UPSC Prelims 2002 Q65: Science & Technology – Biology
With reference to the human body, consider the following statements:
1. The production of somatotropin goes up when a person exercises.
2. Men’s testes produce progesterone.
3. Women’s adrenal glands secrete testosterone.
4. Stress causes the adrenals to release very little cortisol compared to usual.
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) 2 and 4
- (b) 1 and 3
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 1 and 4
Answer: (b) 1 and 3
Explanation
Hormones in the human body
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Somatotropin (growth hormone) production rises on exercise | True |
| 2. Men's testes produce progesterone | False — testes produce testosterone |
| 3. Women's adrenal glands secrete testosterone | True — in small amounts |
| 4. Stress makes the adrenals release very little cortisol | False — stress makes them release more cortisol |
Exercise raises the output of the growth hormone somatotropin, and the adrenal glands of women secrete small amounts of testosterone. Testes make testosterone, not progesterone, and stress raises cortisol. So statements 1 and 3 are correct. The bank options were garbled digit strings; they have been restored as 2 and 4 / 1 and 3 / 2 and 3 / 1 and 4, with the stored key (b).
Answer: (b) 1 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Both statements 2 and 4 are false.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 3 are true.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 4 is false.
Key point
Adrenal cortex makes cortisol, aldosterone and small amounts of sex hormones; stress raises cortisol and adrenaline.
Remember
Stress raises cortisol; exercise raises growth hormone.
Common mistakes
- Calling the testes a source of progesterone.
- Thinking stress makes the adrenals release less cortisol.
- Believing testosterone is made only by men.
Exam tip
Two statements are clearly false (progesterone in men, low cortisol under stress).
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Biology — Chemical Coordination and Integration
- John E. Hall — Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (Adrenocortical Hormones)