Explanation: Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the Variola virus. It is characterized by high fever, fatigue, and a distinctive pustular rash on the skin. Smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases in human history, but thanks to the worldwide vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO), it was officially eradicated in 1980. The vaccine for smallpox was first developed by Edward Jenner in 1796.

Explanation: Angora wool is obtained from the Angora rabbit, a special breed reared mainly for its soft, silky, and warm fur. The wool fibers are extremely fine and have a high insulating property, making them ideal for luxury clothing. It is different from Mohair (from Angora goat) and Cashmere (from Kashmiri goat).

Explanation: Dengue fever is caused by the Dengue virus, which belongs to the Flavivirus group. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus multiplies in the blood and causes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and low platelet count. In severe cases, it can lead to Dengue hemorrhagic fever or Dengue shock syndrome. Prevention includes controlling mosquito breeding and avoiding mosquito bites.

Explanation: Respiration is a biochemical process in which food molecules (mainly glucose) are oxidized to release energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is then used for various life processes such as movement, growth, repair, and maintenance. Respiration occurs in all living cells and takes place mainly inside the mitochondria.

Chemical Equation:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)

In contrast, photosynthesis stores energy in glucose molecules, while respiration releases that stored energy for cellular use.

Explanation: The gas used for artificial ripening of green fruits is ethylene (C₂H₄). Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening by stimulating the conversion of starches into sugars, making the fruit softer and sweeter. In artificial ripening, ethylene gas is introduced in controlled amounts to uniformly ripen fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. However, the use of harmful chemicals like calcium carbide for ripening is banned because it produces toxic substances like acetylene.

The O blood group, specifically O negative (O−), is considered the Universal Donor because it can be safely transfused to people of all other blood groups. This is due to the absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells, minimizing the risk of immune reactions during transfusion.

• A: Can donate only to A and AB groups.
• AB: Universal recipient, not donor.
• B: Can donate only to B and AB groups.

Explanation: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and highly poisonous gas. When inhaled, it competes with oxygen for binding sites on the haemoglobin molecule in red blood cells. CO has approximately 200–250 times greater affinity for haemoglobin than oxygen. As a result, it forms a stable compound called carboxyhaemoglobin (HbCO).

This compound prevents haemoglobin from carrying oxygen to body tissues, leading to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). Prolonged exposure to CO can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and even death due to suffocation.

Chemical Reaction:

Hb + CO → HbCO (Carboxyhaemoglobin)

Explanation: Malaria is caused by a parasitic infection of the genus Plasmodium. The disease spreads to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites, it injects Plasmodium sporozoites into the bloodstream, which travel to the liver, multiply, and infect red blood cells. Common species causing malaria include P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae, and P. ovale. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, and anemia. It can be prevented by mosquito control and use of antimalarial drugs.

Explanation: Acids do not turn red litmus to blue; they turn blue litmus paper red. Acids are sour in taste, corrosive in nature, and have a pH value less than 7. The statement that acids turn red litmus to blue is incorrect.