Which of the following tests for intelligence is not influenced by language or formal education?
C. Fluid intelligence includes non-verbal intellectual functions such as problem solving and reasoning; these are not influenced by one’s cultural experience or education. Crystallized intelligence includes acquired knowledge, which is heavily influenced by culture, formal education, and opportunities. Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test measures both ‘fluid’ and ‘crystallized’ intelligence. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale measure IQ and are influenced by cultural differences and formal educational attainment. Stanford–Binet Scale is one of the earliest intelligence scales and is influenced by school education. Raven’s Progressive Matrix is a measure of ability to form perceptual relations and analogical reason; it is independent of language and formal schooling. It can be used for anyone above age 6.
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Neuropeptides such as endorphins are produced from the degradation of a large precursor molecule called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC).
Which of the following hormones is synthesized from the same precursor?
C. Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a polypeptide precursor protein. It produces many biologically active peptides including the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), corticotrophin (ACTH), and β-endorphin. MSH and ACTH are collectively known as melanocortins and a family of specific receptors has been described for them. In the CNS, POMC-producing neurones are located in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and the nucleus tractus solitarius of the brainstem. The CNS POMC system regulates feeding behaviour, sexual behaviour, lactation, the reproductive cycle, and possibly central cardiovascular control.
All of the following physiological effects are mediated by GABA potentiation except:
B. GABA does not directly mediate working memory. Prefrontal dopamine via D1 receptors is thought to heavily influence working memory capacity. GABAA activation has sedative properties. GABAA activation leads to an increase in seizure threshold via inhibitory activity. GABAA also plays a role in memory consolidation. GABA agonists prevent formation of long-term memory, though the process of learning itself may not be affected. GABAB activation mediates central muscle relaxation via spinal cord and brain receptors.
Which of the following structures in human brain show morphological differences according to one’s sexual orientation?
D. Several neuroanatomical differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals have been reported from human studies. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) has been noted to be larger and more elongated in homosexual males (and females in general). The third interstitial nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus (INAH-3) was noted to be smaller among homosexuals. Anterior commissure is larger in homosexual men than in heterosexual men. No sexual-orientation differences have been reported in the sexually dimorphic nuclei of the preoptic area in humans.
Which of the following proteins is the major component of Lewy bodies seen in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia?
E. Lewy bodies contain ubiquitin (non-specific) and alpha synuclein. Synucleiopathies refer to a set of disorders in which aggregates of synculein accumulation is noted. Lewy bodies are demonstrated pathologically in these disorders, but unlike the Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra seen in Parkinson’s disease, cortical Lewy bodies are not surrounded by a distinct halo that enables their identification. Recently, the development of immunostaining for ubiquitin and synuclein have increased the accuracy of visualizing Lewy bodies.
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