Biology MCQs for MBBS Entrance Exams on “Human Health and Disease – Drugs and Alcohol Abuse-4”.
1. Cocaine is obtained from __________
a) Erythroxylum coca
b) Papaver somniferum
c) Datura
d) Atropa belladonna
Answer: a
Clarification: Cocaine is a local anaesthetic, vasoconstrictor and powerful stimulant which is obtained from the dried leaves of Coca plant, Erythroxylum coca which is native to South America. Its leaves can be chewed, eaten, sniffed in powdered form or taken as a drink.
2. Which of the following symptoms does not occur by the intake of small quantities of cocaine?
a) Increases hunger
b) Increases Mental alertness
c) Relaxes fatigued muscles
d) Reduces hunger
Answer: d
Clarification: In small quantities, as present in the leaves, cocaine relaxes fatigued muscles, increases mental alertness and physical strength but it reduces hunger. Its purified content was once used as a local anaesthetic, especially in dentistry.
3. Which of the following is a powdered form of cocaine?
a) Crack
b) Speedball
c) Coke
d) Betelnut
Answer: c
Clarification: Powdered cocaine is coke. The drug is a bitter, white, crystalline powder which is often adulterated with glucose or lactose and local anaesthetics. It is inhaled or injected.
4. Cocaine suppresses the brain activity and produces a feeling of calmness, relaxation and drowsiness.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Cocaine has a potent stimulating action on the central nervous system producing a sense of euphoria and increased energy. Cocaine gives a feeling of pleasure followed by hallucinations.
5. Which of the following is not a physiological symptom associated with the intake of cocaine?
a) Increase in heartbeat
b) Increase in blood pressure
c) A decrease in body temperature
d) Increase in body temperature
Answer: c
Clarification: Cocaine increases heartbeat, blood pressure and body temperature. In high dose, the rise in temperature or blood pressure may be lethal. The drug alters membrane transport, prevents uptake of catecholamines at adrenergic nerve endings and interferes with the transport of dopamine.
6. Which of the following coca alkaloids is present in an endosperm?
a) Crack
b) Speedball
c) Coke
d) Betelnut
Answer: d
Clarification: The betelnut is the seed of Areca catechu. The endosperm or kernel contains a number of alkaloids, the major being arecoline. It is mildly stimulant and vermifuge.
7. Cocaine is a non- toxic drug and enhances the physiological functions of our body.
a) False
b) True
Answer: a
Clarification: Cocaine is a toxic drug and deteriorates the health of a person who is addicted to it. Cocaine is toxic to the brain, produces severe headache, convulsions, loss of appetite and causes insomnia. Cardiac arrhythmia and respiratory depression are also common.
8. Which of the following statement is false regarding hallucinogens?
a) These drugs are also known as psychedelics
b) They produce a true sensory stimulus
c) They cause Intensified sensory perceptions
d) They are also responsible for Perceptual Distortion
Answer: b
Clarification: Hallucinogens are formulations which changes one’s perceptions, thoughts and feelings without any true sensory stimulus. They are also called psychedelics. These drugs are characterised by intensified sensory perception, perceptual distortion, hallucination and intense feeling of either despair or euphoria.
9. Which of the following plant is depicted in the diagram given below?
a) Datura
b) Atropa belladonna
c) Opium poppy
d) Cannabis sativa