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IMAT 2017 Worked Solution & Answers | LOCOMOTIVE
IMAT 2017 · Worked Solution

IMAT 2017 Worked Solution

All 60 questions, solved and explained — General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics. Verified line by line by the LOCOMOTIVE academic team.

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General Knowledge & Logical Reasoning

Current affairs, history, culture, logical and critical-thinking problems · 22 questions
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I have a tin of chocolates to share with some friends. In the tin are four types of chocolate — one type in red wrappers, one type in blue, one type in green and one type in yellow, with equal numbers of each.

The tin is passed around in turn from friend to friend. When the tin gets to them:

• John always takes three red chocolates.

• Peter always takes one of each colour.

• Jane always takes one yellow chocolate.

• I always take two green chocolates.

After six passings around the tin, half of the chocolates remaining in the tin are blue.

How many chocolates were there in the tin when it was full?

  • A48
  • B24
  • C72
  • D96
  • E60
Correct answer: D 96

Full explanation

The tin contains 4 types of chocolates (Red, Blue, Yellow and Green) in equal numbers of each.

In each passing among 4 individuals, the following quantity is taken;

3R (John), 1R-1G-1Y-1B (Peter), 1Y (Jane), 2G (Tin owner)

In total : 4R-2Y-1B-3G

That amount of chocolate is taken from the tin 6 times.

Therefore, after 6th passing, 24R-12Y-6B-18G of chocolates are taken.

Given : After six passings around the tin, half of the chocolates remaining in the tin are blue.

Suppose the tin contains 24 chocolate each type (number taken from 24R), then, it is 24R-24G-24Y-24B. Since 24R-12Y-6B-18G are taken after 6 passings, 12Y-18B-6G remains which is in accordance with the last given fact : half of remains are blue.

Thus, we can be sure that the tin contains 24 each type, so, in total, 96 chocolates.

This is a view of a cross section of part of an aluminium window frame.

IMAT 2017 question 2 figure

The cross section is uniform throughout its length.

Which one of the following is NOT a possible side view of this part of the aluminium window frame?

IMAT 2017 question 2 figure
  • A
    IMAT 2017 question 2 side view option A
  • B
    IMAT 2017 question 2 side view option B
  • C
    IMAT 2017 question 2 side view option C
  • D
    IMAT 2017 question 2 side view option D
  • E
    IMAT 2017 question 2 side view option E (correct - NOT a possible view)
Correct answer: E Option E (NOT a possible side view of the frame)

Full explanation

IMAT 2017 question 2 figure

Option A is the view we will see from the right side of the frame.

Option B is the view we will see from the top part of the frame.

Option C is the view we will see from the bottom part of the frame.

Option D is the view we will see from the left side of the frame.

Option E is NOT a possible side view of this part of the aluminium window frame.

Sheelagh runs a business from London with regional headquarters located in seven cities — Jakarta, Nairobi, Prague, Ottawa, Moscow, Canberra and Hong Kong. The company also has plants in other cities shown in the table. Her senior managers at regional headquarters work

from 8 am to 5.15 pm local time and constantly check their emails between these hours but are not available outside these hours. All her staff have an international time chart displayed at their place of work.

At 12 noon in London it is:

IMAT 2017 question 3 figure

At 3 pm in London she sends an urgent email to all her senior managers at her regional headquarters.

What is the longest possible interval between the first and last of her senior managers reading the email?

  • A9 hours
  • B14 hours
  • C17 hours
  • D16 hours
  • E7 hours
Correct answer: B 14 hours

Full explanation

Work time : 8am - 5:15pm

Sheelagh lives in London.

There are headquarters in 7 countries :

Jakarta (+8), Nairobi (+3), Prague (+1), Ottawa (-5), Moscow (+3), Canberra (+10) and Hong Kong (+8)

Sheelagh sent an email at 3pm.

Email will be read at the following times according to time zone.

Jakarta - 8am (12am - next day - London time)

Nairobi - 8am (5am - next day - London time)

Prague - 4pm (3pm London time)

Ottawa - 10am (3pm London time)

Moscow - 8am (5am London time)

Canberra - 8am (10pm London time)

Hongkong - 8am (12am - next day - London time)

Thus, the longest possible interval would be 14 hour (headquarters in Nairobi and Moscow)

I recently received a publications list and order form. I want to order seven items from the list. However, I noticed that the structure of the postage and packaging charges was very strange, as shown in the table below:

IMAT 2017 question 4 figure

I have decided that I will ask them to pack my order in the number of parcels that will have the lowest postal charge.

What is the lowest postal charge for my seven items?

  • A£1.90
  • B£2.45
  • C£3.30
  • D£2.35
  • E£2.25
Correct answer: E £2.25

Full explanation

We will try to calculate the charge starting from the lowest row.

With 6 or more option + 1 item : 3.30 +55p = £3.85

5 item option + 2 item : 1.60 + 70p = £2.30

4 item option + 3 item : 1.30 + 95p = £2.25

2 item option x 3 + 1 item = 70p x 3 + 55p = £2.60

Thus, lowest postal charge would be £2.25

Alex's bedroom is rectangular. If you stand at the doorway looking into the room, there is a square wardrobe on your right hand side in the corner. The bed is on the same side of the room as the wardrobe and is over half the length of the room. There is a desk along the other wall.

Which one of these aerial views is the view of Alex's bedroom?

  • A
    IMAT 2017 question 5 answer option A
  • B
    IMAT 2017 question 5 answer option B
  • C
    IMAT 2017 question 5 answer option C
  • D
    IMAT 2017 question 5 answer option D
  • E
    IMAT 2017 question 5 answer option E
Correct answer: A

Full explanation

stand at the doorway,

- square wardrobe on the right side.

- Bed - also on the right side and occupy more than half of the length of the room.

- Desk on the left side

We can exclude option B, C and E as the bed is on the left side.

In option D, the square-shaped desk is on the left side instead of right. Therefore, we can exclude this option.

Thus, the option that gives the correct view of Alex's bedroom is option A.

The diagram below shows how 12 matchsticks can be used to create a grid containing 4 squares, arranged in rows of 2.

IMAT 2017 question 6 figure

I now intend to use matchsticks to create a grid containing 100 squares, arranged in 10 rows of 10.

How many matchsticks do I need?

  • A220
  • B242
  • C300
  • D200
  • E400
Correct answer: A 220

Full explanation

For the given 2 x 2 square grid, 3 rows and 3 columns that each contain 2 matchsticks are required. Total - 12 matchsticks are used.

For a 1x1 square grid, 2 rows and 2 columns that each contain 1 matchstick are required. Total - 4 matchsticks

If we repeat that pattern, for a 10x10 square grid, 11 rows and 11 columns that each contain 10 matchsticks are required. Total - 220 matchsticks (110 +110)

E-cigarettes, which provide nicotine without cigarette smoke, have been praised by health campaigners. Research has suggested that success rates for quitting smoking are higher with e-cigarettes than with other methods. However, rather than tackling their nicotine addiction, e-cigarette users have simply replaced one habit with another. It is true that cigarette smoke contains many hazardous compounds, and also that quitting smoking increases life expectancy and reduces the risk of many health problems. But nicotine also has its dangers: it has been associated with a range of conditions that we do not fully understand, and research has yet to establish the long-term effects of nicotine use outside of cigarette smoke.

Which one of the following is a conclusion that can be drawn from the above passage?

  • AUsing nicotine patches is an ineffective way to give up smoking.
  • BNot everyone is able to give up smoking without nicotine replacement.
  • CSmoking traditional cigarettes still poses a major risk to health.
  • DE-cigarettes are just as harmful as traditional cigarettes.
  • EPeople should not assume e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes.
Correct answer: D E-cigarettes are just as harmful as traditional cigarettes.

Full explanation

If we take a look at the overall structure of the paragraph given, there is a claim on the first sentences. Then, that claim is challenged with the word "However". Therefore, we can guess that the conclusion would be that the first claim might have some gaps.

So, at first, E cigarettes are praised. However, it still contains nicotine and research is ongoing. So, E cigarettes might not be a fact to get praise — it is also associated with a range of health conditions. That would be the main structure and conclusion of the paragraph.

Analysis of the options

Option A : Not mentioned at all about that information.

Option B : Implied possibly, but it's not the conclusion drawn by the passage.

Option C : True, but this is background information, not the conclusion.

Option D : This is the correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage.

Option E : The passage does not say this --- it only says nicotine may be dangerous, but doesn't compare overall harm.

Though relatively few people know it by name, palm oil is found in over fifty per cent of processed supermarket goods, from soaps to snacks. This vegetable oil, which is taken from the fruit of the oil palm tree, causes a great deal of environmental concern. The clearing of tropical forests to grow oil palm plantations threatens the survival of orangutans and other endangered species. The land conversion often happens on carbon rich peat soils in a process which releases significant greenhouse gas emissions. Yet even some environmental organisations warn that alternative vegetable oil crops may require much larger areas of forest to be converted to agricultural land.

Which one of the following is a conclusion that can be drawn from the above passage?

  • AA ban on palm oil alone would not solve all of the environmental problems associated with vegetable oil production.
  • BIf farmers stopped clearing tropical forests for oil palm plantations, endangered orangutan populations would recover.
  • CThe environmental risks associated with oil palm plantations are not well understood in tropical countries.
  • DTo produce the most profitable crops, oil palm plantations must be grown on carbon rich peat soils.
  • EThere is no motivation for manufacturers to stop using palm oil in their products.
Correct answer: A A ban on palm oil alone would not solve all of the environmental problems associated with vegetable oil production.

Full explanation

The passage acknowledges the environmental damage caused by palm oil. But, it also points out that some environmental groups warn alternative oils could be worse, requiring even more land.

This leads to the main conclusion: even if palm oil is banned, switching to alternatives could still cause serious environmental harm.

Option A : This is the correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage.

Option B : This is a possible consequence, but it's not stated or concluded in the passage.

Option C : Not mentioned at all. The passage focuses on global awareness, not regional understanding.

Option D : The passage says they often are, but it doesn't say they must be or that it's for profit reasons.

Option E : Not mentioned. The focus is on environmental impact, not business incentives.

The distance from Ardale to Banby is 16 km and from Banby to Carston is a further 8 km in the same direction.

David leaves Ardale at 11.00 and runs for an hour at 6 km / h. He rests for 20 minutes and then completes the rest of the distance to Banby at an average speed of 10 km / h. He chats with some friends in Banby for 20 minutes and then borrows a bicycle from one of them and cycles to Carston at an average speed of 16 km / h. David leaves Carston at 15.00 and cycles back over his route, arriving home at 15.50.

Which one of the following correctly shows David's distance from Ardale as a function of time?

  • A
    IMAT 2017 question 9 answer option A
  • B
    IMAT 2017 question 9 answer option B
  • C
    IMAT 2017 question 9 answer option C
  • D
    IMAT 2017 question 9 answer option D
  • E
    IMAT 2017 question 9 answer option E
Correct answer: A

Full explanation

So, the question asks the appropriate distance-time graph. Usually, time stays on the X-axis and distance stays on the Y-axis.

Distance-wise, A to B is 16km and B to C is 8km.

He leaves at 11am.

Time taken from A to B : 1hr (for the first 6km) --- 20 mins (rest) --- 48 minutes (for the last 6km) [Total - 2 hours and 8 minutes]

Time taken from B to C : 20 mins (rest and chat) --- 30mins (6km) [Total - 50 minutes]

Time taken back home : Rest for about 1 hour --- 50 minutes to arrive back home from C to A.

So, to differentiate which graph represents David's route, it would be a good idea to check the resting time.

First, he rests for 20 mins, and then, same time period (20 mins), and lastly, an hour. So, it would be represented as 2 flat lines with the same intervals first, and then, a third flat line with a period 3 times longer.

From this information, we can exclude C and D.

Then, we can exclude E because on the way back home, David took 50 mins, not 0 mins.

A and B can be differentiated by the speed. When David goes from A to B, he runs at 6 km/hr speed at first, then, with 10 km/hr speed. So, the slope of the second part should be steeper than the first one; which is correctly described by graph A.

Thus, the correct option is option A.

It is common practice to look online for a loan or a mortgage. This has led to a large number of 'comparison websites' where you type in your details and they search a range of companies for you based on these details. Night after night, there are adverts on television emphasising how much time and money comparison sites could save you. The experience of one user should make you consider the wisdom of using such sites. She gave her details to a comparison website and received no useful results. However, for weeks afterwards she was bombarded with emails and phone calls from companies she had never heard of.

Which one of the following is the best statement of the flaw in the above argument?

  • AIt assumes using the internet is the only way to get a loan.
  • BIt attacks the website and not what the company does.
  • CIt assumes that comparison websites save customers money.
  • DIt assumes everyone uses comparison websites.
  • EIt draws a conclusion based on one example of how a company operates.
Correct answer: E It draws a conclusion based on one example of how a company operates.

Full explanation

The passage begins by saying comparison websites claim to save users time and money. Then, it presents a single negative example of one user who received no useful results and was spammed afterwards. Based on this one case, the passage questions the wisdom of using such sites in general.

This is a classic flaw in reasoning: drawing a broad conclusion based on an isolated example.

Option Analysis

Option A : The passage never says this or even implies it.

Option B : The argument is about the user's experience, not an attack on a company.

Option C : Actually, it questions this claim rather than assumes it.

Option D : No such assumption is made.

Option E : This is the correct answer.

Next week the European Parliament will vote on whether to ban trawling, a method of fishing that involves pulling large fishing nets behind boats. The fishing industry is opposed to a ban and has argued strongly against it. Trawling is not as damaging to ecosystems as environmentalists claim. Trawling the seabed doesn't always create 'dead zones' in the ocean. It can boost fish numbers, since the species that are more resistant to the effects of trawling can proliferate. So trawling on flat sandy beds in shallow areas can benefit marine life.

Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the above argument?

  • ATrawling creates new habitats by making parts of the sea more habitable.
  • BTrawling in deep waters is expensive and an ineffective use of fishing resources.
  • CTrawling in shallow waters can damage the bottom of fishermen's boats.
  • DTrawling in shallow waters can alter the ecology in beneficial ways.
  • ETrawling nets have a destructive impact on many endangered species.
Correct answer: E Trawling nets have a destructive impact on many endangered species.

Full explanation

The argument defends trawling, claiming it's not as damaging as environmentalists say, and can even benefit marine life, especially in shallow, sandy areas. To weaken this argument, you need a statement that shows trawling is actually harmful, particularly in a way that contradicts the supposed benefits.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : Strengthens the argument.

Option B : Irrelevant to the ecological impact being debated.

Option C : A concern for fishermen, not marine ecosystems.

Option D : Strengthens the argument, not weakens it.

Option E : This is the correct answer.

The recently-appointed captain of the national football team has been publicly accused of adultery with several women, including the girlfriend of a former teammate. The newspapers have made a great deal of his extramarital activities and it has become a scandal. His behaviour has led him to be the subject of crude jokes. He has now been suspended from his duties. It is right that he has been removed from his position so that the team can start to pull together and have the best possible chance of winning the World Cup.

Which one of the following is an underlying assumption of the above argument?

  • AThe new captain's actions have weakened team morale.
  • BThis new captain should not have been appointed.
  • CIf the new captain is fired, the national team will win the World Cup.
  • DThe national team will not win the World Cup.
  • ENewspapers have the right to report on people's personal lives.
Correct answer: A The new captain's actions have weakened team morale

Full explanation

The argument says it's right that the captain has been removed so that the team can pull together and have a better chance of winning. For this conclusion to make sense, it depends on the assumption that:

His actions were harming team unity and morale.

Without this assumption, there would be no reason to think that removing him would help the team perform better.

Analysis of the options

Option A : This is the correct answer.

Option B : Irrelevant. The argument is about removing him now, not about his initial appointment.

Option C : Too strong. The argument says it will improve their chances, not guarantee a win.

Option D : Opposite of the argument's intent --- it's trying to help the team win.

Option E : Irrelevant. The focus is on the captain's impact on the team, not media ethics.

Luke walks his puppy to a nearby park and lets the puppy off the lead.

As Luke starts walking along the path, the puppy runs on ahead, until it has gone 100 metres. The puppy then turns and runs back to Luke, who in that time has walked 50 metres. The puppy then goes on ahead again, turns after running 100 metres and runs back to Luke who has now walked another 50 metres.

This routine continues until Luke has walked 1 km.

If it takes 12 minutes for Luke to walk 1 km in the park, what is the puppy's average running speed during the same time?

  • A12 km / h
  • B5 km / h
  • C10 km / h
  • D14 km / h
  • E15 km / h
Correct answer: E 15 km/h

Full explanation

Given :

Luke walks 1 km in 12 minutes, giving him a walking speed of

(1km)/(0.2 hrs) = 5km/hr. The puppy's movement involves repeated cycles of running ahead 100 meters and returning to Luke, who walks 50 meters per cycle.

Key steps:

1. Cycle analysis: Each cycle consists of:

- Puppy running 100 meters ahead.

- Puppy returning to Luke, who has walked 50 meters.

- Total puppy distance per cycle:

100 m+50 m=150 m

2. Total cycles: Luke walks 1 km (1000 meters) at 50 meters per cycle: (1000m)/(50 m/cycle) = 20 cycles

3. Puppy's total distance: 20 cycles×150 m/cycle=3000 m=3 km

4. Average speed calculation: Puppy's speed: (3 km)/(0.2 hours) = 15 km/h

The puppy's average running speed is 15 km/h.

Over the last ten years there has been a huge increase in the number of television programmes involving the work of forensic scientists. This media attention has been matched by a massive increase in the number of courses and qualifications available in this field. Although this new attention has led to greater public awareness, it has not led to the creation of more jobs in this field. The work of forensics professionals has continued unchanged. Therefore, those who choose to study these courses will find that there is fierce competition for difficult and unpleasant work.

Which one of the following, if true, would most weaken the above argument?

  • AEach year around 1500 graduates in forensic science compete for 200 jobs in the sector.
  • BMany students of forensic science go on to pursue careers in other areas.
  • CNew technologies have brought about a decrease in the number of forensics staff required in laboratories.
  • DThe number of university courses in forensic science has grown at an unprecedented rate.
  • ESalaries for forensic scientists compare well with those in other scientific fields.
Correct answer: B Many students of forensic science go on to pursue careers in other areas.

Full explanation

The main argument claims that: Media attention has increased interest in forensic science. This has led to more courses and more students. But not more jobs, so...Students who study forensics will face fierce competition for limited, unpleasant work.

To weaken this argument, we need to challenge the idea that all or most students are aiming for, and competing for, the same limited forensic science jobs.

Analysis of the options

Option A : Supports the argument — it shows a tough job market.

Option B : If many students go into other careers, then: The job competition is not as fierce as claimed. The conclusion that studying forensics leads to a tough job market becomes less convincing. Therefore, this is a correct option.

Option C : Supports the argument — fewer jobs, more competition.

Option D : Supports the argument — more students trained, same number of jobs.

Option E : Irrelevant to the point about job availability and competition.

The table below shows calories burned depending on a person's weight:

IMAT 2017 question 15 figure

Five friends choose the following exercise routine:

IMAT 2017 question 15 figure

Which one of the five friends burns the most calories?

  • AHolly
  • BPaul
  • CHarry
  • DJessie
  • EJosie
Correct answer: E Josie

Full explanation

Calculations for each friend:

- Harry (85kg): Walks fast for 30 minutes + walks slow for 30 minutes

- Walking fast: 310 calories/hour × 0.5 hours = 155 calories

- Walking slow: 200 calories/hour × 0.5 hours = 100 calories

- Total: 255 calories

- Holly (60kg): Runs fast for 20 minutes + walks slow for 10 minutes

- Running fast: 510 calories/hour × 0.33 hours = 170 calories

- Walking slow: 150 calories/hour × 0.17 hours = 25 calories

- Total: 195 calories

- Jessie (75kg): Runs fast for 10 minutes + runs slow for 20 minutes

- Running fast: 540 calories/hour × 0.17 hours = 90 calories

- Running slow: 420 calories/hour × 0.33 hours = 140 calories

- Total: 230 calories

- Josie (100kg): Walks fast for 30 minutes + walks slow for 30 minutes

- Walking fast: 350 calories/hour × 0.5 hours = 175 calories

- Walking slow: 240 calories/hour × 0.5 hours = 120 calories

- Total: 295 calories

- Paul (60kg): Runs slow for 20 minutes + walks fast for 20 minutes

- Running slow: 360 calories/hour × 0.33 hours = 120 calories

- Walking fast: 210 calories/hour × 0.33 hours = 70 calories

- Total: 190 calories

Josie burns the most calories with 295 calories total.

The answer is E. Josie.

Many banks encourage their customers to buy insurance against credit card fraud and other kinds of 'identity theft'. But the banks are really protecting themselves. Customers who are victims of credit card fraud suffer inconvenience but they are unlikely to lose money: the costs of any fraudulent transactions are met by the bank. It is therefore unnecessary for customers to spend money on additional insurance services.

Which one of the following is an underlying assumption of the above argument?

  • ACustomers whose identities have been stolen would have benefited from the banks' additional insurance services.
  • BAdditional insurance services are widely available for credit card customers.
  • CThe banks' additional insurance services protect only against the costs of fraudulent credit card transactions.
  • DPeople who are worried about identity theft worry only about their credit cards.
  • ECredit card fraud is a less serious problem than many people believe.
Correct answer: C The banks' additional insurance services protect only against the costs of fraudulent credit card transactions.

Full explanation

The argument concludes that buying additional insurance is unnecessary because: Victims of credit card fraud are reimbursed by the bank anyway. Therefore, customers don't need to pay extra for protection.

But this conclusion only makes sense if the additional insurance covers only what the bank already protects --- namely, the costs of fraudulent credit card transactions.

Analysis of the options

Option A : This contradicts the claim that the services are unnecessary.

Option B : Irrelevant. Availability isn't the issue --- necessity is.

Option C : This is the correct assumption. If the insurance did cover other things (e.g., lost time, legal costs, broader identity theft issues), then the argument would fall apart.

Option D : Too narrow, and not implied by the passage.

Option E : The argument doesn't minimize the seriousness, just the need for extra insurance.

Car drivers understandably become very annoyed at high sales taxes on fuel. In the interests of fairness, money raised from fuel taxes should be spent on maintaining roads or even on subsidising public transport. In fact much of it is put to other uses, such as providing healthcare or improving national defense.

Which one of the following is an application of the principle underlying the above argument?

  • AMoney raised by taxing fuel should be spent on improving roads rather than on public transport.
  • BBetter transport is more important than national defence.
  • CMaintaining roads should be a higher priority than spending on healthcare.
  • DProfits from sporting events should be spent on encouraging people to participate in sport.
  • EThere should be no sales taxes on consumer goods.
Correct answer: D Profits from sporting events should be spent on encouraging people to participate in sport.

Full explanation

The principle in the original argument is:

Money raised from a specific activity should be spent on things closely related to that activity.

In the passage, this principle is applied to fuel taxes, arguing they should be spent on roads or transport (directly related), rather than unrelated areas like healthcare or defence.

Analysis of the options

Option A : Both options are transport-related, so this is not really an application of the principle --- it's a preference within the same category.

Option B : This is a value judgment, not an application of the principle.

Option C : Again, this is a priority debate, not about matching source and use of funds.

Option D : This mirrors the principle: using money from sports for sports-related purposes.

Option E : This challenges taxation itself, not how tax revenue is used.

Many children from poor backgrounds would benefit from wearing spectacles but do not have them. Sometimes parents are not aware of their children's poor eyesight, but most often they suffer from financial constraints. The government should provide free glasses to poor children with eyesight problems. A recent study of underprivileged students with poor vision demonstrated that those who were given free glasses enjoyed an improvement in test scores equivalent to almost a year of additional schooling. Using the most conservative estimate of the impact of schooling on salary, this would significantly increase an average school-leaver's annual income and tax contributions, and by far more than the cost of a pair of glasses.

Which one of the following best expresses the main conclusion of the above argument?

  • AExam marking should take into account any disabilities the student might have.
  • BParents should be educated about potential eyesight problems in children.
  • CChildren from poor backgrounds with bad eyesight should be given additional schooling.
  • DThe government should help financially with the provision of children's glasses.
  • EPeople's salaries should reflect whether or not they had eyesight problems during school.
Correct answer: D The government should help financially with the provision of children's glasses.

Full explanation

The passage builds the case that:

1. Poor children often lack glasses due to cost.

2. Free glasses lead to better test scores, equivalent to a year of schooling.

3. Better education improves future income and tax contributions.

4. The financial benefit outweighs the cost of the glasses.

Therefore, the logical conclusion is that the government should pay for the glasses --- because it's cost-effective and improves educational and economic outcomes.

Analysis of the options

Option A : Irrelevant. The argument is about providing help, not marking adjustments.

Option B : Mentioned briefly, but not the main focus or conclusion.

Option C : The point is that glasses are equivalent to extra schooling, not that we should add schooling.

Option D : This is the main conclusion of the argument --- the statement that all the other points are trying to support.

Option E : Not mentioned or implied.

Widespread underage drinking in certain countries prompted their governments to place restrictions on selling alcohol to young people. The aim was to protect young people's health, but the result was not as intended. Soon after the restrictions were in place, hospitals saw several cases of young people becoming ill as a result of drinking alcohol-based liquids such as medical spirits, ethanol solutions and perfumes. The young people claimed that the restriction on legal alcohol was the main reason they were drinking other substances. If the restrictions were abolished, the health risk would be reduced.

Which one of the following is the best statement of the flaw in the above argument?

  • AIt assumes that restrictions encourage young people to drink alcohol.
  • BIt ignores the role of education in encouraging young people to drink alcohol responsibly.
  • CIt ignores the problem of people drinking dangerous substances because they cannot afford to buy alcohol legally.
  • DIt does not take into account the social and cultural importance of drinking alcohol.
  • EIt ignores the fact that if there had been no restrictions more young people would have suffered from drinking alcohol.
Correct answer: E It ignores the fact that if there had been no restrictions more young people would have suffered from drinking alcohol.

Full explanation

The argument claims:

- Restrictions on alcohol sales to young people were meant to protect health.

- But instead, some started drinking dangerous non-beverage alcohols (like perfumes and medical spirits).

- So the conclusion is: remove the restrictions to reduce health risks.

The flaw here is that it only considers the harm caused by the restriction (i.e., drinking dangerous substitutes), but ignores the potential harm of lifting the restriction --- namely, more underage drinking of actual alcohol, which could also cause serious health problems.

Analysis of the options

Option A : The argument doesn't say restrictions cause underage drinking generally --- only that some turn to unsafe alternatives because of the restrictions.

Option B : Education is not part of the argument at all.

Option C : The issue discussed is access (legal restriction), not affordability.

Option D : Irrelevant --- the argument is about health risks, not cultural norms.

Option E : This is the best statement of flaw. The argument falsely assumes that removing restrictions will improve health, without weighing the likely negative health consequences of more legal alcohol access.

I leave Victoria at 8:07 and arrive at Three Bridges at 8:41. I need to catch a train from Three Bridges at 8:45 to either Arundel or Chichester. I want to spend at least four hours in Chichester and four hours in Arundel. I have no preference in which order I will visit the towns. I then need to return to Victoria.

The tables below show extracts from the train timetables:

IMAT 2017 question 20 figure

What is the earliest possible time I can arrive back at Victoria?

  • A19:18
  • B20:20
  • C19:47
  • D19:15
  • E18:47
Correct answer: C 19:47

Full explanation

What do we know?

- Leave Victoria: 08:07 → Arrive Three Bridges: 08:41

- Catch 08:45 train from Three Bridges (to either Arundel or Chichester)

- Need to spend at least 4 hours in each town

- Then return to Victoria --- earliest possible time.

### Option 1: {#option-1 .unnumbered}

Three Bridges → Arundel at 08:45 (arrive 09:32)

- Earliest leave from Arundel after 4 hours: 09:32 + 4h = 13:32 Next available train to Chichester:

- 13:50 (arrives 14:24)

- Earliest leave from Chichester after 4 hours: 14:24 + 4h = 18:24 Next train to Victoria:

- 18:37 (arrives 20:20)

Return time: 20:20

### Option 2: {#option-2 .unnumbered}

Three Bridges → Chichester at 08:45 (arrive 09:34)

- Earliest leave from Chichester after 4 hours: 09:34 + 4h = 13:34 Next available train to Arundel:

- 13:46 (arrives 14:12)

- Earliest leave from Arundel after 4 hours: 14:12 + 4h = 18:12 Next train to Victoria:

- 18:13 (arrives 19:47)

Return time: 19:47

## So --- the earliest possible return is 19:47 {#so-the-earliest-possible-return-is-1947 .unnumbered}

Which one of the following introduced the metaphor of the 'invisible hand' in relation to a free trade economy?

  • ADavid Ricardo
  • BThomas Robert Malthus
  • CKarl Marx
  • DVilfredo Pareto
  • EAdam Smith
Correct answer: E Adam Smith

Full explanation

David Ricardo : Famous for the theory of comparative advantage, which supports international trade.

Thomas Robert Malthus : Known for the Malthusian theory of population, which argued that population growth would outstrip food supply, leading to famine and poverty.

Karl Marx : Critic of capitalism; developed Marxist theory, focusing on class struggle and advocating for socialism.

Vilfredo Pareto : Introduced the concept of Pareto efficiency in economics and the Pareto Principle

Adam Smith : In "The Wealth of Nations" (1776), he introduced the invisible hand metaphor to describe how individuals' pursuit of self-interest in a free market unintentionally benefits society.

Which one of the following theories was publicly announced to the Prussian Academy of Science on 25th November 1915?

  • AString theory
  • BQuantum theory
  • CThe Big Bang theory
  • DDalton's atomic theory
  • EEinstein's general theory of relativity
Correct answer: E Einstein's general theory of relativity

Full explanation

Einstein's general theory of relativity : presented on 25 November 1915 by Albert Einstein. Describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime due to mass and energy. Replaced Newton's theory of gravity on cosmic scales.

String Theory : A theoretical framework where point-like particles are replaced by one-dimensional strings. Emerged in the late 20th century, not in Einstein's era. Still unproven.

Quantum Theory : Originated with Max Planck (1900) and later developed by Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg, etc. Describes physical phenomena at atomic and subatomic levels.

The Big Bang Theory : Explains the origin of the universe from an initial singularity---not related to the 1915 event.

Dalton's Atomic Theory : Proposed by John Dalton in the early 1800s.

Laid the foundation for modern atomic chemistry, describing atoms as indivisible units.

Biology

Cell biology, genetics, molecular biology & human physiology · 18 questions
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Which of the following occurs in a healthy human testis cell before it undergoes meiosis?

1. DNA content of the nucleus doubles

2. spindle fibres form the spindle

3. crossing over

  • A1, 2 and 3
  • B2 and 3 only
  • C1 and 2 only
  • D1 only
  • E1 and 3 only
Correct answer: D 1 only

Full explanation

Before meiosis, the cell undergoes interphase, during which DNA content replicates. This ensures that each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids. So, statement 1 is correct.

Spindle fiber formation occurs during prophase I which is part of meiosis itself --- not before it. So, statement 2 is incorrect.

Crossing over occurs during prophase I --- specifically in the pachytene stage. So, again, this happens during meiosis, not before it. Statement 3 in incorrect.

Which of the following components of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contain peptide bonds?

1. Capsid

2. Envelope

3. reverse transcriptase

  • A2 and 3 only
  • B1 and 2 only
  • C1, 2 and 3
  • D3 only
  • E1 and 3 only
Correct answer: C 1, 2 and 3

Full explanation

Capsid : HIV contains capsid which serves as a protein shell surrounding the viral RNA. Since it's a protein, it contains peptide bonds.

Envelope : Envelope is the lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane. Since the cell membrane contains protein channels and other signaling proteins, it contains peptide bonds.

Reverse transcriptase : This is a viral enzyme responsible for converting viral RNA into DNA. As an enzyme, it's a protein ---- therefore, it contains peptide bonds.

The pathway shows some of the cells produced during oogenesis in the ovary of a healthy human female.

Which of the following cells in the pathway are diploid?

IMAT 2017 question 25 figure
  • A1, 2 and 3 only
  • B1 only
  • C4 only
  • D1, 2, 3 and 4
  • E2, 3 and 4 only
Correct answer: A 1, 2 and 3 only

Full explanation

1. Germinal epithelial cells in the ovary

- These are somatic cells that give rise to oogonia.

- Ploidy: Diploid (2n)

2. Oogonia

- Formed from germinal epithelial cells via mitosis.

- Ploidy: Diploid (2n)

#### 3. Primary oocyte {#primary-oocyte .unnumbered}

#### Formed from oogonia via growth phase, still no meiosis yet.

#### Ploidy: Diploid (2n)

#### Begins meiosis I, but is arrested in prophase I until puberty.

4. Secondary oocyte

- Formed after meiosis I completes at puberty.

- Meiosis I is a reduction division, so:

- Ploidy: Haploid (n)

- It is arrested in metaphase II until fertilization.

Diploid cells: 1 (germinal epithelial cells), 2 (oogonia), and 3 (primary oocyte)

Haploid cell: 4 (secondary oocyte)

Which of the following statements is/are correct for all enzyme inhibitors?

1. They alter the shape of the active site.

2. They denature the enzyme.

3. They increase the activation energy of the reaction.

4. They reduce the rate of the enzyme catalysed reaction.

  • A4 only
  • B3 only
  • C1, 2 and 3 only
  • D1, 2 and 4 only
  • E2 and 4 only
Correct answer: A 4 only

Full explanation

Analysis of the given statements

Statement 1 : They alter the shape of the active site.

Incorrect. Only non-competitive inhibitors alter the enzyme's shape. Competitive inhibitors do not change the shape --- they just block the active site.

Statement 2 : They denature the enzyme.

Incorrect. Most reversible inhibitors do not denature the enzyme.

Statement 3 : They increase the activation energy of the reaction.

Incorrect. Enzyme inhibitors reduce the rate of reaction but do not directly increase activation energy.

Statement 4 : They reduce the rate of the enzyme catalysed reaction.

Correct. All enzyme inhibitors --- regardless of mechanism --- lower the reaction rate by interfering with enzyme function.

So, only statement 4 is correct.

Which one of the following statements about unmutated nucleic acids is correct?

  • ArRNA has anticodons which bind to tRNA.
  • BProkaryotic DNA is a single strand which forms a loop.
  • CtRNA is made up of one phosphate-sugar backbone and may have adenosine and thymine bases.
  • DmRNA is made up of a single nucleotide with a codon of uracil, cytosine and guanine bases.
  • EBases in DNA may form hydrogen bonds with uracil bases.
Correct answer: E Bases in DNA may form hydrogen bonds with uracil bases.

Full explanation

Analysis of the given options

Option A : rRNA has anticodons which bind to tRNA.

Incorrect. rRNA does not have codons or anticodons. It forms the core of the ribosome and helps catalyze protein synthesis. tRNA has anticodons that bind to codons on mRNA, not rRNA.

Option B : Prokaryotic DNA is a single strand which forms a loop.

Incorrect. Prokaryotic DNA is double-stranded. It does form a loop, i.e. circular, but is not single-stranded.

Option C : tRNA is made up of one phosphate-sugar backbone and may have adenosine and thymine bases.

Incorrect. Thymine is not found in RNA. Uracil is used instead of thymine.

Option D : mRNA is made up of a single nucleotide with a codon of uracil, cytosine and guanine bases.

Incorrect. mRNA is made up of a long chain of nucleotides (at least 3 nucleotides for a codon), not just one.

Option E : Bases in DNA may form hydrogen bonds with uracil bases.

During transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand and mRNA hydrogen bonds with DNA before it gets released. This is a correct statement.

Which of the following statements is/are correct in a healthy human?

1. During inspiration, the pressure within the chest cavity is lower than outside the body.

2. During ventricular systole, the pressure in the atrium is lower than in the ventricles.

3. During ventricular systole, the pressure in the aorta is lower than the pressure in the atrium.

  • A1 only
  • B3 only
  • C2 and 3 only
  • D2 only
  • E1 and 2 only
Correct answer: E 1 and 2 only

Full explanation

Analysis of the given statements

Statement 1 : During inspiration, the pressure within the chest cavity is lower than outside the body.

Correct. Humans breathe via the negative pressure inhalation in which the thoracic cavity expands first, lowering the pressure inside below the atmospheric pressure, leading to inspiration — drawing air into the lungs.

Statement 2 : During ventricular systole, the pressure in the atrium is lower than in the ventricles.

Correct. During the ventricular systole, ventricles contract while AV valves are closed, increasing pressure in the ventricles. Meanwhile, the atria are relaxed, so their pressure is lower than that in the ventricles.

Statement 3 : During ventricular systole, the pressure in the aorta is lower than the pressure in the atrium.

Incorrect. During the ventricular systole, the ventricular pressure exceeds aortic pressure, allowing the aortic valve to open. But the aortic pressure remains significantly higher than atrial pressure, as it's needed to drive blood throughout the body.

So, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Which of the following could be a consequence of a reduction in pituitary function in an otherwise healthy human?

1. more urine produced in a male or female

2. infertility in a female

3. infertility in a male

  • A1 and 2 only
  • B2 and 3 only
  • C2 only
  • D1, 2 and 3
  • E1 and 3 only
Correct answer: D 1, 2 and 3

Full explanation

Relating to the Excretory system and reproductive system, the pituitary gland produces 3 hormones.

ADH --- Reduces urine output by promoting water reabsorption in kidneys

LH --- Stimulates ovulation in females, testosterone production in males

FSH --- Stimulates egg maturation in females, sperm production in males

When pituitary function is reduced, the mentioned functions will be reduced as a result.

Analysis of the given statement

Statement 1 : more urine produced in a male or female.

Correct. Reduced pituitary function = reduced ADH → Less water reabsorbed → More urine produced.

Statement 2 : infertility in a female

Correct. A lack of LH and FSH disrupts the menstrual cycle and ovulation leading to infertility.

Statement 3 : infertility in a male

Correct. A lack of LH and FSH leads to reduced sperm and testosterone, resulting in infertility.

The following structures are found in plant cells:

1. cell wall

2. cell membrane

3. Nucleolus

4. Mitochondrion

Which cell structures might contain molecules containing carbohydrate monomers?

  • A1 only
  • B1 and 4 only
  • C2 and 3 only
  • D1, 2, 3 and 4
  • E4 only
Correct answer: D 1, 2, 3 and 4

Full explanation

Cell wall : It is composed of cellulose which contains glucose monomers.

Cell membrane : In cell membrane, carbohydrates are typically found attached to proteins (forming glycoproteins) or lipids (forming glycolipids) on the outer surface of the cell membrane. They are important for various cellular functions.

Nucleolus : It is the site of rRNA and ribosome production. So, it contains nucleic acids which are composed of ribose sugar, phosphate and base group. Therefore, nucleolus contains carbohydrate monomers.

Mitochondrion : Small circular DNAs can be found inside mitochondria which contain ribose sugar as a component. So, mitochondria also contains carbohydrate monomers.

Two adjacent healthy human cells, X and Y, contain the two molecules Q and R.

The concentration of molecule Q in cell X is 4 arbitrary units (a.u.) and in cell Y it is 6 a.u.

The concentration of molecule R in both cell X and cell Y is 7 a.u.

Which of the following statements about the net movement of ONLY molecules Q and R between cells X and Y could be correct?

1. Molecules of Q move by facilitated diffusion from cell X.

2. Molecules of Q move by active transport into cell Y.

3. Molecules of R move into and out of both cell X and cell Y.

  • A2 and 3 only
  • B2 only
  • C1 only
  • D1, 2 and 3
  • E1 and 3 only
Correct answer: A 2 and 3 only

Full explanation

Given :

IMAT 2017 question 31 figure

Analysis of the given statements

Statement 1 : Molecules of Q move by facilitated diffusion from cell X.

Incorrect. Without energy expenditure (in facilitated diffusion), molecules move from higher concentration to lower concentration. So, molecules would move from cell Y to cell X, not in reverse direction.

Statement 2 : Molecules of Q move by active transport into cell Y.

Correct. With energy expenditure (in active transport), molecules can move from lower concentration (Cell X) to higher concentration (Cell Y).

Statement 3 : Molecules of R move into and out of both cell X and cell Y.

Correct. When the concentration in two cells separated by a membrane is in equilibrium, molecules move in and out of the cells, without changing the concentration.

Thus, statement 2 and 3 are correct.

A person was admitted to hospital suffering from a loss of memory.

Which part of the central nervous system is most likely to have been affected?

  • Acerebellum
  • Bspinal cord
  • CMedulla
  • Dcerebrum
  • Ehypothalamus
Correct answer: D cerebrum

Full explanation

Damage to the cerebrum, particularly areas like the hippocampus (part of the temporal lobe), can lead to loss of memory. The cerebrum is responsible for memory, conscious thought, voluntary movement, learning, personality.

Spinal cord is mainly responsible for transmitting nerve signals between the brain and body.

Medulla - Controls vital functions (e.g., breathing, heartbeat)

Cerebellum - Balance, coordination, fine motor skills

Hypothalamus - Regulates body temperature, hunger, hormones

Four students, 1, 2, 3 and 4, recorded different structures that they thought were found in a healthy animal kidney cell and a typical bacterial cell.

IMAT 2017 question 33 figure

Which students gave totally correct answers?

  • Astudents 2 and 3 only
  • Bstudents 1 and 2 only
  • Cstudents 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • Dstudents 2 and 4 only
  • Estudents 1 and 4 only
Correct answer: E students 1 and 4 only

Full explanation

Student 1 : Information for both animal cells and bacterial cells are correct. Animal cell is an eukaryotic cell and the genetic material is stored in a specific double membrane bound place called the nucleus. Bacterial cells contain 70S ribosomes while eukaryotic cells contain larger 80S ribosomes.

Student 2 : Information provided for both categories is not correct. Liver cells do not possess cell walls. Cell wall is usually a feature of plant cells. Bacteria is a prokaryote and its characteristic is that it does not contain membrane bound organelles including mitochondria.

Student 3 : Though the fact about animal cells is true, that about bacterial cells is completely false. 70S ribosomes are present in the mitochondria of liver cells. In the case of bacterial cells, they are prokaryotes and its characteristic is that it does not contain membrane bound organelles including nucleus. So, genetic material is stored in the designated area inside in the cytoplasm called the nucleoid.

Student 4 : Both facts are correct. Animal cells like liver cells contain circular DNA inside the mitochondria. Prokaryotes contain plasmids that carry extra genes that provide them with additional traits or advantages, especially in specific environments.

Therefore, student 1 and 4 gave totally correct answers

A short section of the DNA strand that codes for a protein has the sequence:

CAT TGG GCA TCG

Which of the following statements about this section of the sequence

is/are correct?

1. There are a total of 29 hydrogen bonds between this section of DNA

and its complementary strand.

2. There are 12 phosphodiester bonds present within this section of DNA.

3. The unmutated tRNA molecules used to translate this sequence contain a total of 3 uracil bases.

  • A2 and 3 only
  • B1 and 2 only
  • C1 and 3 only
  • D2 only
  • E3 only
Correct answer: E 3 only

Full explanation

DNA sequence given

CAT TGG GCA TCG

Analysis of the given statements

1. 2 H-bonds form between A - T and 3 H-bonds form between G - C. There are 5 As and Ts in the sequence, so 10 H-bonds form. There are 7 Gs and Cs in the sequence, so 24 H-bonds form.

In total --- 21 + 10 = 31 H-bonds (not 29 bonds). Therefore, the given statement is incorrect.

2. Phosphodiester bonds connect nucleotides in a single strand.

For n nucleotides in a single strand, there are (n — 1) phosphodiester bonds:

12−1 = 11 bonds

The given statement is incorrect because it says 12 bonds.

3. In RNAs, Uracil base is used instead of thymine.

Given DNA sequence : CAT TGG GCA TCG

mRNA sequence : GUA ACC CGU AGC

tRNA sequence : CAU UGG GCA UCG

So, it is true that the tRNA molecules contain a total of 3 uracil bases.

A mother and a father, neither of whom has cystic fibrosis, conceive a child who has the condition.

What is the likelihood that the same parents will have another child who is a boy without cystic fibrosis?

  • A1 in 4
  • B3 in 4
  • C1 in 2
  • D3 in 8
  • E1 in 8
Correct answer: D 3 in 8

Full explanation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

This means:

- A person needs two copies of the defective gene (homozygous recessive) to have the condition.

- Carriers have one normal and one faulty gene (heterozygous) and do not show symptoms.

Parents don't have CF, but their child does → So both parents must be carriers.

Let's denote:

- C = normal allele

- c = allele for CF

So:

- Mother = Cc

- Father = Cc

Punnett square

IMAT 2017 question 35 figure

So, probability of a children without cystic fibrosis (2 Cc and CC) = (3)/(4)

Probability of a baby being male = (1)/(2)

Probability to get a boy without cystic fibrosis = (1)/(2) × (3)/(4) = (3)/(8)

Which of the following molecules is/are directly produced during BOTH glycolysis and pyruvate decarboxylation in a healthy human cell?

1. ATP

2. carbon dioxide

3. reduced NAD

  • A1 and 3 only
  • B2 and 3 only
  • C1 only
  • D3 only
  • E1 and 2 only
Correct answer: D 3 only

Full explanation

Glycolysis is a process where one glucose is broken down into 2 pyruvates through several steps. During glycolysis, net 2 ATP and 2 NADH (reduced NAD) are produced. No CO₂ is produced.

During pyruvate decarboxylation, 1 CO₂ and 1 NADH are produced.

A product that is produced in both processes is NADH/ reduced NAD.

Which one of the following most accurately describes the structure of a human haemoglobin molecule that can bind four oxygen molecules to form oxyhaemoglobin?

  • AIt has a primary, tertiary and quaternary structure only.
  • BIt has a primary, secondary and tertiary structure only.
  • CIt has a primary and secondary structure only.
  • DIt has a primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure.
  • EIt has a primary, secondary and quaternary structure only.
Correct answer: D It has a primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure.

Full explanation

Human haemoglobin molecule has four polypeptide chains : 2 alpha (α) and 2 beta (β) chains. These interact to form one functional protein.

Thus, it has a quaternary structure.

Quaternary structure develops due to the existence of primary, secondary and tertiary structures.

Thus, haemoglobin has all four levels of protein structure: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary.

Which of the following processes take place during the establishment of a resting potential in the axon of a healthy human neuron?

1. active transport

2. facilitated diffusion

3. Respiration

  • A1, 2 and 3
  • B2 only
  • C1 and 3 only
  • D1 and 2 only
  • E2 and 3 only
Correct answer: A 1, 2 and 3

Full explanation

The main pump that contributes to the resting membrane potential is the sodium--potassium pump (Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase). It is an active transporter.

There is also K⁺ leaks out of the neuron through K⁺ leak channels. The movement is passive through protein channels and it is a form of facilitated diffusion.

Since ATP is needed to fuel the Na⁺/K⁺ pump, respiration also indirectly supports resting potential.

So, all three processes take place during the establishment of the resting potential.

Which one of the following is a correct outline of some main events in photosynthesis in a healthy wheat plant?

  • ACarbon dioxide combines with an acceptor compound which breaks into two and each is reduced by hydrogen split from water by light.
  • BLight splits water and the resulting hydroxyl group combines with a compound which has reacted with carbon dioxide.
  • CIn the presence of light, oxygen reacts with a carbohydrate to produce water and carbon dioxide.
  • DLight splits carbon dioxide and the resulting carbon then combines with oxygen and hydrogen obtained from water.
  • ELight joins carbon dioxide to an acceptor compound which is then reduced by hydrogen obtained from water.
Correct answer: A Carbon dioxide combines with an acceptor compound which breaks into two and each is reduced by hydrogen split from water by light.

Full explanation

Option A : This option correctly states the Kelvin cycle steps of photosynthesis.

Option B : Incorrect. Light splits water → produces H⁺, e⁻, and O₂ (not OH⁻ combining with anything).

Option C : Incorrect. This is describing aerobic respiration, not photosynthesis.

Option D : Incorrect. CO₂ is not split by light. Light splits water, not CO₂.

Option E : Incorrect. CO₂ fixation occurs in light-independent reactions.

Which combinations of DNA could be present in a transgenic organism?

1. invertebrate animal DNA in mammal DNA

2. prokaryotic DNA in plant DNA

3. plant DNA in animal DNA

  • A1, 2 and 3
  • B2 and 3 only
  • C1 and 3 only
  • D1 and 2 only
  • E2 only
Correct answer: A 1, 2 and 3

Full explanation

Transgenic DNA refers to DNA that has been artificially introduced into an organism from a different species. So, it could be any DNA with a foreign DNA from another species --- such as

1. invertebrate animal DNA in mammal DNA

2. prokaryotic DNA in plant DNA

3. plant DNA in animal DNA

Chemistry

General, inorganic, organic & biochemistry · 12 questions
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Which one of the following statements correctly describes the type of mixture and the most appropriate method used to separate the specified component from the mixture?

  • Asalt from salt solution — homogeneous; paper filtration
  • Bwater from salt solution — heterogeneous; simple distillation
  • Cchlorophyll from a solution of different plant pigments — homogeneous; chromatography
  • Dred blood cells from blood — homogeneous; centrifuge
  • Egasoline/petrol from crude oil — heterogeneous; simple distillation
Correct answer: C chlorophyll from a solution of different plant pigments — homogeneous; chromatography

Full explanation

Option A : Salt solution is homogeneous but paper filtration cannot separate dissolved salt.

Option B : Salt solution is homogeneous, not heterogeneous

Simple distillation can separate water, but mixture type is wrong.

Option C : Plant pigment solution is homogeneous and chromatography is perfect for separating pigments like chlorophyll. Thus, this is correct.

Option D : Blood is a heterogeneous mixture (plasma + cells). Centrifuge is the correct method, but wrong mixture type.

Option E : Crude oil is homogeneous at a macro level. Needs fractional distillation, not simple distillation.

Which one of the following options gives the correct electron structure of the particle ₈¹⁶O²⁻ ?

  • A1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
  • B1s² 2s² 2p⁴
  • C1s² 2s² 2p²
  • D1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶
  • E1s² 2s² 2p⁶
Correct answer: E 1s² 2s² 2p⁶

Full explanation

₈¹⁶O²⁻

Atomic number = 8

Mass number = 16

Number of electrons = 10

It's correct electron configuration would be 1s² 2s² 2p⁶.

In which one of the following reactions is the underlined species acting as an oxidising agent?

  • ACl₂ + 2KBr → 2KCl + Br₂
  • BZn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
  • C3CO + Fe₂O₃ → 3CO₂ + 2Fe
  • DH₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O
  • E2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO
Correct answer: A Cl₂ + 2KBr → 2KCl + Br₂

Full explanation

An oxidising agent is the substance that causes oxidation (it gains electrons and is reduced). So, we have to look for changes in oxidation states or electron transfer.

Option A : Cl₂ + 2KBr → 2KCl + Br₂

Cl₂ (0) → Cl⁻ (−1): Cl₂ is reduced.

Br⁻ (−1) → Br₂ (0): Br⁻ is oxidised

Cl₂ is the oxidising agent (it accepts electrons from Br⁻)

Option B : Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu

Zn (0) → Zn²⁺: oxidised

Cu²⁺ → Cu (0): reduced

Zn is the reducing agent, not the oxidising agent.

Option C : 3CO + Fe₂O₃ → 3CO₂ + 2Fe

CO → CO₂: C goes from +2 to +4 (oxidised)

Fe³⁺ → Fe: reduced

CO is oxidised, so it's the reducing agent.

Option D : H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O

This is a neutralisation reaction (acid + base → salt + water)

No redox --- no oxidising or reducing agents

Option E : 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO

O₂ (0) → O²⁻ (−2): reduced

Mg (0) → Mg²⁺: oxidised

Mg is the reducing agent here.

A solution of hydrochloric acid has a concentration of 1.0 mol / L. If 10 mL of this acid is added to water and made up to a total volume of 1.0 L, what is the pH of the resulting solution?

  • A9
  • B2
  • C5
  • D6
  • E0
Correct answer: B 2

Full explanation

Given:

Initial concentration of HCl (C) = 1.0 mol/L

Volume taken (V) = 10 mL = 0.010 L

Final volume after dilution = 1.0 L

### Step 1: Calculate the number of moles of HCl added {#step-1-calculate-the-number-of-moles-of-hcl-added .unnumbered}

Moles of HCl = C×V = 1.0×0.010 = 0.010 mol

Step 2: Calculate the concentration after dilution

New concentration = (number of mole )/(Volume of solution) = (0.010 mol )/(1 L ) = 0.010 mol/l

Step 3: Calculate the pH

HCl is a strong acid, so it fully dissociates:

\lbrack H+\rbrack = 0.010 mol/l = 1 × 10- 2 mol/l

pH = - log \lbrack H+\rbrack = - log \lbrack 10- 2\rbrack = 2

Which one of the following samples of gases contains the most particles?

All gases are at 0 °C and 1 atm pressure, when 1 mole of gas has a volume of 22.4 L. [Relative atomic mass, Ar: H = 1, He = 4, C = 12, O = 16, Cl = 35.5]

  • A33.6 L of chlorine gas
  • B66.0 g of carbon dioxide gas
  • C22.4 L of hydrogen gas
  • D10.0 g of helium gas
  • E64.0 g of oxygen gas
Correct answer: D 10.0 g of helium gas

Full explanation

Since all gases are at 0 °C and 1 atm, we can use:

1 mole of gas = 22.4 L

Number of particles = number of moles × Avogadro's number (so we just need to compare moles)

Option A : 33.6 L of chlorine gas

Molar volume = 22.4 L/mol

Mole = (33.6L)/(22.4 L/mol) = 1.5 mol

Option B : 66.0 g of carbon dioxide gas

Molar mass = 12 + (16×2) = 44 g/mol

Mole = (66 g)/(44 g/mol ) = 1.5 mol

Option C : 22.4 L of hydrogen gas

Molar volume = 22.4 L/mol

Mole = (22.4L)/(22.4 L/mol) = 1 mol

Option D : 10.0 g of helium gas

Molar mass = 4 g/mol

Mole = (10g)/(4 g/mol) = 2.5 mol

Option E : 64.0 g of oxygen gas

Molar mass = 16×2 = 32 g/mol

Mole = (64g)/(32 g/mol) = 2 mol

In comparison, 10.0 g of helium gas contains the most particles.

In an experiment involving the reaction shown below, 150 cm3 of F₂ reacts with 100 cm3 of Cl₂.

3F₂(g) + Cl₂(g) → 2ClF₃(g)

On completion of the reaction, what is the final gaseous volume at the same temperature and pressure?

  • A250 cm³
  • B100 cm³
  • C350 cm³
  • D200 cm³
  • E150 cm³
Correct answer: E 150 cm³

Full explanation

3F₂(g) + Cl₂(g) → 2ClF₃(g)

This tells us that:

3 volumes of F₂ react with 1 volume of Cl₂ to form 2 volumes of ClF₃.

Given volume : F₂: 150 cm³, Cl₂: 100 cm³

F₂ is the limiting reagent and we have 100 cm³ of Cl₂, which is in excess.

150 cm³ of F₂ would need 50 cm³ of Cl₂.

From the equation: 3 volumes of F₂ → 2 volumes of ClF₃ So 150 cm³ of F₂ → 2 × (150)/(3) = 100 cm3 of ClF₃.

After reaction:

F₂: 0 cm³ (completely used up)

Cl₂: Used = 50 cm³ → Left = 100 − 50 = 50 cm³

ClF₃ (product) = 100 cm³

So, Final volume = Unreacted Cl₂+ClF₃ formed = 50+100 = 150 cm³

Which one of the following molecules is a structural isomer of methylcyclopentane?

  • AHexane
  • BCyclohexene
  • CHex-2-ene
  • D2,2-dimethylbutane
  • E2-methylpentane
Correct answer: C Hex-2-ene

Full explanation

Structural isomers, also known as constitutional isomers, are molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas (different connectivity of atoms).

Methylcyclopentane has molecular formula of C6H12

Option A : Hexane has molecular formula of C₆H₁₄.So, this cannot be the isomer of methylcyclopentane.

Option B : Cyclohexane has molecular formula of C₆H₁₀. This also cannot be the isomer of methylcyclopentane.

Option C : Hex-2-ene has molecular formula of C₆H₁₂. This compound has the same molecular formula as methylcyclopentane with different structures (with double bond). Therefore, this is the correct structural isomer of methylcyclopentane.

Option D : 2,2-dimethylbutane has molecular formula of C₆H₁₄. Not an isomer.

Option E : 2-methylpentane has molecular formula of C₆H₁₄. Not an isomer.

Consider the following list of particles:

1. Molecules

2. Ions

3. single atoms

Which one of the following options correctly describes the particles that are present in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride?

  • A1 and 2 only
  • B1, 2 and 3
  • C3 only
  • D1 only
  • E2 only
Correct answer: A 1 and 2 only

Full explanation

In an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, there will be water molecules and sodium chloride in their ionic states --- Na⁺ and Cl⁻.

Therefore, water is a covalent compound --- a molecule. And Na⁺ and Cl are ions. There is no single atom involved.

Thus, the correct option is option A.

The solubility of potassium nitrate in water increases with temperature. A saturated solution of potassium nitrate at 80 °C is cooled to 25 °C in a closed container.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The mass of undissolved potassium nitrate will increase.

2. The concentration of the potassium nitrate solution remains the same.

3. The total mass of solvent present remains the same.

  • A2 and 3 only
  • B1 and 3 only
  • C1 only
  • D2 only
  • E1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: B 1 and 3 only

Full explanation

Solubility of a substance is the maximum amount of that substance that can be dissolved in a particular solvent at a given temperature.

And the solubility constant Ksp is temperature dependent. For a solution

that consists of a gas, the constant will also depend on pressure. Greater Ksp leads to greater solubility of the solute. Generally speaking, the solubility product constant increases with increasing temperature for non-gas solutes. Therefore, if potassium nitrate is cooled down to 25 °C from 80 °C, the Ksp decreases, leading to lesser solubility and consequently, deposition of undissolved potassium nitrate. Since less potassium nitrate dissolves in the solution, its concentration is diluted, however, both the solvent and solution are in a closed container, the total mass of the solvent will remain unchanged.

Thus, among the given 3 facts, only fact 1 and 3 are correct.

Element X is a grey solid.

It combines with chlorine to form a polar molecule with the formula XCl . In this compound, element X has an oxidation state of +1.

In potassium iodide solution, it dissolves to form a coloured solution.

At 500 °C, it becomes a coloured vapour.

What is the identity of element X?

  • AManganese
  • BFluorine
  • CIodine
  • DCarbon
  • Elithium
Correct answer: C Iodine

Full explanation

From the first given fact "Element X is a grey solid", we can exclude the gas element from the options --- Fluorine.

Then, the question said it combines with chlorine to form a polar molecule with the formula XCl with oxidation number of +1.

From this fact, we can exclude Manganese from the option which usually has variable oxidation numbers between +2 and +7 : not +1.

We can also exclude carbon because carbon usually bonds with chlorine with +4 oxidation number, forming CCl4.

Now, we are down to 2 choices --- Lithium and Iodine.

Let's look at the last fact --- it says that in potassium iodide solution, it dissolves to form a coloured solution. At 500 °C, it becomes a coloured vapour. Lithium metal usually does not dissolve in solutions (only its ionic compound state dissolves). So, we can exclude Lithium.

Iodine sublimes on heating --- it turns directly from solid to gas.

The vapour is a distinct violet or purple color.

This is a characteristic property of elemental iodine.

Thus, the element X is iodine.

Which option correctly describes the following features of a silane (silicon tetrahydride) molecule?

number of bonding pairs (bp) of electrons

number of lone/non-bonding pairs (lp) in the valence shell of the silicon atom

bond angle

[Atomic number: Si = 14; H = 1]

  • A3 bp; 1 lp; 107°
  • B3 bp; 1 lp; 109.5°
  • C4 bp; 0 lp; 109.5°
  • D4 bp; 2 lp; 90°
  • E4 bp; 0 lp; 90°
Correct answer: C 4 bp; 0 lp; 109.5°

Full explanation

Lewis structure of silicane

IMAT 2017 question 51 figure

According to the lewis structure, the central atom "Silicon" has 4 electron domains without any lone pair of electrons.

Thus, the shape of the molecule will be tetrahedral with a bond angle of 109.5°.

Thus, the correct option is option C.

Which one of the following statements about the four atoms/ions below is correct?

²³₁₁Na⁺ ¹⁶₈O²⁻ ¹⁸₈O ³²₁₆S

  • A¹⁶₈O²⁻ and ¹⁸₈O have exactly the same number of protons and electrons but not neutrons.
  • BOut of the four atoms/ions, only ²³₁₁Na⁺ has two more electrons than ¹⁸₈O.
  • C¹⁶₈O²⁻ has the same number of electrons but four fewer neutrons than ²³₁₁Na⁺.
  • D³²₁₆S has twice the number of neutrons that ¹⁸₈O has but only four more than ²³₁₁Na⁺.
  • EBoth ¹⁶₈O²⁻ and ³²₁₆S each have an equal number of protons, neutrons and electrons.
Correct answer: C ¹⁶₈O²⁻ has the same number of electrons but four fewer neutrons than ²³₁₁Na⁺.

Full explanation

Since the options are about proton, electron and neutron numbers c comparison, we will find these numbers for individual atoms/ions first.

²³₁₁Na⁺

Number of protons = 11

Number of neutrons = 23-11 = 12

Number of electrons = 11-1 = 10

¹⁶₈O²⁻

Number of protons = 8

Number of neutrons = 16-8 = 8

Number of electrons = 8 + 2 = 10

¹⁸₈O

Number of protons = 8

Number of neutrons = 18-8 = 10

Number of electrons = 8

³²₁₆S

Number of protons = 16

Number of neutrons = 32-16 = 16

Number of electrons = 16

Analysis of the given options

Option A : ¹⁶₈O²⁻ and ¹⁸₈O do not have the same number of electrons. Therefore, this option is false.

Option B : Not only ²³₁₁Na⁺ has two more electrons than ¹⁸₈O — ¹⁶₈O²⁻ also have 2 more electrons than that. Thus, this option is false.

Option C : ¹⁶₈O²⁻ has four fewer neutrons than ²³₁₁Na⁺. Thus, this option is correct.

Option D : ³²₁₆S has five more neutrons than ²³₁₁Na⁺, not four. Thus, this option is false.

Option E : ¹⁶₈O²⁻ and ³²₁₆S do not have the same number of protons. Thus, this option is false.

Physics & Mathematics

Mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, algebra & geometry · 8 questions
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A car starts at point X. It travels 3.0 km due east, then 4.0 km due south, then 6.0 km due west and finally 8.0 km due north.
How far away is the car from point X when it has reached the end of this journey?
[Assume that all distances moved are on a flat horizontal surface, and that point X is on the equator. You may ignore any curvature of the Earth.]

  • A5.0 km
  • B21.0 km
  • C10.0 km
  • D7.0 km
  • E2.0 km
Correct answer: A 5.0 km

Full explanation

Track the car's net east-west and north-south displacement. East-west: 3.0 km east then 6.0 km west = 3.0 km net west. North-south: 4.0 km south then 8.0 km north = 4.0 km net north.

These two net displacements (3 km west, 4 km north) are perpendicular, so the straight-line distance from X is found with Pythagoras' theorem: distance = √(3² + 4²) = √(9 + 16) = √25 = 5.0 km.

Hence, the correct answer is (A).

A resistor has a resistance of 5.0 Ω. There is a direct current of 10 A in the resistor.
What is the power dissipated by the resistor?

  • A50 W
  • B2500 W
  • C20 W
  • D250 W
  • E500 W
Correct answer: E 500 W

Full explanation

The power dissipated by a resistor is given by P = I²R, where I is the current and R is the resistance.

P = (10 A)² × 5.0 Ω = 100 × 5 = 500 W.

Hence, the correct answer is (E).

Which one of the following is an expression for the mean of x/3, x, and x + 6?

  • A(7x + 6)/9
  • B7x + 2
  • C(7x + 6)/3
  • D(7x + 18)/9
  • E7x + 18
Correct answer: D (7x + 18)/9

Full explanation

The mean of three numbers is their sum divided by 3: mean = [x/3 + x + (x + 6)] / 3.

Combine the terms in the numerator over a common denominator of 3: x/3 + x + x + 6 = (x + 3x + 3x + 18)/3 = (7x + 18)/3.

Dividing this by 3: mean = (7x + 18)/3 ÷ 3 = (7x + 18)/9.

Hence, the correct answer is (D).

What is the gradient of the straight line passing through the points with coordinates (2, −3) and (−1, 6)?

  • A−1
  • B−9
  • C−3
  • D−1/9
  • E−1/3
Correct answer: C −3

Full explanation

The gradient of a line through (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) is m = (y₂ − y₁)/(x₂ − x₁).

With (x₁, y₁) = (2, −3) and (x₂, y₂) = (−1, 6): m = [6 − (−3)] / (−1 − 2) = 9 / (−3) = −3.

Hence, the correct answer is (C).

Given that log₁₀7 = x, log₁₀2 = y, log₁₀3 = z.
What is log₁₀(14/3) expressed in terms of x, y, and z?

  • Axy − z
  • Bxy/z
  • Cx + y − z
  • Dxy + z
  • E(x + y)/z
Correct answer: C x + y − z

Full explanation

Use logarithm properties to simplify log₁₀(14/3) = log₁₀14 − log₁₀3.

Since 14 = 2 × 7: log₁₀14 = log₁₀(2 × 7) = log₁₀2 + log₁₀7.

So log₁₀(14/3) = log₁₀2 + log₁₀7 − log₁₀3 = y + x − z = x + y − z.

Hence, the correct answer is (C).

A solid wooden cube has sides of length a. The density of the wood is ρ.
The cube is completely immersed in a beaker of oil, which has a density σ. The top surface of the cube is horizontal. The gravitational field strength is g.
What is the upward force (upthrust) on the cube due to the oil? [Assume that no oil is absorbed by the wood.]

  • A(σ − ρ)a³g
  • Bρa³g
  • Cσa³
  • Dσa³g
  • Eρa³
Correct answer: D σa³g

Full explanation

By Archimedes' Principle, the upthrust equals the weight of the fluid displaced. Since the cube is fully immersed, the volume of oil displaced equals the cube's own volume: V = a³.

Mass of displaced oil = density of oil × volume = σ × a³.

Upthrust = weight of displaced oil = mass × g = σa³g.

Hence, the correct answer is (D).

A fixed mass of an ideal gas undergoes a change in which it is supplied with 3500 J of thermal energy. At the same time this gas does 3500 J of work on its surroundings.
Which type of change does the gas undergo during this time?

  • Aadiabatic
  • Bisothermal
  • Cisochoric
  • Disomeric
  • Eisobaric
Correct answer: B isothermal

Full explanation

By the First Law of Thermodynamics, ΔQ = ΔU + ΔW, where ΔQ is heat supplied to the system, ΔW is work done by the system on its surroundings, and ΔU is the change in internal energy.

Here ΔQ = 3500 J and ΔW = 3500 J, so ΔU = ΔQ − ΔW = 3500 J − 3500 J = 0.

Since the internal energy is unchanged, the temperature of the gas (which determines internal energy for an ideal gas) stays constant — this is an isothermal process.

Hence, the correct answer is (B).

How many ways are there to order the letters 'AABBC'? (For example, 'ACABB' and 'AABBC' are two ways.)

  • A5
  • B120
  • C60
  • D116
  • E30
Correct answer: E 30

Full explanation

This is a permutation of a multiset. The number of distinct arrangements is n! / (n₁! × n₂! × … × nₖ!), where n is the total number of items and each nₗ is the count of a repeated item.

Here n = 5 (letters A, A, B, B, C), with A repeated twice and B repeated twice: number of arrangements = 5! / (2! × 2! × 1!) = 120 / (2 × 2 × 1) = 120/4 = 30.

Hence, the correct answer is (E).

Frequently Asked Questions

Right here — every question from the IMAT 2017 exam (General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics) is solved and explained on this page, for free, with no sign-up required.

Yes. Every calculation, chemical and biological fact was independently re-derived and checked by the LOCOMOTIVE academic team before publishing.

The IMAT is a single 100-minute test made up of General Knowledge & Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics questions. Correct answers score +1.5, unanswered questions score 0, and incorrect answers score −0.4 (the exact weighting has varied slightly by year — always check the official rules for the year you are sitting).

The overall syllabus (General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Maths) has stayed broadly the same, but the exact number of questions, section weighting and question style have changed over the years — this 2017 paper is a great way to build core knowledge, but always pair it with recent past papers to get used to the current format.

Yes — the underlying subject knowledge and reasoning skills are directly transferable, which makes older papers like this one useful extra practice once you've worked through the most recent papers.

Looking for more practice? Browse all IMAT Past Papers on LOCOMOTIVE.

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