2004 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies

Question 11: Science and Technology

The hormone insulin is a

aGlycolipid
bFatty acid
cPeptide
dSterol

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Insulin is a peptide hormone made by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets: two short chains of amino acids joined by disulphide bonds. Hormones are chemically of three kinds: peptides and proteins (insulin, glucagon), steroids or sterols (cortisol, sex hormones) and amino-acid derivatives (thyroxine, adrenaline). Insulin lowers blood sugar.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) A glycolipid is a sugar-fat compound found in cell membranes, not a hormone like insulin.
  • (b) A fatty acid is a building block of fats; insulin is not one.
  • (c) Correct: insulin is a peptide hormone.
  • (d) Sterols such as cholesterol are the base of steroid hormones, not insulin.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.