General Knowledge Quiz

The concentration of glucose in the blood, a crucial energy source for cells.

A hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake and storage.

High blood glucose levels (above 180 mg/dL after meals or 125 mg/dL fasting).

Low blood glucose levels (below 70 mg/dL).

Chronic condition with high blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin or impaired insulin function.

Blood glucose level measured after an overnight fast (no food).

Test to assess how the body handles glucose after a glucose load.

Blood test measuring average blood glucose levels over several months.

Resting phase of the cell cycle where cells are not actively dividing.

A cell that can no longer divide (permanently in G0).

A cell that doesn't divide when it reaches maturity or terminal differentiation.

Series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide.

Cell prepares for DNA duplication; long gap (6-12 hours).

DNA synthesis and duplication phase.

Cell prepares for cell division.

Cell division and formation of two daughter cells.

Protein kinases that regulate cell cycle progression at checkpoints.

Control points in the cell cycle that determine if a cell proceeds to the next stage.

Normal genes that regulate cell cycle progression.

Mutated protooncogenes that promote uncontrolled cell division.

Genes that inhibit cell growth and division.

Single change in a DNA sequence.

Increased number of copies of a specific gene.

Movement of a gene segment to a different chromosome location.

Control points in the cell cycle that ensure proper division. They check for errors and ensure the cell is ready for the next stage.

This checkpoint in late G1 makes sure the cell is ready to commit to replicating its DNA. It's often disrupted in cancer.

Physical agents like UV rays and ionizing radiation that can cause cancer by damaging DNA and altering cell growth.

UV rays, especially UV-B, can damage DNA by forming pyrimidine dimers, leading to mutations that may overwhelm repair systems and result in skin cancer.

Ionizing radiation includes various forms like X-rays and alpha particles, all of which have the potential to cause cancer by damaging DNA.

Ionizing radiation is particularly harmful to bone marrow and the thyroid gland, leading to leukemia and thyroid cancer respectively.

The amount of melanin in the skin acts as a protective barrier against UV rays, but excessive exposure can still overwhelm the protection and cause skin cancer.

Defective enzymes involved in DNA repair processes leave cells vulnerable to accumulating mutations, leading to higher chances of developing cancer.

UV rays can damage DNA, inhibit cell division, inactivate enzymes, and even kill cells, leading to various skin problems.

This pathway repairs DNA damage, specifically pyrimidine dimers, induced by UV rays. It acts as a defense mechanism against potential cancer development.

The RB1 gene produces a protein called pRB that acts as a tumor suppressor. pRB regulates the transition from G1 to S phase by binding to and inactivating E2F transcription factors, preventing the expression of cell cycle genes.

Mutations in the RB1 gene disrupt the normal function of pRB, leading to uncontrolled cell division. These mutations can be either 'loss of function,' where pRB is defective and cannot inactivate E2F, or 'gain of function', where pRB is hyperphosphorylated and disengaged from E2F prematurely.

E2F transcription factors are a group of proteins that control the expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression. When pRB is active, it binds to and inactivates E2F, preventing the expression of those genes and halting the cell cycle.

Inactivation of RB1, whether through mutations or hyperphosphorylation, leads to uncontrolled cell division and the potential for cancer development. This is because the cell cycle is deregulated, and E2F is free to activate cell cycle genes, promoting continuous proliferation.

The MDM2 protein, a product of the MDM2 oncogene, can bind to and inhibit pRB, essentially removing the brake on cell cycle progression and promoting unchecked cell division.

Certain viral oncoproteins, like those produced by adenovirus, SV40, and HPV, can bind to and degrade pRB. This effectively removes the pRB brake, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor growth.

RB1 can also regulate apoptosis, a programmed cell death process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells. Loss of RB1 function can lead to increased apoptosis because the cell is unable to appropriately regulate the expression genes that determine cell fate.

RB1 is a critical tumor suppressor gene. By preventing uncontrolled cell division and regulating apoptosis, RB1 contributes to the overall regulation of cell growth and development, suppressing the formation of tumors.

The test utilizes a colorimetric reaction where glucose in the sample reacts with a reagent, causing a change in color that is measured by a spectrophotometer. The amount of color change is proportional to the glucose concentration.

Various substances may interfere with the test, leading to inaccurate results. These include bilirubin, hemoglobin, and some medications. They can react with the reagent, causing false positive results.

Normal blood glucose levels vary slightly but typically range between 70-100 mg/dL when fasting and <140 mg/dL after a meal.

Elevated blood glucose levels can indicate various conditions like diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or hormonal imbalances. In these cases, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake and storage in cells. It acts like a gatekeeper, allowing sugar to enter cells for energy or storage.

Hyperglycemia is high blood glucose levels, often seen in diabetes. Hypoglycemia is low blood glucose levels, which can occur due to excessive insulin, lack of food, or certain medical conditions.

The body synthesizes glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis, primarily in the liver. This process converts non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids and glycerol into glucose.

The primary sources of glucose in the diet are carbohydrates, such as starches, sugars, and fibers. These carbohydrates are broken down into glucose during digestion.

A hormone released by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown and glucose production.

The breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose) into glucose, releasing it into the bloodstream.

The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol, in the liver.

The breakdown of stored fat (triglycerides) into free fatty acids and glycerol, releasing them into the bloodstream for energy.

The state after a meal, when blood glucose levels are elevated due to the absorption of glucose.

The state after absorption of nutrients from a meal, when blood glucose levels are gradually decreasing.

Insulin and glucagon work in tandem to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Insulin lowers blood glucose, while glucagon raises it, like a seesaw.

An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production.

A condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly, causing high blood glucose levels.

Variations in blood glucose levels occur due to insulin deficiency or resistance in both type 1 and 2 diabetes.

The use of insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage blood glucose levels, essential for type 1 diabetes.

Changes in diet and exercise can significantly impact blood glucose management in type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

Regularly checking blood glucose levels is crucial for both type 1 and 2 diabetes, ensuring optimal management.

Long-term poorly controlled blood sugar can damage organs and systems like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.