Olympiad Test: Food, Health And Hygiene - Class 6 MCQ

Deficiency Disease:

Deficiency diseases are caused by a lack or deficiency of certain essential nutrients in our diet. The best pair of statements that describe a deficiency disease are:

i. They are caused by germs: This statement does not describe a deficiency disease as deficiency diseases are not caused by germs.

ii. They are caused due to lack of nutrients in our diet: This statement accurately describes deficiency diseases as they occur when the body lacks essential nutrients.

iii. They can be passed on to another person through contact: This statement does not specifically describe a deficiency disease as the transmission of diseases through contact can occur with various types of diseases, not just deficiency diseases.

iv. They can be prevented by taking a balanced diet: This statement accurately describes the prevention of deficiency diseases. A balanced diet ensures that the body receives all the necessary nutrients, preventing the occurrence of deficiency diseases.

Conclusion:

The pair of statements that best describe a deficiency disease are ii. They are caused due to lack of nutrients in our diet and iv. They can be prevented by taking a balanced diet. Deficiency diseases occur when the body lacks essential nutrients and can be prevented by maintaining a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients.

Minerals:
- Calcium, iron, potassium, iodine, and common salt are examples of minerals.
- Minerals are essential nutrients that our bodies need in small amounts for various functions.
- They play a vital role in maintaining good health and proper bodily functions.
- Our bodies cannot produce minerals, so we need to obtain them from our diet or through supplementation.
- Minerals are classified into two categories: macro-minerals and trace minerals.
- Macro-minerals are required in larger amounts, while trace minerals are needed in smaller quantities.
- Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, blood clotting, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
- Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body.
- Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
- Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism.
- Common salt, or sodium chloride, is important for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve function.
- These minerals are found in a variety of foods, including dairy products, leafy greens, meat, seafood, and fortified foods.
- It is important to consume a balanced diet that includes these minerals to ensure optimal health.

A mosquito is not considered a scavenger, since they eat meat. Instead, they are considered to be parasites, because they live on the blood of humans.

Flies are omnivorous animals and will eat almost anything from the nectar of plants, to sap, and even animal blood. 

Answer:
Bacteria in the intestine synthesize Vitamin K.
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient required for blood clotting and bone health. While it is found in certain foods like leafy greens, bacteria in the intestine play a crucial role in its synthesis. Here's a detailed breakdown of the answer:
Intestinal Bacteria:
- The human intestine is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiota.
- These bacteria play a vital role in various aspects of human health, including digestion, immune function, and vitamin synthesis.
Vitamin K Synthesis:
- Vitamin K refers to a group of compounds, including K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone).
- Bacteria in the intestine, particularly in the colon, are capable of synthesizing Vitamin K2.
- This synthesis occurs through a process called bacterial fermentation, in which the bacteria convert dietary precursors into Vitamin K2.
Beneficial Effects:
- The synthesized Vitamin K2 is then absorbed by the body and contributes to various biological functions.
- Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, as it helps in the production of clotting factors.
- It also plays a role in bone health by supporting the activation of osteocalcin, a protein involved in bone formation.
- Additionally, Vitamin K2 may have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and promoting healthy brain function.
Conclusion:
- Vitamin K is synthesized by bacteria in the intestine, specifically Vitamin K2.
- This synthesis is an important contribution to the body's Vitamin K levels and supports various physiological functions.
- It highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiota in human health and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria.

Plants produce their food by the process of photosynthesis. The extra food material is stored in different parts of plants which become edible. For example, stem of potato and onion, leaves of coriander and cabbage, flower of cauliflower and broccoli and seeds of wheat and corn are the edible parts of the plant.                

How the Actions of Beetles and Mushrooms Benefit Plants
The actions of beetles and mushrooms play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down the remains of dead animals and trees, respectively. These actions primarily benefit plants in the following ways:
1. Returning Nutrients to the Soil:
- Both beetles and mushrooms are decomposers, which means they break down organic matter into simpler forms.
- When beetles consume dead animals and mushrooms decompose dead trees, they release nutrients stored in these remains back into the soil.
- These nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are essential for plant growth and development.
- By recycling nutrients, beetles and mushrooms contribute to a healthier soil composition, providing plants with the necessary elements for their survival.
2. Enhancing Soil Fertility:
- The breakdown of organic matter by beetles and mushrooms improves soil fertility.
- As the remains of dead animals and trees decompose, they enrich the soil with organic matter, humus, and beneficial microorganisms.
- These organic materials enhance soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability, all of which are vital for plant growth.
- Improved soil fertility promotes healthier and more productive plant growth, ultimately benefiting the entire ecosystem.
3. Facilitating Nutrient Cycling:
- The actions of beetles and mushrooms contribute to the cycling of nutrients in the ecosystem.
- As decomposers, they break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed by plants.
- This nutrient cycling ensures a continuous supply of essential elements for plant growth and helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem.
In conclusion, the actions of beetles and mushrooms benefit plants by returning nutrients to the soil, enhancing soil fertility, and facilitating nutrient cycling. These processes support the growth and development of plants, ultimately contributing to the overall health and functioning of the ecosystem.

Answer:
The correct answer is C: Potato.
Explanation:
When iodine solution is added to different foods, it reacts with the starch present in the food and produces a blue-black color. Among the given options, only the potato contains a significant amount of starch, which is why it turns blue-black with iodine solution.
Here is a detailed explanation of why the other options do not turn blue-black:
Onion:
- Onions do not contain a significant amount of starch.
- Therefore, when iodine solution is added to onions, there is no reaction and the color remains unchanged.
Sugar:
- Sugar is a carbohydrate, but it is not in the form of starch.
- Therefore, when iodine solution is added to sugar, there is no reaction and the color remains unchanged.
Groundnut:
- Groundnuts (also known as peanuts) are primarily composed of fats and proteins, and do not contain a significant amount of starch.
- Therefore, when iodine solution is added to groundnuts, there is no reaction and the color remains unchanged.
In conclusion, among the given options, only the potato turns blue-black with iodine solution due to the presence of starch.