Past Mock and Exam Questions (Folic acid/Folate)

Question 1

Functions of folic acid

3/5

Answer 1

Form the brain of a foetus and close the end of the spinal cord

Metabolises protein

Works with cobalamin to form red blood cells

Maintains the immune system by helping white blood cells to fight infection

Manufactures genetic material e.g. DNA and RNA during pregnancy

Question 2

Sources of folate

3/5

Answer 2

Leafy green vegetables

Offal

Fortified breakfast cereals

Wholemeal bread

Wheat germ

Question 3

State the difference between folate and folic acid

Answer 3

Folate = the natural form found in food

Folic acid = a synthetic form used in supplements

Question 4

Properties of folate

2/7

Answer 4

Water-soluble

Insoluble in fate

Unaffected by acids

Heat stable but some loss from cooking

Destroyed by alkalis

Destroyed by oxygen

Destroyed by light

Question 5

What is the RDA of folate for children?

Answer 5

200 ug

Question 6

What is the RDA of folate for teens and adults?

Answer 6

300 ug

Question 7

What is the RDA of folate for pregnant women?

Answer 7

500 ug

Question 8

What is the RDA of folate for pregnant women?

Answer 8

400 ug

Question 9

Effects of deficiency of folate/folic acid

1/4

Answer 9

Spina bifida

Anencephaly

Fatigue

Susceptibility to illness and infection

Question 10

Describe in detail the effects of a deficiency of folate/folic acid
(1/4)

Answer 10

Spina bifida - A neural tube defect which occurs when the base of the spinal fails to close
Causes paralysis of the lower limbs

Anencephaly - A neural tube defects which occurs when the top of the spine fails to close and the brain, skull and scalp do not develop
Baby rarely survives

Fatigue -Due to a lack of red blood cells one may feel tired or fatigued
This may also cause anaemia in severe cases

Increased susceptibility to illness and infection such as colds and flu