Folate metabolism: practice question

A Biochemistry 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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Biochemistry · Folate metabolism

Sample item

Which medication inhibits dihydrofolate reductase in human cells and can cause megaloblastic changes?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Methotrexate

Methotrexate inhibits human dihydrofolate reductase, reducing tetrahydrofolate availability for purine and thymidylate synthesis. Folinic acid can rescue normal cells in selected protocols.

Option by option

  • A. Acyclovir

    Acyclovir inhibits viral DNA polymerase after activation.

  • B. Allopurinol

    Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase.

  • C. Atorvastatin

    Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase.

  • D. Methotrexate (correct)

    Correct. DHFR inhibition is methotrexate's key biochemical action.

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 Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is D, Methotrexate. Methotrexate inhibits human dihydrofolate reductase, reducing tetrahydrofolate availability for purine and thymidylate synthesis.

Why is "Acyclovir" not the answer?

Acyclovir inhibits viral DNA polymerase after activation.

Why is "Allopurinol" not the answer?

Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase.

Why is "Atorvastatin" not the answer?

Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Folate metabolism in Biochemistry. Folinic acid can rescue normal cells in selected protocols.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Folate metabolism?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry 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.