Q.12 Match the deficiency conditions in Group I with the corresponding vitamin in Group II
Group I Group II
(P) Beriberi (1) Ascorbic acid
(Q) Scurvy (2) Retinol
(R) Birth defects (3) Thiamine
(S) Night blindness (4) Folic acid
(A) P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4
(B) P-2, Q-3, R-4, S-1
(C) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2
(D) P-1, Q-2, R-3, S-4
The correct answer is option (C): P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2.
Matching vitamin deficiencies with diseases requires understanding specific biochemical roles of each vitamin. Beriberi results from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, impairing carbohydrate metabolism and causing neurological or cardiovascular issues. Scurvy stems from ascorbic acid (vitamin C) shortage, disrupting collagen synthesis and leading to bleeding gums and poor wound healing.
Correct Matches
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(P) Beriberi → (3) Thiamine: Thiamine deficiency disrupts energy production in nerves and heart, confirmed across medical sources.
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(Q) Scurvy → (1) Ascorbic acid: Vitamin C is essential for collagen; its lack causes tissue fragility.
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(R) Birth defects → (4) Folic acid: Folate deficiency during early pregnancy raises neural tube defect risk, like spina bifida.
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(S) Night blindness → (2) Retinol: Vitamin A (retinol) is vital for rhodopsin in low-light vision.
Option Analysis
Option (A) P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4: Correct for P (Beriberi-thiamine) but wrong for Q (Scurvy-retinol instead of ascorbic acid), R (birth defects-ascorbic acid instead of folic acid), and S (night blindness-folic acid instead of retinol).
Option (B) P-2, Q-3, R-4, S-1: Incorrect for P (Beriberi-retinol), Q (Scurvy-thiamine), though R is right (birth defects-folic acid); S wrong (night blindness-ascorbic acid).
Option (C) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2: Fully correct, as detailed above.
Option (D) P-1, Q-2, R-3, S-4: Wrong across all: P (Beriberi-ascorbic acid), Q (Scurvy-retinol), R (birth defects-thiamine), S (night blindness-folic acid).
Vitamin deficiency diseases matching Beriberi Scurvy birth defects night blindness is a key topic for CSIR NET Life Sciences. These conditions arise from specific nutrient shortages, impacting metabolism, vision, and development. Understanding matches aids exam success and health awareness.
Core Matches Explained
Vitamin deficiency diseases matching follows established links:
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Beriberi and Thiamine: Wet form affects heart; dry form hits nerves. Sources: whole grains, meat.
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Scurvy and Ascorbic Acid: Weakens vessels, causing hemorrhages. Citrus fruits prevent it.
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Birth Defects and Folic Acid: Neural tube issues like spina bifida; supplement 400μg daily preconception.
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Night Blindness and Retinol: Impairs rod cells; liver, carrots rich sources.
| Condition | Vitamin | Key Symptom | Food Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beriberi | Thiamine (3) | Neuropathy, edema | Grains, pork |
| Scurvy | Ascorbic acid (1) | Bleeding gums | Citrus, peppers |
| Birth defects | Folic acid (4) | Spina bifida | Leafy greens |
| Night blindness | Retinol (2) | Poor dark vision | Carrots, liver |
Prevention Strategies
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Consume balanced diets or supplements for at-risk groups like pregnant women.
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CSIR NET tip: Memorize via mnemonics—Beriberi-B1, Scurvy-C, Folate-Fetal defects, Night blindness-A.


