1999 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 117: Science and Technology

Lathyrism is caused by excessive consumption of

aKesari dal
bMustard oil
cPolished rice
dMushrooms

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Lathyrism is a neurological disease causing paralysis of the legs, caused by eating large amounts of kesari dal (Lathyrus sativus, grass pea) over a long time. The seeds contain a neurotoxin (ODAP). Mustard oil adulterated with argemone oil causes epidemic dropsy, polished rice (lack of thiamine) causes beriberi, and mushrooms cause poisoning. Remember: lathyrism means kesari dal.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right. Kesari dal causes lathyrism.
  • (b) Wrong. Adulterated mustard oil causes epidemic dropsy.
  • (c) Wrong. Polished rice is linked with beriberi.
  • (d) Wrong. Mushrooms cause poisoning, not lathyrism.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.