Chapter 8 – Human Health and Diseases

Previous year’s questions and their Explanation

YEAR 2010

1. Define the term 'health'. Mention any two ways of maintaining it.
Ans – Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Good health is
maintained by balanced diet, personal hygiene and regular exercise, yoga, vaccination
against infectious diseases, proper disposal of wastes, control of vectors, etc.

2. Why does a doctor administer tetanus antitoxin and not a tetanus vaccine to a child
injured in a roadside accident with a bleeding wound? Explain.
Ans - Tetanus is caused by a microbe which has a deadly and fast action. Action of vaccine is
slow and this delay may become fatal. Therefore, antitoxins are administered which show an
instant response against tetanus toxin.

3. Name an opioid drug and its source plant. How does the drug affect the human body?
Ans – Heroin is an opioid drug obtained from the poppy plant Papaver Somniferum. It is a
depressant and slows down the body functions.

4. Mention the name of the causal organism, symptoms and the mode of transmission of
the disease Amoebiasis.
Ans – Causes:
 l It is caused by an intestinal endoparasite, Entamoeba histolytica found in large intestine
of humans.
 l Housefly acts as mechanical carrier and transmits the parasite from faeces of infected
person to the food.
 l Infection takes place through contaminated food and water.
Symptoms:
(a) Abdominal pain (b) Constipation (c) Cramps (d) Stool with excess mucous and blood
clots, etc.

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 YEAR 2011
5. Differentiate between benign and malignant tumours.
Ans –

6. (i) Write the scientific names of the two species of filarial worms causing filariasis.
(ii) How do they affect the body of infected person(s)?
(iii) How does the disease spread?
Ans – (i) Wuchereria bancrofti, Wuchereria malayi.
(ii) Filariasis results in inflammation of the lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs and of the
genital organs. It can also lead to gross deformity of the lower limbs and the genital organs
(Any two).
(iii) Through the bite of female Culex mosquito.

7. List the two types of immunity a human baby is born with. Explain the differences
between the two types.
Ans – The two types of immunity are innate and passive/acquired immunity.
Innate immunity is a non-specific type of defence that provides barriers to the entry of
antigens.
Passive immunity is a pathogen-specific type of defence that develops in response to
encouter with pathogen. The foetus recieves antibodies through the placenta.

8. (a) Name the causative agent of typhoid in humans.

(b) Name the test administered to confirm the disease.
(c) How does the pathogen gain entry into the human body? Write the diagonostic
symptoms and mention the body organ that gets affected in severe cases.
Ans – (a) Salmonella typhi
(b) Widal test
(c) The pathogen gains entry through contaminated food and water.
The symptoms include sustained high fever (30°C to 40°C), weakness, stomach pain
constipation, headache, loss of appetite (Any two). In severe cases, intestine gets affected.

9. Why is tobacco smoking associated with rise in blood pressure and emphysema (oxygen
deficiency in the body)? Explain.
Ans –Tobacco has nicotine that stimulates the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline which
raise blood pressure. Smoking tobacco releases carbon monoxide which reduces the
concentration of haem-bound oxygen. This causes emphysema.

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10. Study the diagram -

Study the diagram showing replication of HIV in humans and answer the following
questions accordingly:
(i) Write the chemical nature of the coat ‘A’.
(ii) Name the enzyme ‘B’ acting on ‘X’ to produce molecule ‘C’. Name ‘C’.
(iii) Mention the name of the host cell ‘D’ the HIV attacks first when it enters into the
human body.
(iv) Name the two different cells that the new viruses ‘E’ subsequently attack.
Ans – (i) Coat ‘A’ is made up of protein.
(ii) The enzyme ‘B’ is reverse transcriptase, ‘C’ is viral DNA.
(iii) The host cell ‘D’ is macrophage.
(iv) The new viruses ‘E’ subsequently attack macrophages and helper T-lymphocytes.

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 YEAR 2012
11. State two different roles of spleen in the human body.
Ans – Spleen is the secondary lymphoid organ that stores lymphocytes, it filters microbes and
acts as a reservoir to store erythrocytes

12. Name the plant source of ganja. How does it affect the body of the abuser?
Ans – Cannabis sativa/hemp plant. It damages cardio-vascular system.

13. Name the two special types of lymphocytes in humans. How do they differ in their roles
in immune response?
Ans – B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes.
B-cells produce pathogen specific antibodies/humoral immune response.
T-cells help the B-cells to produce antibodies/are responsible for cell mediated immunity.

14. Name the bacterium that causes typhoid. Mention two diagnostic symptoms. How is this
disease transmitted to others?
Ans – Salmonella typhi.
Constipation, stomach pain, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, high fever. (Any two)
The disease is transmitted through contaminated food/water.

15. Trace the life-cycle of malarial parasite in the human body when bitten by an infected
female Anopheles.
Ans - Sporozoite of Plasmodium gets into human blood through the bite of female Anopheles
mosquito. Sporozoites reproduce asexually in liver cells, then they get into red blood cells, where
they reproduce asexually and infect more blood cells. After a while they change into
gametocytes, which are picked up by the mosquitoes and the entire cycle occurs again.

16. Name any two organisms that are responsible for ringworms in humans. Mention two
diagnostic symptoms. Name the specific parts of the human body where these organisms
thrive and explain why.
Ans – Microsporum/Trichophyton/Epideromophyton.
Symptoms: Dry/scaly lesion on skin/nails/scalp/intense itching (Any two).
These thrive in body groin/between toes, thrive better in heat/moisture/perspiration.

17. How do interferons protect us?

Ans – Interferons protect non-infected cells from further viral infections, by creating cytokine
barriers.

18. Name the cells that act as HIV factory in humans when infected by HIV. Explain the
events that occur in the infected cell.
Ans – Macrophages/Helper T-cells act as HIV factory.
The virus enters macrophages or helper T-cells where RNA genome of the virus replicates
to form viral DNA with the help of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The viral DNA then
gets incorporated into host cell’s DNA and directs infected cells to produce virus particles.

19. Name and explain the two types of immune responses in humans.
Ans - The two types of immunity are humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity.

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 Humoral immunity: Immune respones given by antibodies found in the blood.
Cell-mediated immunity: T-lymphocytes mediate this immunity

YEAR 2013
20. When does a human body elicit an anamenstic response?
Ans – At the time of secondary response.

21. Write the events that take place when a vaccine for any disease is introduced into the
human body.
Ans – When a vaccine is introduced, it induces the production of antibodies in the body against
the antigens of the disease. These antibodies neutralise the antigens at the time of actual
infection. They also cause the production of B and T cells which recognise the pathogen quickly
on subsequent exposure.

22. Why a person with cuts and bruises following an accident is administered tetanus
antitoxin? Give reasons.
Ans – Tetanus is caused by a deadly bacterium which requires quick response to neutralise.
Therefore, preformed antitoxin is administered to neutralise the effect of the bacterial toxin.

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 YEAR 2014

23. Why is secondary immune response more intense than the primary immune response in
humans?
Ans – This is because of presence of antibodies developed during primary.

24. List the symptoms of Ascariasis. How does a healthy person acquire this infection?
Ans – Symptoms of Ascariasis: Internal bleeding, muscular pain, anaemia, blockage of intestinal
passage. A healthy person can acquire this infection by intake of water, vegetables/fruits/food
contaminated with eggs of the parasite.

25. What is an autoimmune disease? give an example.

Ans – It is an abnormal immune response in which the immune system of the body starts
rejecting its own body cells or ‘self ’ cells and molecules. For example, rheumatoid arthritis.

26. What is “withdrawal syndrome”? List any two symptoms it is characterised by.
Ans – It is the state experienced by addicts when their regular dose of alcohol/drug is abruptly
discontinued. It is often characterised by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating.

27. Name the form of Plasmodium that gains entry into the human body. Explain the
different stages of its life-cycle in the human body.
Ans – Plasmodium vivax:
 The infected female Anopheles mosquito transfers the infectious form of Plasmodium,
i.e., sporozoites to the human body by biting.
 The sporozoites reach the liver cells, where they multiply.
 This is followed by their attack on red blood cells resulting in their rupture.
 The ruptured RBCs release a toxin called haemozoin, which is responsible for high
recurring fever, chills and shivering.
 These parasites enter the female Anopheles mosquitoes when they bite an infected
person.
 In the body of mosquitoes, they fertilise and multiply in the stomach wall.
 Sporozoites are now stored in the salivary gland of mosquito till it is again transferred to
human body by a mosquito bite.

28. (a) Name and explain giving reasons, the type of immunity provided to the newborn by
the colostrum and vaccinations.
(b) Name the type of antibody
(i) present in colostrum
(ii) produced in response to allergens in human body.
Ans – (a) Colostrum provides passive immunity, because the infant gets antibodies from the
mother’s body directly for protection.
Vaccinations provide active immunity because in this case microbes are injected into the
body do develop immunity slowly.
(b) (i) IgA
(ii) IgE

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29. How does haemozoin affect the human body when released in blood during malarial
infection?
Ans – Haemozoin is responsible for the chill and high fever recurring every three to four days
during malarial infection.
.

YEAR 2015
30. A heavily bleeding and bruised road accident victim was brought to a nursing home.
The doctor immediately gave him an injection to protect him against a deadly disease.
(a) Write what did the doctor inject into the patient's body.
(b) How do you think this injection would protect the patient against the disease?
(c) Name the disease against which this injection was given and the kind of immunity it
provides.
Ans – (a) Tetanus antitoxins/Tetanus toxoid =1
(b) The preformed antibody injected , act on the pathogen immediately to provide
protection
(c) Tetanus, passive immunity

YEAR 2016
31. (a) It is generally observed that the children who had suffered from chicken - pox in
their childhood may not contract the same disease in their adulthood. Explain giving
reasons the basis of such an immunity in an individual. Name this kind of immunity.
(b) What are interferons ? Mention their role.
Ans – (a) The first infection of chicken pox produce a primary response and antibodies are
generated against chicken pox virus , subsequent encounter with the same virus elicits a
highly intensified secondary response , due to the memory cells formed during the first
encounter , active immunity
(b) Proteins secreted by viral infected cells , which protects non infected cells from viral
infection / when α - interferon is given to cancer patient (it activates immune system) ,
destroys tumour.

32. Name the cells , HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)gains entry into after infecting
the human body. Explain the events that occur in these cells.
Ans – Macrophages , (Helper) T-lymphocytes , viral RNA forms DNA by reverse transcription
(reverse transcriptase) , directs the infected cells to produce viral particles / increase viral
progeny.

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 YEAR 2017

33. Mention one application for each of the following :

(a) Passive immunization
(b) Antihistamine
(c) Colostrum
(d) Cytokinin-barrier
Ans – (a) Provide preformed antibodies / anti-toxins for quick response in case of infection by
deadly microbes(tetanus) or snake bite
(b) Reduces symptoms of allergy
(c) Provides passive immunity / antibodies / Ig A to new born
(d) Protection of non-infected cells from further viral infection

34. (Name a human disease, its causal organism, symptoms (any three) and vector, spread
by intake of water and food contaminated by human faecal- matter.
Ans – (Amoebiasis (Amoebic dysentery) , Entamoeba histolytica , constipation / abdominal pain
/cramps / stools with excess mucus / blood clots (Any three symptoms) , Housefly
OR
Ascariasis, Ascaris , internal bleeding / muscular pain / fever / anaemia / blockage of intestinal
passage (Any three symptoms), Housefly
OR
Typhoid, Salmonella typhi, high fever / weakness / stomach pain / constipation / headache / loss
of appetite (Any three symptoms), Housefly

35. (a) Why is there a fear amongst the guardians that their adolescent wards may get
trapped in drug/alcohol abuse?
(b) Explain ‘addiction’ and ‘dependence’ in respect of drug/alcohol abuse in youth.
Ans – (a) Adolescents are easily affected by ( vulnerable to) peer pressure /adventure /curiosity /
excitement / experimentation / media
(b) Addiction -Psychological attachment to certain effects such as Euphoria / temporary
feeling of well-being
Dependence-Tendency of the body to show withdrawal syndrome / symptoms if regular
doses of drug / alcohol is abruptly discontinued

36. Name the type of immunity the colostrum provides to a newborn baby. Write giving an
example where this type of immunity should be provided to a person.
Ans – Passive Immunity
In case of infection by deadly microbes(tetanus) / snake bite where quick immune
response is required.

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 YEAR 2018
33. (a) Name the source plant of heroin drug. How is it obtained from the plant ?
(b) Write the effects of heroin on the human body.
Ans - (a) - Papaver somniferum / Poppy plant = ½
- Extracted from latex of the plant / acetylation of morphine (obtained from the latex of
plant)
(b) Depressant , slows down body function

34. How do cytokine barriers provide innate immunity in humans ?

Ans – Interferon (proteins) , secreted by virus infected cells (protect non - infected cells from
further viral infection)

35. Name two diseases whose spread can be controlled by the eradication of Aedes
mosquitoes.
Ans – Dengue , Chikunguniya // Yellow Fever / Eastern Equine Encephalitis / West Nile Fever /
Zika / Zika Virus Disease (Any two)

YEAR 2019
36. Differentiate between the roles of B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes in generating
immune responses.
Ans – B-lymphocytes : Produce antibodies
T-lymphocytes : Help B-lymphocytes to produce antibodies / kills the pathogen directly
(Killer T-cells)

37. Principle of vaccination is based on the property of “memory” of the immune system.
Taking one suitable example, justify the statement.
Ans - When a vaccine / heat killed pathogen / attenuated pathogen / weakened pathogen / a
preparation of antigenic proteins of pathogen is introduced into the body to prevent chicken pox /
measles / any other example it produces antibodies against antigen / pathogen

37. (a) Name the causative agents of pneumonia and common cold.
(b) How do these differ in their symptoms ?
(c) Mention two symptoms common to both.
Ans – (a) Streptococcus pneumoniae/ Haemophilus influenzae,Rhinoviruses
(b) Different symptoms ( any two)

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 (c) Common symptoms (any two )

38. (a) Write the scientific names of the causative agent and vector of malaria, and write its
symptoms.
(b) Name any two diseases spread by Aedes sp.
Ans – (a) Plasmodium vivax / P. falciparum / P.malariae, vector-Female Anopheles mosquito =
Symptoms - chill , high fever
(b) Dengue, Chikungunya (or any other correct example )

39. (a) Differentiate between active and passive immunity.

(b) Comment on the role of vaccination and immunization in keeping human population
healthy.
Ans –

(b) Role of vaccination / immunization:

- Antibodies produced in body against antigen neutralizes pathogenic agents.
- Vaccines also generate memory cell ( B and T cells) that recognize quickly on subsequent
exposure and controls growth of pathogen with massive production of antibodies
- Preformed antibodies/ antitoxin protect our body from deadly microbes like tetanus and
against snake venom

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40. Name any two physiological barriers that provide innate immunity ?
Ans – Acid in Stomach/Saliva in mouth/tears in eyes (Any two)

41. While on an excursion to a hill station, some of the children developed allergic
symptoms.
(a) List any two allergic symptoms.
(b) Name any two allergens.
(c) List any two antiallergens.
Ans – (a) Sneezing / watery eyes / running nose / difficulty in breathing (Any two)
(b) Dust / pollen / animal dander / mites (Any two)
(c) Anti-histamine / adrenalin / steroids (Any two)

YEAR 2020

42. The main barrier that prevents the entry of micro-organisms into our body is
(A) Antibodies (B) Macrophages (C) Monocytes (D) Skin
Ans – (D) Skin

43. It is often observed that the chances of a person suffering from measles in his or her
lifetime are low if he or she has suffered from the disease in their early childhood.
Justify the statement.
Ans – Memory cells develop during measles in early childhood , subsequent encounters with the
same pathogen elicits a highly intensified secondary / anamnestic response

44. The diagnostic test that confirms typhoid in humans is

(A) ELISA (B) Widal (C) MRI (D) Amniocentesis
Ans – (B) Widal test.

45. Name the type of immunity the mother provides the newborn baby. How does it
happen?
Ans – Passive immunity
Colostrum has (abundant) antibodies / IgA present

46. Name the two primary lymphoid organs. State the importance of T-lymphocytes.
Ans - Thymus , Bone marrow
Functions : helps B-cells in production of antibodies , mediate CMI , responsible for graft
rejection (any one)

47. How are malignant tumors different from benign tumors ? Why are some patients
treated with α - interferons?
Ans – Benign tumors remain confined to their original location/ do not spread to other part of the
body / cause little damage / no metastasis , malignant tumors proliferate and spread to other body
parts / is more harmful / cause serious damage / causes metastasis
Biological response modifiers / activate immune system to destroy tumor
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48. The principle of vaccination is based on the property of
(A) Specificity (B) Diversity (C) Memory
(D) Discrimination between ‘self’ and ‘non-self’
Ans – (C) Memory

49. Opioids act as –

(A) Depressants (B) Pain killers (C) Euphoria providers (D) Stimulants
Ans – (A) Depressants

50. Mention the chemical nature of an antibody and name the type of cells they are
produced by. Write the difference between active and passive immune responses on the
basis of antibodies.
Ans - Made up of proteins / peptide , B-lymphocytes / B-cells
Active immunity - due to exposure to antigens / pathogens / vaccination / immunisation leads to
production of antibodies by the individual, slow process
Passive immunity - Ready-made antibodies are directly given to protect the body of an individual
against foreign agents, fast process/ provide immediate immunity

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