Vitamins: 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.

Try it

Biochemistry · Vitamins

Sample item

Wernicke encephalopathy results from deficiency of which vitamin?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Thiamine (B1)

Thiamine is a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase. Deficiency, classically in alcohol use disorder, causes Wernicke encephalopathy (confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia). Glucose given before thiamine can precipitate it.

Option by option

  • A. Niacin (B3)

    Niacin deficiency causes pellagra: dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia.

  • B. Thiamine (B1) (correct)

    Correct. Thiamine is needed for the energy metabolism that the brain depends on.

  • C. Pyridoxine (B6)

    Pyridoxine deficiency causes neuropathy, sideroblastic anaemia and seizures in infants.

  • D. Riboflavin (B2)

    Riboflavin deficiency causes angular stomatitis, glossitis and cheilosis.

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.

More Biochemistry questions

Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is B, Thiamine (B1). Thiamine is a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase.

Why is "Niacin (B3)" not the answer?

Niacin deficiency causes pellagra: dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia.

Why is "Pyridoxine (B6)" not the answer?

Pyridoxine deficiency causes neuropathy, sideroblastic anaemia and seizures in infants.

Why is "Riboflavin (B2)" not the answer?

Riboflavin deficiency causes angular stomatitis, glossitis and cheilosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vitamins in Biochemistry. Deficiency, classically in alcohol use disorder, causes Wernicke encephalopathy (confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia). Glucose given before thiamine can precipitate it.

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 Vitamins?

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.