Problem 142 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Progressive degeneration of skeletal muscle, mostly due to genetic disorder, is (a) Osteoporosis (b) Gout (c) Tetany (d) Muscular dystrophy

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (d) Muscular Dystrophy.

Step 1: Define each condition

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle. Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints. Tetany is a condition marked by intermittent muscular spasms, caused by malfunction of the parathyroid glands and a consequent deficiency of calcium. Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Step 2: Match the definition with the condition

The condition described in the question is characterized by progressive degeneration of skeletal muscle due to a genetic disorder. From the definitions given in Step 1, this condition corresponds to Muscular Dystrophy.

Key Concepts

Genetic Disorders

Genetic disorders are conditions caused by abnormalities in an individual's DNA. These abnormalities can be due to mutations in a single gene, multiple genes, or damage to chromosomes. Gene mutations can occur spontaneously or be inherited from one or both parents. Such mutations can lead to a variety of health issues, including developmental problems and chronic diseases.
Some genetic disorders affect specific parts of the body while others can impact the entire system. For example, cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, while Muscular Dystrophy (MD) affects skeletal muscles. Treatments for genetic disorders often focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, as many of these conditions are currently incurable. Genetic counseling is recommended for affected families to understand the risks and inheritance patterns.

Skeletal Muscle Degeneration

Skeletal muscle degeneration refers to the progressive weakening and loss of muscle tissue, often resulting in reduced strength and mobility. This can occur due to a variety of causes, including aging, injury, and genetic conditions like Muscular Dystrophy.
Muscular Dystrophy is particularly notable because it involves a genetic defect that disrupts the production of specific proteins crucial for muscle repair and maintenance. This results in the gradual breakdown of muscle fibers, leading to symptoms such as weakness, reduced muscle mass, and difficulty with physical activities. In many cases, symptoms appear in early childhood and progressively worsen, significantly impacting daily life.

• Early symptoms include trouble walking and frequent falls.
• As it progresses, cardiac and respiratory muscles may also weaken.
• Physical therapy and muscle-strengthening exercises can help slow progression.

Understanding the mechanism behind muscle degeneration aids in developing targeted therapies that can potentially slow or alter the course of these disorders.

Objective Biology for NEET

Objective Biology is a critical component of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), which is an entrance exam for students seeking admission to medical colleges in India. This exam covers various biological concepts, including genetic disorders, human physiology, and plant biology. To excel in NEET, students must grasp key concepts and apply this knowledge to solve multiple-choice questions.
In the context of NEET, understanding conditions like Muscular Dystrophy is essential, as it combines genetic principles with physiological applications. Such concepts require students to not only remember definitions but also comprehend how genetic abnormalities lead to diseases and affect bodily functions.

• Focus on understanding genetic inheritance patterns.
• Learn how specific disorders impact bodily systems.
• Regular practice with mock tests and previous papers to improve speed and accuracy.

Studying with a focus on these objectives ensures a thorough preparation for NEET, enabling students to confidently tackle questions on genetic disorders and other related topics.