 and 3 only.
MCQ 8. Sickle Cell Disease persists in certain populations because:
• SCT carriers have partial protection against severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria, giving evolutionary advantage.
• No established link with TB resistance, fertility increase, or vector transmission.
MCQ 9. Consider the following statements:
1. All individuals with Sickle Cell Trait are completely asymptomatic throughout life.
2. Under extreme dehydration or high altitude, individuals with Sickle Cell Trait may develop complications.
3. Sickle Cell Trait is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1 is wrong – usually asymptomatic, but not “all” and not “throughout life”.
2 is correct – extreme exertion, dehydration, or high altitude can precipitate issues.
3 is wrong – trait itself is not a disease pattern; recessive inheritance refers to disease (SS), not trait (AS).
MCQ 10. Consider the following statements regarding IWAI:
1. It is a statutory body established under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985.
2. It works under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
3. IWAI is responsible for declaring National Waterways.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
• Statement 1: Correct — IWAI is statutory under IWAI Act, 1985 (created in 1986).
• Statement 2: Incorrect — it works under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Statement 3: Incorrect — National Waterways are declared by Parliament (National Waterways Act, 2016), not IWAI.
Hence, only statement 1 is correct.