Bioremediation is the process by which living organisms — mainly microbes, fungi, or plants — are used to remove or neutralize contaminants, pollutants, or toxins from soil, water, or air. These organisms break down harmful substances into less toxic or non-toxic forms, helping to clean up polluted environments naturally. It is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for environmental restoration.

Other options (for context)

• Biotechnology: A broader field involving the use of living systems for industrial, agricultural, or medical purposes.
• Biodegradation: The natural breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms, but not necessarily aimed at pollution cleanup.
• Biomagnification: The accumulation of toxic substances in the food chain, opposite of pollution removal.

Sputnik I was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. It was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. The successful launch of Sputnik I marked the beginning of the space age and initiated the space race between the USA and the USSR.

• Explorer I: First U.S. satellite, launched in 1958.
• Vanguard I: A U.S. satellite launched later in 1958.
• Discoverer I: Part of an American reconnaissance satellite program (1959).

Explanation: The burning of a candle is a chemical change because new substances such as carbon dioxide, water vapour, and heat energy are produced during the reaction between wax and oxygen. This change is irreversible and results in a permanent alteration of the chemical composition of the material. In contrast, melting of wax and vapourisation of water are physical changes since no new substances are formed and the process can be reversed by cooling.

The Ozone layer in the Earth’s stratosphere protects living organisms from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ozone (O₃) absorbs most of the high-energy UV radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth’s surface, where it could cause skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to plants and marine ecosystems. This protective layer is mainly found between 10 to 50 km above the Earth’s surface.

Other options (for context)

• Oxygen: Essential for respiration but does not block UV rays.
• Carbon dioxide: A greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat, not UV protection.
• Nitrogen: Makes up most of the atmosphere but plays no role in UV absorption.

A Hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the humidity (moisture content) in the atmosphere. It helps determine the percentage of water vapor present in the air, which is essential for weather forecasting, climate studies, and maintaining controlled environments in industries or laboratories. Some common types include the dry and wet bulb hygrometer and the digital hygrometer.

Other options (for context)

• Barometer: Used to measure atmospheric pressure.
• Anemometer: Used to measure wind speed.
• Thermometer: Used to measure temperature.

Insecticides primarily act upon the nervous system of insects. They interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and ultimately death. Common insecticides like organophosphates and carbamates inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, causing continuous nerve stimulation. Some others, like pyrethroids, disrupt sodium channel functioning in nerve cells.

Other options (for context)

• Muscular system: Indirectly affected due to nerve failure, but not the primary target.
• Digestive system: Rarely affected — insecticides mainly disrupt neural signaling, not digestion.

Vitamin-B complex and Vitamin-C are water-soluble vitamins. This means they dissolve easily in water and are not stored in the body; hence, they must be consumed regularly through diet. Excess amounts of these vitamins are excreted through urine. Vitamin-B complex includes B₁ (Thiamine), B₂ (Riboflavin), B₃ (Niacin), B₆, B₁₂, and others that play key roles in metabolism and energy production. Vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid) helps in collagen formation, boosts immunity, and acts as an antioxidant.

Other options (for context)

• Vitamin-A & Vitamin-B: Vitamin-A is fat-soluble, while Vitamin-B is water-soluble.
• Vitamin-C & Vitamin-D: Vitamin-C is water-soluble, but Vitamin-D is fat-soluble.
• Vitamin-A & Vitamin-K: Both are fat-soluble vitamins.

Explanation: Malaria and Trichomoniasis are both protozoan diseases, not bacterial. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium species (transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes), while Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted protozoan infection. Unlike bacterial diseases, these are treated using antiprotozoal drugs rather than antibiotics.

Explanation: The acid present in the human stomach is hydrochloric acid (HCl). It helps in the digestion of food by breaking down proteins and activating the enzyme pepsin. HCl also kills harmful microorganisms present in the food, aiding in maintaining a healthy digestive system.