📘 Study MCQs
Q1. Why does a cut or wound often get covered with a band-aid?
A. To stop bleeding
B. To make it look nice
C. To prevent microbes from entering
D. To keep it warm
C. To prevent microbes from entering
A band-aid acts as a physical barrier that protects the open wound from external contaminants, preventing disease-causing microorganisms from entering and causing infection.
Q2. Why do we get a foul smell from a garbage dump?
A. Due to chemicals
B. Due to burning plastic
C. Due to decomposition by microbes
D. Due to rain
C. Due to decomposition by microbes
Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi break down organic waste in garbage, releasing foul-smelling gases such as methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide during decomposition.
Q3. Why does dough increase in volume when kept for some time?
A. It absorbs water
B. Yeast produces carbon dioxide gas
C. It gets heated
D. Flour expands
B. Yeast produces carbon dioxide gas
Yeast present in the dough ferments the sugars, producing carbon dioxide gas that forms bubbles, causing the dough to rise and increase in volume.
Q4. What is the white cottony layer that appears on moist leather shoes?
A. Dust
B. Salt
C. Fungus
D. Paint
C. Fungus
Moist conditions promote the growth of fungi on organic materials like leather, appearing as a white cottony or fuzzy layer.
Q5. Why are we advised to drink boiled water during the rainy season?
A. It tastes better
B. It is colder
C. Boiling kills harmful microbes
D. It has more minerals
C. Boiling kills harmful microbes
Boiling water kills most disease-causing microorganisms, making it safe to drink especially during the rainy season when water contamination is more common.
Q6. Why do pickles, jams, and murabba not spoil for months?
A. They are kept in dark
B. They are made of fruits
C. They have high salt or sugar content
D. They are cooked
C. They have high salt or sugar content
High concentrations of salt or sugar create a hypertonic environment that draws water out of microbial cells through osmosis, inhibiting their growth and preventing spoilage.
Q7. Why does a mother tell a child to wash hands with soap before eating?
A. To make hands smell good
B. To remove dirt and germs
C. To make hands soft
D. To warm the hands
B. To remove dirt and germs
Washing hands with soap physically removes dirt and effectively kills or dislodges harmful microorganisms that could otherwise be ingested and cause disease.
Q8. What is the reason behind the sour taste of curd?
A. Addition of sugar
B. Addition of lemon
C. Action of lactobacillus bacteria
D. Addition of salt
C. Action of lactobacillus bacteria
Lactobacillus bacteria ferment lactose in milk, converting it into lactic acid, which gives curd its characteristic sour taste.
Q9. Why do we see a greenish layer on stagnant water in ponds?
A. Due to oil
B. Due to growth of algae
C. Due to rust
D. Due to soil
B. Due to growth of algae
Stagnant water provides favorable conditions for rapid growth of microscopic algae, which contain chlorophyll and form a visible greenish layer on the water surface.
Q10. What causes the ‘holes’ in swiss cheese?
A. Made by insects
B. Made with a machine
C. Carbon dioxide produced by bacteria
D. Air bubbles during mixing
C. Carbon dioxide produced by bacteria
Specific bacteria used in Swiss cheese production release carbon dioxide gas during fermentation, which forms bubbles that create the characteristic holes in the cheese.
Q11. Why are onions and potatoes often stored in a cool, dry place?
A. To keep them colorful
B. To prevent rotting by microbes
C. To make them sweeter
D. To keep them hard
B. To prevent rotting by microbes
Cool and dry conditions slow down the growth of microorganisms and fungi that cause spoilage, extending the shelf life of vegetables like onions and potatoes.
Q12. Why is a person with a cold advised to use a handkerchief while sneezing?
A. To look polite
B. To keep the nose warm
C. To prevent the spread of germs in the air
D. To wipe tears
C. To prevent the spread of germs in the air
Sneezing releases thousands of infectious respiratory droplets into the air; covering with a handkerchief traps these droplets and prevents the transmission of cold viruses to others.
Q13. Why does idli and dosa batter rise when kept overnight?
A. It absorbs water
B. Fermentation by bacteria or yeast
C. It gets cooked
D. Flour expands
B. Fermentation by bacteria or yeast
Natural fermentation occurs as bacteria and yeast in the batter break down sugars, producing carbon dioxide gas that causes the batter to rise and become fluffy.
Q14. What is the black powder that appears on mustard leaves?
A. Dirt
B. Fungus
C. Pollen
D. Insect eggs
B. Fungus
Mustard leaves can be infected by fungal pathogens that produce dark-colored spores, appearing as a black powder on the leaf surface.
Q15. Why is it recommended to finish a full course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor?
A. To make the doctor happy
B. To ensure all bacteria are killed
C. Antibiotics are tasty
D. To save medicine for later
B. To ensure all bacteria are killed
Completing the full course ensures that all pathogenic bacteria are eliminated, preventing the survival of resistant strains that could cause a recurring, harder-to-treat infection.
Q16. Why does wet laundry start smelling if left in a bucket for 2-3 days?
A. Due to detergent
B. Due to growth of microbes
C. Due to color of clothes
D. Due to hard water
B. Due to growth of microbes
Moist environments promote the rapid growth of bacteria and fungi on wet fabric, which produce waste products and enzymes that cause unpleasant odors.
Q17. Why are dried fish and dry fruits less likely to spoil than fresh ones?
A. They are more expensive
B. They have less water content
C. They are kept in boxes
D. They are treated with chemicals
B. They have less water content
Removing water through drying creates an environment where microorganisms cannot grow, as water is essential for their survival and reproduction.
Q18. Why are mosquitoes more common around stagnant water?
A. They like to swim
B. They lay eggs in stagnant water
C. They drink stagnant water
D. They find food there
B. They lay eggs in stagnant water
Stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, where females lay their eggs and the larvae (wrigglers) develop before emerging as adult mosquitoes.
Q19. Why does a rust-like reddish powder appear on wheat plants?
A. Due to iron
B. Due to a fungal disease
C. Due to pollution
D. Due to insect dust
B. Due to a fungal disease
Rust of wheat is a fungal disease caused by Puccinia species, which produces reddish-brown spore pustules on stems and leaves, resembling rust.
Q20. What is the common reason for stomach upset or food poisoning after eating food from a street vendor?
A. Food is too spicy
B. Food may be contaminated with harmful bacteria
C. Food is cheap
D. Food is cooked in oil
B. Food may be contaminated with harmful bacteria
Street food can be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli due to improper handling, inadequate cooking, or poor hygiene, leading to food poisoning.
Q21. Why does a doctor clean a wound with a brown-colored liquid (antiseptic) before giving an injection?
A. To make the skin brown
B. To numb the area
C. To kill any microbes on the skin
D. To mark the spot
C. To kill any microbes on the skin
Antiseptic solutions like iodine or betadine are applied to the skin to kill microorganisms present on the surface, preventing them from being pushed into the body during injection.
Q22. Why does a gardener sometimes grow pea or bean plants in a field?
A. They are pretty
B. They grow fast
C. They enrich the soil with nitrogen
D. They need less water
C. They enrich the soil with nitrogen
Leguminous plants like peas and beans host Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules, which fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, naturally increasing its fertility.
Q23. Why does the surface of an old loaf of bread become fuzzy and blackish-green?
A. It is stale
B. Mould has grown on it
C. It has dried out
D. It has absorbed smells
B. Mould has grown on it
Bread provides nutrients for fungal growth; Rhizopus (bread mould) grows on old bread, producing fuzzy hyphae and black sporangia that appear as a blackish-green layer.
Q24. Why are vaccination camps organized for children?
A. To give them sweets
B. To protect them from diseases
C. To check their height and weight
D. To give them toys
B. To protect them from diseases
Vaccination camps aim to immunize children against serious infectious diseases by stimulating their immune system to produce protective antibodies.
Q25. Why does adding a little old curd to warm milk help in setting new curd?
A. Old curd adds color
B. Old curd contains lactobacillus starter
C. Old curd adds taste
D. Old curd makes milk cold
B. Old curd contains lactobacillus starter
Old curd contains active Lactobacillus bacteria that act as a starter culture, multiplying in warm milk and fermenting lactose to produce new curd.
Q26. Why are dry neem leaves put in containers storing grains?
A. For good smell
B. To add color
C. Neem leaves keep insects and microbes away
D. To fill empty space
C. Neem leaves keep insects and microbes away
Neem leaves contain natural antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds like azadirachtin that repel pests and inhibit the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.
Q27. What causes the ‘fizz’ or bubbles in soft drinks?
A. Shaking the bottle
B. Dissolved carbon dioxide gas
C. Dissolved oxygen
D. Dissolved sugar
B. Dissolved carbon dioxide gas
Carbon dioxide gas is dissolved under pressure in soft drinks, and when the container is opened, the pressure drops, causing the gas to escape as bubbles.
Q28. Why does a vaccinated person not get a disease even if exposed to the germs?
A. The germs avoid them
B. Their body has ready-made fighters (antibodies)
C. They take vitamins
D. They wear a mask
B. Their body has ready-made fighters (antibodies)
Vaccination primes the immune system to produce memory cells and antibodies, so upon exposure, the body can mount a rapid and effective defense against the pathogen.
Q29. Why does a farmer sometimes plough the stubble (leftover plant parts) into the soil after harvest?
A. To clear the field
B. Microbes decompose it to form manure
C. To make the soil hard
D. To bury weeds
B. Microbes decompose it to form manure
Ploughing crop residues into the soil allows decomposer microorganisms to break them down, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients.
Q30. Why do we sometimes see a slippery green layer on steps of a public bathroom?
A. Due to soap
B. Due to growth of algae
C. Due to paint
D. Due to oil
B. Due to growth of algae
Moist, damp conditions in bathrooms promote the growth of algae, which form a slippery green film on surfaces.
Q31. Why does a mother insist on covering cooked food?
A. To keep it hot
B. To prevent dust and flies from settling on it
C. To make it cook more
D. To keep smells in
B. To prevent dust and flies from settling on it
Covering cooked food protects it from airborne dust and flies, which can carry disease-causing microorganisms and contaminate the food.
Q32. Why does vinegar act as a good preservative for pickles?
A. It is sour
B. It is acidic
C. It is liquid
D. It is cheap
B. It is acidic
The acetic acid in vinegar creates an acidic environment with low pH that inhibits the growth of most spoilage-causing bacteria and fungi.
Q33. Why does a cut apple turn brown after some time?
A. Due to paint
B. Due to rust
C. Due to air (oxidation) and microbial action
D. Due to loss of water
C. Due to air (oxidation) and microbial action
When cut, enzymes in the apple react with oxygen in the air (oxidation), and microorganisms begin to colonize the exposed surface, causing the flesh to turn brown.
Q34. Why are pulses (dal) and grains often sun-dried before storage?
A. To make them crunchy
B. To reduce their moisture content
C. To change their color
D. To make them warm
B. To reduce their moisture content
Sun-drying removes excess moisture, creating an environment unfavorable for the growth of fungi and bacteria that cause spoilage.
Q35. What is the white layer sometimes seen on the surface of salty pickles or very salty fish?
A. Salt crystals
B. Fungal growth
C. Fat
D. Wax
B. Fungal growth
In very salty conditions, some salt-tolerant fungi can still grow, forming a white layer on the surface of pickles or salted fish.
Q36. Why does a jar of honey last for years without spoiling?
A. It is very sweet
B. It has natural preservatives and low water
C. It is kept sealed
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Honey has low water content, high sugar concentration, and contains natural antimicrobial compounds like hydrogen peroxide, making it resistant to microbial spoilage.
Q37. Why do we feel body ache and fever during a viral infection like flu?
A. Virus produces pain
B. It is our body’s defense response
C. Due to lack of food
D. Due to cold weather
B. It is our body’s defense response
Fever and body aches are caused by chemicals released by the immune system to create a hostile environment for the virus and activate immune cells.
Q38. Why does a deep puncture wound from a rusty nail risk causing tetanus?
A. Rust is poisonous
B. The bacterium clostridium tetani lives in soil and rust
C. Nail causes bleeding
D. Iron causes infection
B. The bacterium clostridium tetani lives in soil and rust
Clostridium tetani bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and on rusty surfaces; deep puncture wounds create an anaerobic environment where they can thrive and produce toxins.
Q39. Why do we add baking soda (eno) or yeast while making cakes?
A. For sour taste
B. To make it heavy
C. To produce gas and make it fluffy
D. For white color
C. To produce gas and make it fluffy
Baking soda and yeast release carbon dioxide gas when mixed with batter, creating bubbles that make the cake light, soft, and fluffy.
Q40. Why does a person with tuberculosis often cough for a long time?
A. Due to sore throat
B. Due to allergy
C. The bacteria damage the lungs
D. Due to cold drink
C. The bacteria damage the lungs
Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infect and damage lung tissue, causing persistent coughing as the body tries to expel the bacteria and accumulated mucus.
Q41. Why should we avoid storing cooked food in copper or brass containers?
A. They are expensive
B. They can react with acids and salts, producing toxic compounds
C. They keep food too cold
D. They break easily
B. They can react with acids and salts, producing toxic compounds
Acidic or salty foods can react with copper and brass, leaching toxic metal compounds that may cause food poisoning or long-term health issues.
Q42. Why does buttermilk feel cooling in summer and also help in digestion?
A. It is served cold
B. It contains lactobacillus which is good for gut
C. It is yellow in color
D. It is cheap
B. It contains lactobacillus which is good for gut
Buttermilk contains Lactobacillus bacteria that act as probiotics, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and aiding digestion.
Q43. What causes the spongy, bad-smelling patches on citrus fruits like oranges?
A. Insect bites
B. Fungal rot
C. Sunburn
D. Overripe fruit
B. Fungal rot
Fungi like Penicillium infect citrus fruits, causing soft, spongy patches and producing foul-smelling compounds as they break down the fruit tissue.
Q44. Why are children given deworming medicine periodically?
A. To increase hunger
B. To kill protozoan or worm parasites in the gut
C. To help them sleep
D. To make them tall
B. To kill protozoan or worm parasites in the gut
Periodic deworming eliminates intestinal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms that can cause malnutrition, anemia, and growth problems in children.
Q45. Why does a person often get a recurring infection if they have a weak immune system?
A. They eat less
B. Their body cannot produce enough antibodies to fight germs
C. They stay indoors
D. They take baths
B. Their body cannot produce enough antibodies to fight germs
A weakened immune system produces insufficient antibodies, making it unable to effectively eliminate pathogens, leading to frequent or recurring infections.
Q46. Why do we add oil to the surface of pickles?
A. For taste
B. Oil floats and seals out air, preventing microbial growth
C. To make it shiny
D. To increase volume
B. Oil floats and seals out air, preventing microbial growth
A layer of oil acts as an airtight seal, preventing oxygen from reaching the pickle surface and inhibiting the growth of aerobic spoilage-causing microorganisms.
Q47. Why does a compost pit in the garden not smell bad if managed properly?
A. It is covered with soil
B. Good microbes decompose waste aerobically without much foul smell
C. Perfume is added
D. It has no garbage
B. Good microbes decompose waste aerobically without much foul smell
Properly managed compost pits promote aerobic decomposition by beneficial microorganisms, which produces less foul odor compared to anaerobic decomposition.
Q48. Why does a small piece of raw mango make the whole jar of pickles safe from spoilage?
A. It adds flavor
B. It is a fruit
C. It has antimicrobial properties
D. It is sour
C. It has antimicrobial properties
Raw mango contains natural antimicrobial compounds that help inhibit the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms in pickles.
Q49. Why does a vaccine sometimes cause mild fever or pain at the injection site?
A. The needle is dirty
B. It is a sign the body is reacting and building immunity
C. The vaccine is expired
D. The person is allergic
B. It is a sign the body is reacting and building immunity
Mild fever or localized pain indicates that the immune system is responding to the vaccine antigens and actively building protective immunity.
Q50. Why does water from an old tank or cooler sometimes cause itching or ear infection?
A. Water is cold
B. Water contains harmful bacteria or amoeba
C. Water has chlorine
D. Water is hot
B. Water contains harmful bacteria or amoeba
Stagnant water in old tanks or coolers can harbor pathogenic bacteria or amoebae that cause skin irritation, itching, or ear infections when contacted.
