1997 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 121: Science and Technology
Alpha-keratin is a protein present in
ablood
bskin
cwool
deggs
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Alpha-keratin is a fibrous protein found in hair, nails, horns and wool, and in the outer layer of the skin. In wool it is the main protein, which is why the key picks it. Blood contains proteins such as haemoglobin and albumin, and egg white is mainly albumin.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Blood proteins include haemoglobin and albumin.
- (b) The outer skin does contain keratin, but wool is the textbook case.
- (c) Right: wool is mostly alpha-keratin.
- (d) Egg white is mainly albumin.
Worth knowing: The outer layer of skin also contains alpha-keratin, so option (b) is not wholly wrong; wool is the textbook example.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.