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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1996
Health & Medicine
Question No. 402Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q402. Living organisms require at least 27 elements, of which 15 are metals. Among these, those required in major quantities, include:

Living organisms require at least 27 elements, of which 15 are metals. Among these, those required in major quantities, include:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1996 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Essential plant and animal macronutrients (required in large amounts) include the major metallic cations: Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), and Calcium (Ca).

  • Micro-nutrients (trace elements) required only in minute quantities include Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), and Copper (Cu). Therefore, options containing Mn, Mo, or Cu are incorrect.
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Identify trace elements to eliminate options: Molybdenum (Mo), Manganese (Mn), and Copper (Cu) are classic micronutrients/trace elements, eliminating (a), (b), and (d).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1996 (Q402)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1996 Q402

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1996 GS Paper I Question 402 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1996 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (C): "potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1996 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Identify trace elements to eliminate options: Molybdenum (Mo), Manganese (Mn), and Copper (Cu) are classic micronutrients/trace elements, eliminating (a), (b), and (d).

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