Oral histology and anatomy: enamel matrix proteins: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral histology and anatomy: enamel matrix proteins

Sample item

Which protein is the most abundant component of the developing enamel organic matrix and is later largely removed as enamel matures?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Amelogenin

Amelogenins make up about 90 percent of the enamel matrix and are removed during maturation so that crystals can grow. Enamel contains no collagen, unlike dentine and bone.

Option by option

  • A. Amelogenin (correct)

    Correct. Amelogenin is the main enamel matrix protein.

  • B. Type I collagen

    Type I collagen is the main organic component of dentine, not enamel.

  • C. Dentine phosphoprotein

    Dentine phosphoprotein is specific to dentine.

  • D. Osteocalcin

    Osteocalcin is a bone matrix protein.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Amelogenin. Amelogenins make up about 90 percent of the enamel matrix and are removed during maturation so that crystals can grow.

Why is "Type I collagen" not the answer?

Type I collagen is the main organic component of dentine, not enamel.

Why is "Dentine phosphoprotein" not the answer?

Dentine phosphoprotein is specific to dentine.

Why is "Osteocalcin" not the answer?

Osteocalcin is a bone matrix protein.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: enamel matrix proteins in Dentistry. Enamel contains no collagen, unlike dentine and bone.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral histology and anatomy: enamel matrix proteins?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.