The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Group B Prelims exam often includes questions from biology, especially from topics related to human physiology, plant science, and environmental science. Below are some key questions asked in the exam along with their explanations to help aspirants prepare effectively.
1. Which of the following is called the fruit ripening hormone?
(1) Auxin (2) Gibberellin (3) Ethylene (4) Cytokinin
✅ Answer: (3) Ethylene
Explanation: Ethylene is a plant hormone responsible for fruit ripening. It regulates various physiological processes, including fruit maturation, flower wilting, and leaf abscission.
2. Match the plant disease with the causative agent:
| Plant Disease | Causal Agent |
|---|---|
| a. Loose smut of wheat | i. Taphrina maculans |
| b. Black stem rust of wheat | ii. Cercosporidium personatum |
| c. Tikka disease of groundnut | iii. Ustilago segetum |
| d. Leaf spot of turmeric | iv. Puccinia graminis |
Options:
(1) i - ii - iv - iii
(2) ii - i - iii - iv
(3) iii - iv - ii - i
(4) iv - iii - i - ii
✅ Answer: (3) iii - iv - ii - i
Explanation:
- Loose smut of wheat → Ustilago segetum
- Black stem rust of wheat → Puccinia graminis
- Tikka disease of groundnut → Cercosporidium personatum
- Leaf spot of turmeric → Taphrina maculans
3. Which of the following vaccines is given intradermally?
(1) TT (2) BCG (3) Japanese Encephalitis (4) Yellow fever
✅ Answer: (2) BCG
Explanation: The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is administered intradermally (injected into the top layers of the skin). It is primarily used for protection against tuberculosis (TB).
4. The biomedical waste is segregated using color-coded bags. Which color bag is used for human anatomical waste?
(1) Red bag (2) Yellow bag (3) Blue bag (4) White translucent bag
✅ Answer: (2) Yellow bag
Explanation:
- Yellow bag – Used for human anatomical waste (body parts, tissues, organs, fetuses).
- Red bag – Contaminated plastic waste (syringes, IV tubes, catheters).
- Blue bag – Glassware and metallic implants.
- White translucent bag – Sharps (needles, scalpels, broken glass).
5. The deficiency of protein in the diet causes which disease?
(1) Arthritis (2) Diabetes (3) Kwashiorkor (4) Parkinson's
✅ Answer: (3) Kwashiorkor
Explanation: Kwashiorkor is a severe protein deficiency disorder. It leads to symptoms such as swelling (edema), stunted growth, muscle wasting, and skin lesions.
6. Characteristics of mammals:
a. Hair present on the body.
b. Three-chambered heart.
c. Mammary glands present in females.
d. Some mammals lay eggs.
Options:
(1) a and b only
(2) b, c, and d
(3) a and c only
(4) a, c, and d
✅ Answer: (4) a, c, and d
Explanation:
- Mammals have hair (✔️).
- They have a four-chambered heart, not three (❌).
- Mammary glands produce milk in females (✔️).
- Some mammals like platypus and echidna lay eggs (✔️).
7. The class Pisces includes fishes because:
a. They are completely adapted to aquatic life.
b. They have a three-chambered heart.
c. They are cold-blooded animals.
d. The body is covered with scales.
Options:
(1) Only a
(2) Only a and b
(3) a, c, and d
(4) a, b, and c
✅ Answer: (3) a, c, and d
Explanation:
- Fishes are completely adapted to aquatic life (✔️).
- They have a two-chambered heart, not three (❌).
- They are cold-blooded (✔️).
- Their body is covered with scales (✔️).
8. Name the poison found in nematoblasts of Hydra.
(1) Glutathione (2) Hypnotoxin (3) Malathion (4) No poison is found
✅ Answer: (2) Hypnotoxin
Explanation: Hydra, a freshwater cnidarian, has specialized stinging cells called nematocysts (nematoblasts) that release Hypnotoxin. This toxin:
- Paralyzes prey.
- Causes irritation when it comes in contact with human skin.
Conclusion
These biology questions from previous MPSC Group B Prelims papers highlight the important areas to focus on for the exam. Understanding fundamental concepts in plant physiology, human diseases, classification of organisms, and environmental science will help aspirants secure better scores.
✅ Preparation Tips:
- Revise NCERT and Maharashtra State Board textbooks.
- Solve previous year question papers.
- Focus on important biology topics like human physiology, plant hormones, classification of organisms, and biotechnology.
🔍 Stay consistent with your preparation, and success in MPSC exams will follow! 💡