UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 61: Science and Technology

Which one of the following statements is correct?

aMilk contains none of the B-vitamins

bVitamin A (retinal) deficiency leads to dry and scaly skin

cOne of the symptoms of scurvy is pain in the joints

dVitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency can lead to heart failure

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, shows as bleeding gums, easy bruising, slow wound healing and painful, swollen joints, which is the statement the key accepts. Milk does contain B vitamins such as riboflavin and B12, so (a) is wrong. Remember the pairings: vitamin C and scurvy; vitamin A and night blindness; vitamin B1 and beriberi.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Milk contains several B vitamins, such as riboflavin and B12.
(b) Vitamin A deficiency does dry the skin, mainly alongside night blindness, so this is also broadly true.
(c) Correct, per the key: scurvy brings joint pain, bleeding gums and bruising.
(d) Thiamine deficiency causes beriberi, whose wet form can lead to heart failure, so this is also true.

Worth knowing: Options (b) and (d) are also broadly true, since vitamin A deficiency dries the skin and thiamine deficiency can cause heart failure in wet beriberi, so the question is shaky.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.