Read the following information carefully and answer the given questions. Parkinsonism, a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by progressive loss of motor function resulting from the degeneration of neurons in the area of the brain that controls voluntary movement. Parkinsonism was first described in 1817 by the British physician James Parkinson in his “Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” Various types of the disorder are recognized, but the disease described by Parkinson, called Parkinson disease, is the most common form. Parkinson disease is also called primary parkinsonism, paralysis agitans, or idiopathic parkinsonism, meaning the disease has no identifiable cause. This distinguishes it from secondary parkinsonism, a group of disorders very similar in nature to Parkinson disease but that arise from known or identifiable causes. The onset of Parkinson disease typically occurs between the ages of 60 and 70, although it can occur before the age of 40. It is rarely inherited. Parkinson disease often begins with a slight tremor of the thumb and forefinger, sometimes called “pill-rolling,” and slowly progresses over 10 to 20 years, resulting in paralysis, dementia, and death. All types of parkinsonism are characterized by four main signs, including tremors of resting muscles, particularly of the hands; muscular rigidity of the arms, legs, and neck; difficulty in initiating movement (bradykinesia); and postural instability. A variety of other features may accompany these characteristics, including a lack of facial expression (known as “masked face”), difficulty in swallowing or speaking, loss of balance, a shuffling gait, depression, and dementia. Parkinsonism results from the deterioration of neurons in the region of the brain called the substantia nigra. These neurons normally produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, which sends signals to the basal ganglia, a mass of nerve fibres that helps to initiate and control patterns of movement. Dopamine functions in the brain as an inhibitor of nerve impulses and is involved in suppressing the unintended movement. When dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons are damaged or destroyed, dopamine levels drop and the normal signalling system is disrupted. In both primary and secondary parkinsonism, the physiological effects of this deterioration do not manifest until roughly 60 to 80 percent of these neurons are destroyed. So, it requires a careful supervision.
Identify the synonym of the word ‘degenerate’ as per the context?
Debase
Understanding Vocabulary from the Passage
The question asks us to identify the synonym of the word ‘degenerate’ based on its usage in the provided passage about Parkinsonism.
Let's look at the sentence where ‘degeneration’ appears:
“Parkinsonism, a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by progressive loss of motor function resulting from the degeneration of neurons in the area of the brain that controls voluntary movement.”
In this context, ‘degeneration of neurons’ refers to the process where neurons deteriorate, break down, or lose their functional capacity over time. It implies a worsening or decline in the state of the neurons.
Analyzing the Options
We need to find a word from the given options that has a similar meaning to deterioration or breakdown in the context of biological cells.
- Moral: This word relates to principles of right and wrong behavior or ethics. It has no connection to the physical state or breakdown of neurons.
- Retrospect: This means looking back on or reviewing past events. It is unrelated to the state of neurons.
- Debase: This word means to reduce something in quality or value; degrade. When applied to biological tissues or cells, 'debase' can imply a loss of function or quality, fitting the idea of neurons deteriorating.
- Improve: This word means to make or become better. This is the opposite of degeneration, which means to worsen or decline.
Comparing the options, ‘Debase’ is the closest synonym among the choices that reflects the idea of something declining in quality or function, which is the core meaning of ‘degeneration’ when describing the state of neurons.
Identifying the Correct Synonym
Based on the context of the passage, the word ‘degeneration’ describes the worsening condition and loss of function of neurons. The option that best matches this meaning is ‘Debase’, which means to lower in quality or value, or to degrade. While 'debase' might not be the most common synonym for biological degeneration, among the given options, it is the only one that captures the sense of decline or degradation.
Revision Table: Understanding 'Degenerate' and Synonyms
| Word | Meaning in Context (Degeneration of neurons) | Synonym Options | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degenerate (verb); Degeneration (noun) | To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally; breakdown or deterioration. Here, specifically referring to neurons breaking down. | Moral | Not relevant to physical decline. |
| Retrospect | Not relevant to physical decline. | ||
| Debase | Means to lower in quality or value; degrade. Fits the idea of neurons becoming less functional or deteriorating. | ||
| Improve | Opposite of degenerate. |
Additional Information: Vocabulary and Parkinsonism
Understanding key terms is crucial when studying medical topics like Parkinsonism. Here are a few important words from the passage:
- Chronic: Describes a condition that is long-lasting or persistent.
- Neurological: Relating to the nervous system.
- Motor function: The ability to move or control movements.
- Neurons: Nerve cells that transmit signals in the brain and nervous system.
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger that transmits signals between neurons (e.g., dopamine).
- Substantia nigra: A specific area in the brain where dopamine-producing neurons are located.
- Basal ganglia: A group of structures in the brain involved in controlling movement.
- Idiopathic: Referring to a disease that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, a key symptom of Parkinsonism.
- Postural instability: Difficulty maintaining balance and posture.
The passage highlights that Parkinsonism involves the degeneration of specific neurons, leading to a lack of dopamine, which disrupts the control of voluntary movement.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
