Explanation: Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is the polymer used in making non-stick kitchenware. It has a very low coefficient of friction and is resistant to heat and chemicals, which prevents food from sticking to cookware surfaces.

Explanation: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a tall, jointed, perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. It has thick stems rich in sucrose, which is extracted to produce sugar. The plant reproduces mainly through stem cuttings (vegetative propagation). Its structure and growth habit are similar to other grasses like maize and bamboo.

Explanation: Fire extinguishers commonly used in houses and offices contain water, potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃), and fluorocarbons. These chemicals help in extinguishing fires by cooling, cutting off oxygen supply, and preventing the spread of flames without leaving harmful residues.

Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are formed in the bone marrow. Specifically, they are produced in the red bone marrow of large bones through a process called erythropoiesis. The hormone erythropoietin, secreted mainly by the kidneys, regulates this process. Mature RBCs are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues using the pigment hemoglobin.

Other options (for context)

• Heart: Pumps blood but does not produce blood cells.
• Liver: In adults, it does not form RBCs (though it does in the fetal stage).
• Kidney: Produces erythropoietin hormone but not RBCs directly.

Explanation: Ringworm (also known as Dermatophytosis or Tinea infection) is a fungal skin disease. It appears as red, circular, itchy patches on the skin, scalp, or nails. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm but by a fungus that grows on keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated objects.

Common Types:

• Tinea capitis: Ringworm of the scalp
• Tinea corporis: Ringworm of the body
• Tinea pedis: Athlete’s foot (infection of feet)
• Tinea cruris: Jock itch (infection of groin area)

Explanation: Trichology is derived from the Greek word “trikhos”, meaning hair. It is a specialized field within dermatology that focuses on the structure, function, and diseases of hair and scalp. Trichologists diagnose and treat conditions such as hair loss (alopecia), dandruff, scalp infections, and hair shaft disorders.

Common Hair Disorders Studied in Trichology:

• Alopecia: Hair loss due to genetics, stress, or autoimmune disorders.
• Dandruff (Seborrheic dermatitis): Scalp condition causing flaking and itching.
• Tinea capitis: Fungal infection of the scalp (ringworm).

The ozone hole leads to an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface. The depletion of the ozone layer, caused by chemicals like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), reduces its ability to block harmful UV rays. This can result in health issues such as skin cancer, cataracts, and also harm to crops and marine ecosystems.

• Acid rain: Caused by sulphur and nitrogen oxides, not ozone depletion.
• Global warming: Caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat.
• Greenhouse effect: Natural process intensified by CO₂, not related to ozone loss.

Running water is the source of hydel power (also called hydroelectric power). The energy of flowing or falling water is converted into electrical energy using turbines and generators in dams. It is a renewable, clean, and sustainable source of energy widely used in India and worldwide.

• Thermal power: Generated by burning coal or other fuels.
• Nuclear power: Produced from nuclear fission reactions.
• None of the above: Incorrect — running water directly produces hydel power.

Xylem is a type of vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transportation of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the stems and leaves. The upward movement of water through xylem vessels occurs due to processes like transpiration pull, root pressure, and capillary action. Xylem also provides mechanical support to the plant.

Other options (for context)

• Food: Transported by phloem, not xylem.
• Nutrient: Minerals are carried along with water but the primary function of xylem is water transport.
• Both food and water: Incorrect — only phloem transports food; xylem transports water.