Explanation: Entomology is a branch of Zoology that focuses on the study of insects, including their structure, classification, behavior, ecology, and evolution. Insects make up more than 75% of all known animal species on Earth and play crucial roles in pollination, decomposition, and food chains. Scientists who study insects are known as entomologists.

Explanation: The Curie point (or Curie temperature) is the temperature above which a ferromagnetic material loses its magnetic properties and becomes paramagnetic. At this point, thermal energy overcomes the magnetic alignment of atoms. For example, the Curie temperature of iron is about 770°C.

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.

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: 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.

Explanation: The spectrophotometer measures bacterial growth by determining the optical density (OD) or turbidity of a culture. As bacteria multiply, the suspension becomes more turbid and absorbs more light. The absorbance value is proportional to the number of bacterial cells present.

Explanation: Ascorbic acid is not a member of the vitamin B complex; it is actually vitamin C. The vitamin B complex includes vitamins like thiamine (B₁), riboflavin (B₂), niacin (B₃), folic acid (B₉), and others that play important roles in metabolism and energy production.

Sound becomes hazardous and causes noise pollution when its intensity exceeds 80 decibels (dB). Prolonged exposure to such high noise levels can lead to hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and other health problems. Common sources include heavy traffic, loudspeakers, machinery, and construction activities. Sounds above 120 dB can cause immediate ear damage or pain.

Other options (for context)

• Above 50 dB: Considered moderate — typical of normal conversation or office noise.
• Above 100 dB: Very loud and potentially painful, but 80 dB is the threshold for long-term hazard.
• Above 130 dB: Extremely loud, causes immediate physical pain and ear damage.

Explanation: In a healthy adult, the total volume of blood in the body is approximately 7% of body weight. For an average person weighing around 70 kg, this equals about 5 to 5.5 litres of blood. Blood plays a vital role in transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It also helps regulate temperature and maintain pH balance. The major components of blood are plasma (55%), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

Hepatitis is a disease that primarily affects the liver. It is characterized by inflammation of the liver tissues and can be caused by viral infections (such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses), excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, or autoimmune conditions. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Severe or chronic hepatitis can lead to liver failure or cirrhosis if left untreated.

Other options (for context)

• Pancreas: Affected by diseases like pancreatitis or diabetes, not hepatitis.
• Spleen: Involved in blood filtration and immunity, not affected by hepatitis.
• Small intestine: Responsible for digestion and absorption of food, not linked to hepatitis.