Explanation: Minamata disease was caused by severe mercury poisoning in the coastal city of Minamata, Japan. It resulted from the discharge of methyl mercury compounds into Minamata Bay by a chemical factory (Chisso Corporation) during the 1950s and 1960s. The toxic mercury accumulated in fish and shellfish, which were later consumed by local residents. Symptoms included numbness, muscle weakness, loss of vision, hearing and speech, paralysis, and in severe cases, death. This incident is one of the world’s worst cases of industrial pollution.

All of the above are examples of static electricity. Static electricity is the result of the accumulation of electric charges on the surface of objects. When materials like glass, silk, ebonite, or wool are rubbed together, electrons are transferred, creating a charge imbalance. Similarly, lightning is a large-scale natural discharge of static electricity between clouds and the Earth.

• Glass rod & silk cloth: Positive and negative charges develop.
• Ebonite rod & wool: Negative charge accumulates on ebonite.
• Lightning: Discharge of atmospheric static electricity.

Explanation: Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress, fear, anger, or excitement. It prepares the body for “fight or flight” by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, and by dilating the air passages to supply more oxygen. Because it helps the body respond instantly to emergencies, it is called the “emergency hormone.”

Explanation: All enzymes are proteins (except a few RNA-based enzymes called ribozymes). Enzymes act as biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions, ensuring that metabolic processes occur efficiently at normal body temperatures. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate, forming an enzyme-substrate complex to carry out its function effectively.

Explanation: Proteins are complex organic compounds composed of smaller units called amino acids. Each amino acid contains an amino group (–NH₂), which contributes nitrogen to the molecular structure. This makes nitrogen an essential element in all proteins. Carbohydrates and fats lack nitrogen, while only some vitamins contain it.

Explanation: Leguminous crops such as peas, beans, gram, and clover have a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, enriching soil fertility naturally. Hence, legumes are used in crop rotation to restore nitrogen content in soil.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is commonly used as a fire extinguisher gas. It works by displacing oxygen around the fire and forming a blanket of gas that cuts off the oxygen supply, thereby stopping the combustion process. Additionally, CO₂ is non-flammable and leaves no residue, making it ideal for use on electrical and electronic fires where water cannot be used safely.

Other options (for context)

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): A toxic gas, not suitable for firefighting.
• Carbon monoxide (CO): A poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion, not used in extinguishers.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): Commonly known as laughing gas, used as an anesthetic, not a fire suppressant.

Explanation: Lysosomes are known as the ‘suicidal bags’ or ‘disposal units’ of the cell because they contain powerful hydrolytic enzymes capable of breaking down worn-out cell organelles, foreign substances, and even the entire cell when it becomes damaged or diseased.

Explanation: Fathom is a unit used to measure depth, particularly the depth of water in oceans and seas. One fathom is equal to 6 feet or approximately 1.83 meters. It is commonly used in navigation and marine studies.