Instructions
for Addressing Special Figure-reading Questions
. Format of question in the card:
Special figure-reading question: Read the figure & Mention
why you find it 'special'.
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B. Checklist for answering (by examinees) and for marking
(by examiners). |
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a)
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IDENTIFY
the 'form' of the figure and JUSTIFY your answer. Examples:
Photograph / Realistic (including
'semi-realistic', realistic with schematic component) diagram / Schematic
diagram (i.e., simplified shapes, not
'real'-like, using symbols etc.) / Low-power photomicrograph / High-power
photomicrograph / Transmission electron micrograph / Scanning electron micrograph
/ Composite 3-D diagram (i.e., computer-generated complex 3-dimensional
figure). If a figure contains multiple
‘figure-parts’ with different ‘forms’, then the examiner needs to ask the
examinee to mention the principal ‘form’. |
0.5+0.5
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b)
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IDENTIFY
the 'view' of the figure as one of the following (if there are multiple,
identify each): Examples:
Viewed
from the Front/Back/Right/Left/Above/Below/Antero-superior
angle/Postero-inferior angle/Antero-lateral angle/Postero-medial angle etc./
Not applicable (e.g. figures from Cell Biology & Histology). If a figure contains multiple
‘views’, then the examinee should mention the principal ‘view’. |
1 |
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c)
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DETERMINE whether there are any
‘sectional view(s)’ in the figure, and if so, SHOW.
Examples: Sagittal section/coronal section/transverse
section/longitudinal section.
•
If a figure contains multiple
figure parts with different ‘sectional views’, the examinee should mention any one ‘sectional view.’ •
If there is no sectional view in
the supplied figure, the examinee must say ‘There is no sectional view.’
Otherwise, he/she will not get marks. |
0.5 |
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d)
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IDENTIFY
the ‘principal issue’ dealt with in the figure.
Examples: development and related anomalies, detailed structure in
different layers, structure-function relationships, clinical correlation of
anatomy |
1 |
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e)
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DESCRIBE
what you see in the figure. (Do not describe anything except
what you can see). |
1.5 |
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f)
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MENTION
why you find this figure 'special'. What understanding does the figure
offer that would have been almost impossible to gain just by listening to
someone or reading a text? Examples: interconnections between different cell types of the
retina (in a schematic diagram), interrelationships between podocytes and
capillaries at the glomerular filtration site (in a transmission electron
micrograph), 3-dimensional structural details (in a 3-D composite
drawing). If the figure has multiple
'special' issues, examinee must mention any two issues. |
2 |
Examples of
different forms of Special Figure:
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Checklist for answering |
Marks
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a) |
IDENTIFY the 'form' of the figure
and JUSTIFY your answer. Examples:
Photograph / Realistic (including
'semi-realistic', realistic with schematic component) diagram / Schematic
diagram (i.e., simplified shapes, not
'real'-like, using symbols etc.) / Low-power photomicrograph / High-power
photomicrograph / Transmission electron micrograph / Scanning electron
micrograph / Composite 3-D diagram (i.e., computer-generated complex
3-dimensional figure). If a figure contains multiple
‘figure-parts’ with different ‘forms’, then the examiner needs to ask the
examinee to mention the principal ‘form’. |
0.5+0.5 |
A figure that is a reproduction of an image created
using a photographic camera is termed a 'photograph.'
Mode of
answer: This figure is captured by a photographic camera from real
structures, viscera, models, skeletons, bodies, prosected specimens, etc. (not taken from other pictures/images, such as
diagnostic images or microscopic images).
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Microtubule: Justify- microtubule is essential for cell division
Microtubules play a critical role in mitosis and meiosis by:
Forming the Mitotic Spindle – Aligns and separates chromosomes accurately.
Chromosome Movement – Kinetochore microtubules pull chromosomes to opposite poles.
Without microtubules, chromosome segregation fails, leading to cell division defects.
Cell membrane: Justify the role of cell membrane in keeping the ion content of cytoplasm constant.
It regulates ion balance through selective permeability and active transport mechanisms:
Selective Permeability – Controls the entry and exit of ions via ion channels.
Active Transport – Uses ATP-driven pumps (e.g., Na⁺/K⁺ pump) to maintain ionic gradients.
Endocytosis & Exocytosis – Helps in bulk transport of ions and molecules.
This ensures homeostasis, preventing drastic changes in cytoplasmic ion concentration, which is crucial for cell function.
Ribosomes: Justify presence of both attached & free ribosome in cytoplasm.
Ribosomes exist in two forms in the cytoplasm: free ribosomes and attached (bound) ribosomes, each serving distinct functions:
Free Ribosomes: Float freely in the cytoplasm.
Function: Synthesize proteins that function within the cytoplasm (e.g., enzymes for metabolism).
Attached Ribosomes:
Bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
Function: Protein Synthesis – Produces proteins for secretion, plasma membrane, and organelles (e.g., lysosomes).
Transport – Sends proteins to the Golgi apparatus for further processing and distribution.
Nucleus: Justify the presence of pores in the nuclear membrane.
Nuclear pores regulate material exchange between the nucleus and cytoplasm while maintaining nuclear integrity.
Transport: Controls movement of RNA, proteins, and molecules.
mRNA Export: Allows mRNA to exit for protein synthesis.
Waste Removal: Expels non-functional RNA and waste.
Thus, nuclear pores ensure controlled exchange and protection, vital for cell function.
Nuclear pores are large protein complexes embedded in the nuclear envelope, regulating the exchange of materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
🔹 Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC) – A massive, basket-like structure made of ~30 different nucleoporins (Nups).
Regulates RNA, ribosomal subunits, and proteins transport.
Maintains nuclear compartment integrity.
Controls signal-dependent transport via importins/exportins.
Cytoskeleton: Justify the term ‘cytoskeleton’ in relation to its functions.
The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules that provides structural support to the cell, much like a skeleton does for the body.
Support – Maintains cell shape and strength.
Microfilaments: Ensure shape and flexibility.
Intermediate Filaments: Provide strength and prevent deformation.
Microtubules: Act as scaffolding, resisting compression.
Together, they function as the cell’s skeleton, maintaining its structure and stability.
