Case 4 Questions 1-10

Scroll Down

Enjoy working thorugh the following questions. We hope they aid your learning. If you have any issues or feedback, please email [email protected].

Question 1

Which of the following is an oncogene?

  1. WT1
  2. P53
  3. Rb
  4. NF
  5. Erb-B2

The correct answer is option e Erb-B2

This is the only oncogene and causes breast cancer
a. This is a tumour suppressor gene for a Wilms tumour
b. This is a tumour suppressor gene for many cancers
c. This is a tumour suppressor gene for retinoblastoma
d. This is a Tumour suppressor gene for a schwannoma

Question 2

At what phase in the cell cycle does cell volume approximately double?

  1. G0
  2. G1
  3. S Phase
  4. G2
  5. Mitosis

The correct answer is option b G1

This is where cell contents duplicates, so will double in size
a. This is the cell cycle arrest
c. This is where DNA duplication occurs
d. This is the final checks, growth and preparation occur
e. This is cellular replication

Question 3

Which of the following is the best definition of metastatic calcification

  1. Calcification which occurs systemically due to hypercalcemia
  2. A type of soft tissue calcification which occurs in necrotic tissues
  3. A type of soft tissue calcification which occurs mainly which in the interstitial tissues of the kidneys and lungs
  4. Metastatic calcification is due to calcification normally seen in metastatic neuroendocrine cancers
  5. Deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in body tissues

The correct answer is option c A type of soft tissue calcification which occurs mainly which in the interstitial tissues of the kidneys and lungs

C is the correct answer as it is the most accurate definition
a. This is correct but not a complete answer
b. Incorrect as metastatic calcification occurs in healthy tissues
d. Incorrect, in this context metastatic is the widespread nature of the calcification
e. Correct but not relevant

Question 4

Which best describes the term ‘proto-oncogene’

  1. A gene which undergoes somatic mutation to form an oncogene
  2. A gene which contributes to the formation and pathogenicity of virulence
  3. A gene which can reduce cancer formation and reduces a cancer’s virulence
  4. Insertion of DNA leading uncontrolled cellular proliferation
  5. An exposure or factor which can cause cancer

The correct answer is option a A gene which undergoes somatic mutation to form an oncogene

This is the correct definition of a proto-oncogene
b. Incorrect, this is the definition of an oncogene
c. Incorrect, this is the definition of a Tumour supression gene
d. Incorrect this is the definition of a viral oncogene
e. Incorrect, this is the definition of a carcinogen

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which UV light damages cells?

  1. Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which UV light damages cells?
  2. Oxygen free radical formation​
  3. Thymine dimer formation​
  4. Double stranded DNA breaks ​
  5. Degradation of nuclear membrane ​

The correct answer is option a Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which UV light damages cells?

This is the most correct answer
b. Whilst correct, A is more complete
c. While correct, A is more complete
d. This is not the most relevant as it does not describe the mechanism
e. This is not a correct mechanism

Question 6

Which describes the role of erythropoietin in erythropoiesis?

  1. Erythropoietin is released from the kidneys in response to low oxygen carriage in the blood
  2. Erythropoietin reduces vascular tone in the endothelium though eNOS activation
  3. Erythropoietin stimulates myeloid progenitor cells to increase the production of globin
  4. Erythropoietin stimulate myeloid progenitor cells to produce mature granulocytes
  5. Erythropoietin is a potent transcription factor which mainly acts in the liver

The correct answer is option c Erythropoietin stimulates myeloid progenitor cells to increase the production of globin

This is the correct function of erythropoietin, it also contributes to tranferritin expression and haem biosynthesis
a. Correct but not relevant to erythropoiesis
b. Correct but not relevant to erythropoiesis
d. This is the role of GCSF, not erythropoiesis
e. This is correct but not relevant to erythropoiesis

Question 7

Liver failure leads to the loss of plasma protein synthesis and release into the blood which leads to oedema. Which best describes the mechanism at play in oedema?

  1. Increased oncotic pressure
  2. Decreased oncotic pressure
  3. Increased hydrostatic pressure
  4. Decreased hydrostatic pressure
  5. Increased lymphatic pressure

The correct answer is option b Decreased oncotic pressure

This would occur due to the lack of plasma proteins, and cause oedema
a. Incorrect as lack of plasma proteins would not cause this, and higher oncotic pressure would prevent oedema
c. This is not related to plasma protein synthesis, but would cause oedema
d. This would not cause oedema, nor would it be affected by plasma protein production
e. This would not be affected by plasma protein production

Question 8

Which is not commonly considered a function of the spleen

  1. Storage of red blood cells
  2. Filtration of dead cellular debris
  3. Production of antibodies
  4. Site of monocyte maturation
  5. Site of B cell maturation

The correct answer is option d Site of monocyte maturation

Monocyte maturation location is not a function of the spleen
a. Storage of RBCs is a function of the spleen
b. Filtering the blood for debris is a function of the spleen
c. IgG, for example is produced in the spleen
e. Haematopoiesis can occur in the spleen

Question 9

Which best describes the function of ferritin

  1. Acts as an intracellular iron store
  2. Acts as an extracellular transporter of iron
  3. Regulates systemic iron homeostasis
  4. Blocks the release of iron form cells in high quantifies
  5. Increases the expression of transferrin receptors

The correct answer is option a Acts as an intracellular iron store

This is correct as this is the proper role of ferritin
b. Incorrect, this is the definition of transferritin
c. Incorrect, this is the function of hepcidin
d. Incorrect, this is also the function of hepcidin
e. This is the function of erythropoeitin

Question 10

Which is the most accurate statement regarding beta-thalassemia minor?

  1. Beta-thalassemia minor is due to somatic mutation leading to chimerism in the myeloid progenitor cells leading to the abnormal production of beta-haemoglobin in these cells
  2. Beta-thalassemia is usually asymptomatic
  3. Beta-thalassemia minor is caused by the heterozygous mutation of the beta-globin gene leading to a macrocytic anaemia
  4. This is usually not compatible with life
  5. Those with beta-thalassemia minor present with amenia and splenomegaly

The correct answer is option b Beta-thalassemia is usually asymptomatic

Correct, also seen with fuzzy hair on X-Ray
a. This is more in relation to the formation of myeloid leukaemia’s
c. genetics is correct but there is typically a hypochromic microcytic anaemia
d. More true for alpha thalassemia major
more true for beta thalassemia major