ROUTERA


Chapter 8 Human Health and Disease

Class 12th Biology Chapter Assertion and Reason


1.

Assertion (A): A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
Reason (R): Healthy habits like balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can improve immune function and reduce the risk of disease.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Adopting a healthy lifestyle strengthens the immune system, prevents obesity, and reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.


2.

Assertion (A): The immunity provided by vaccines is an example of acquired immunity.
Reason (R): Vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies in the body by exposing it to an antigen in a safe form.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Vaccination introduces a harmless form of the pathogen, stimulating the body to produce antibodies and memory cells for future protection, which is a form of acquired immunity.


3.

Assertion (A): HIV infection leads to AIDS.
Reason (R): HIV destroys helper T-cells, which are essential for the functioning of the immune system, leading to immune system failure.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: HIV attacks helper T-cells, weakening the immune system, which leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).


4.

Assertion (A): The most common form of cancer in women is breast cancer.
Reason (R): The uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the breast tissues leads to the development of a tumor.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Breast cancer occurs due to mutations and abnormal cell growth in the breast tissue, and it is one of the most common cancers in women.


5.

Assertion (A): Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease.
Reason (R): TB bacteria are transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.


6.

Assertion (A): Antibiotics are effective in treating viral infections.
Reason (R): Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.
Answer: (B) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and do not work against viral infections such as the common cold or influenza.


7.

Assertion (A): Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite.
Reason (R): The Plasmodium parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Plasmodium is the protozoan responsible for malaria, and it is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.


8.

Assertion (A): Atherosclerosis is a condition that affects the blood vessels.
Reason (R): It is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which leads to restricted blood flow.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits, or plaque, accumulate on the artery walls, leading to a narrowing of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow.


9.

Assertion (A): Anemia is caused by a deficiency of red blood cells.
Reason (R): Anemia results from inadequate iron levels, which are essential for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Anemia is often due to iron deficiency, which impairs hemoglobin production and results in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.


10.

Assertion (A): Genetic disorders are inherited from parents.
Reason (R): Inherited genetic disorders are caused by mutations in the DNA that can be passed from parent to offspring.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia are passed from parents to children through inherited mutations in the genes.


11.

Assertion (A): Dengue fever is caused by a virus.
Reason (R): Dengue is transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes that are infected with the dengue virus.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is spread by Aedes mosquitoes.


12.

Assertion (A): Cholera is caused by bacterial infection.
Reason (R): Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, which infects the small intestine and causes severe diarrhea.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium responsible for cholera, leading to symptoms like severe diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially death.


13.

Assertion (A): The human immune system is capable of recognizing and destroying foreign invaders.
Reason (R): The immune system has specific cells and antibodies designed to target pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The immune system is equipped with cells (like T-cells and B-cells) and antibodies that can specifically identify and destroy foreign invaders.


14.

Assertion (A): Polio is caused by a virus.
Reason (R): The polio virus primarily affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Polio is caused by the poliovirus, which can damage the nervous system and lead to paralysis, especially in children.


15.

Assertion (A): A balanced diet helps maintain good health.
Reason (R): A balanced diet provides essential nutrients required for the body's growth, repair, and energy production.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: A balanced diet, containing the right amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, is necessary for maintaining overall health.


16.

Assertion (A): Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer."
Reason (R): Hypertension can damage organs like the heart and kidneys without showing immediate symptoms.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: High blood pressure can cause serious damage to vital organs without noticeable symptoms, which is why it is called the "silent killer."


17.

Assertion (A): Alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system.
Reason (R): Excessive alcohol reduces the production of white blood cells, impairing the body's ability to fight infections.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Heavy alcohol consumption interferes with the immune system’s function, making individuals more susceptible to infections.


18.

Assertion (A): Cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled cell division.
Reason (R): Mutations in genes that regulate cell growth lead to the formation of tumors.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Cancer occurs due to mutations in genes that control cell growth, leading to uncontrolled division and the formation of tumors.


19.

Assertion (A): Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite.
Reason (R): The Plasmodium parasite is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.


20.

Assertion (A): Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks its own cells.
Reason (R): In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly recognizes body cells as foreign and triggers an immune response against them.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, the immune system mistakenly targets and damages the body’s own tissues.


21.

Assertion (A): Vaccines help in the prevention of several infectious diseases.
Reason (R): Vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens without causing disease.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Vaccines trigger an immune response by introducing a harmless form of the pathogen, providing immunity against future infections from the pathogen.


22.

Assertion (A): Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases.
Reason (R): Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the body, which is necessary for bone health.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is crucial for strong bones. Its deficiency can lead to diseases like rickets or osteomalacia.


23.

Assertion (A): Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic reactions.
Reason (R): Histamine is released during an allergic reaction and causes symptoms like itching and swelling. Antihistamines block the action of histamine.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors, alleviating symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, and redness.


24.

Assertion (A): Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of many diseases.
Reason (R): Some diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, are influenced by inherited genetic factors.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Genetic factors can increase the likelihood of certain diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, but environmental factors also play a significant role.


25.

Assertion (A): Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer.
Reason (R): Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can damage lung tissues and lead to cancer.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Smoking exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, which can damage lung cells and lead to the development of cancer.

26.

Assertion (A): Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Reason (R): Antibiotics target bacterial infections, not viral pathogens.
Answer: (B) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: Antibiotics are designed to target bacteria and are ineffective against viruses. Treatments for viral infections typically involve antiviral medications or supportive care.


27.

Assertion (A): Cancer is primarily caused by uncontrolled cell division.
Reason (R): Cancer cells have mutations in genes that regulate cell growth and division.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Cancer occurs due to mutations in the genes responsible for regulating cell division, leading to uncontrolled growth and formation of tumors.


28.

Assertion (A): A deficiency in insulin causes diabetes mellitus.
Reason (R): Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Diabetes mellitus is caused by insufficient production or improper functioning of insulin, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels.


29.

Assertion (A): Genetic counseling can help individuals assess the risk of inherited genetic disorders.
Reason (R): Genetic counseling involves analyzing family history and genetic tests to provide insights on possible hereditary conditions.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Genetic counseling helps families understand the likelihood of inherited diseases and can guide decision-making on preventive or therapeutic measures.


30.

Assertion (A): The use of insecticide-treated bed nets helps control the spread of malaria.
Reason (R): The Anopheles mosquito, which transmits the malaria parasite, bites primarily during nighttime.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Bed nets treated with insecticides prevent mosquito bites, thus reducing the risk of malaria transmission, especially since the Anopheles mosquito is most active at night.


31.

Assertion (A): Obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Reason (R): Excess fat accumulation leads to the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Obesity contributes to the accumulation of fat and cholesterol in blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.


32.

Assertion (A): Exercise is beneficial in managing hypertension.
Reason (R): Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure by improving heart function and circulation.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Regular exercise strengthens the heart, reduces blood vessel resistance, and helps lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for managing hypertension.


33.

Assertion (A): Antibodies are produced by B-cells during an immune response.
Reason (R): B-cells differentiate into plasma cells, which secrete antibodies to neutralize pathogens.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: During an immune response, B-cells mature into plasma cells that produce antibodies specific to the antigen, which helps in neutralizing or eliminating the pathogen.


34.

Assertion (A): A healthy liver is essential for detoxification in the body.
Reason (R): The liver processes toxins and metabolic waste products, converting them into forms that can be safely eliminated.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The liver plays a vital role in detoxifying harmful substances by breaking them down or converting them into less harmful compounds that can be excreted by the body.


35.

Assertion (A): Malaria can be prevented through the use of antimalarial drugs.
Reason (R): Antimalarial drugs inhibit the growth of Plasmodium parasites, preventing the disease.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), target Plasmodium parasites and can be used for both treatment and prevention of malaria.


36.

Assertion (A): Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
Reason (R): Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can damage lung tissue and trigger mutations.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco smoke can lead to genetic mutations in lung cells, which increases the risk of lung cancer.


37.

Assertion (A): Leprosy is caused by a bacterial infection.
Reason (R): Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy, affecting the skin and peripheral nerves.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Mycobacterium leprae is the bacterium responsible for leprosy, a disease that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, leading to deformities if left untreated.


38.

Assertion (A): The primary function of the immune system is to defend the body against infections.
Reason (R): The immune system uses a variety of cells and molecules to identify and eliminate pathogens.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The immune system protects the body by identifying and destroying pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi using specialized cells like macrophages, T-cells, and B-cells.


39.

Assertion (A): Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in healthcare.
Reason (R): Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the development of resistant bacterial strains.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Over-prescription and inappropriate use of antibiotics contribute to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making infections more difficult to treat.


40.

Assertion (A): Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide.
Reason (R): Factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and high cholesterol contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death globally.


41.

Assertion (A): High levels of cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Reason (R): Cholesterol forms plaque in blood vessels, restricting blood flow and increasing the likelihood of clots.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: High cholesterol leads to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.


42.

Assertion (A): Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Reason (R): Antibiotics can target specific components of bacterial cells, killing or inhibiting their growth.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Antibiotics target specific structures or functions in bacterial cells, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production, making them effective in treating bacterial infections.


43.

Assertion (A): Protein-energy malnutrition is a condition in which a person suffers from inadequate protein and calorie intake.
Reason (R): This malnutrition leads to a reduction in body weight, muscle mass, and immune function.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Protein-energy malnutrition, such as in kwashiorkor and marasmus, results in insufficient intake of proteins and calories, leading to severe health problems like weight loss, muscle wasting, and immune dysfunction.


44.

Assertion (A): Vaccines can help prevent infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system.
Reason (R): Vaccines introduce a harmless part of the pathogen, prompting the immune system to produce antibodies.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Vaccines work by exposing the body to a non-virulent part of the pathogen, which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells for future protection.


45.

Assertion (A): Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system.
Reason (R): The flu virus causes fever, body aches, and respiratory distress, which are characteristic symptoms of influenza.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The influenza virus infects the respiratory tract, causing symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.


46.

Assertion (A): Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite.
Reason (R): Plasmodium is the protozoan parasite responsible for malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Plasmodium is the parasite that causes malaria, and it is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.


47.

Assertion (A): The body’s natural defense against infections includes both specific and nonspecific immune responses.
Reason (R): The nonspecific immune response includes barriers like the skin, while the specific immune response involves lymphocytes targeting pathogens.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The immune system uses both nonspecific (like the skin and phagocytes) and specific (like antibodies and T-cells) responses to defend against pathogens.


48.

Assertion (A): Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Reason (R): Excessive body fat causes insulin resistance, which disrupts normal glucose metabolism.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Obesity leads to insulin resistance, which impairs glucose uptake by cells, resulting in high blood sugar levels and eventually type 2 diabetes.


49.

Assertion (A): Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria.
Reason (R): Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes TB, primarily affecting the lungs.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, a respiratory disease that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.


50.

Assertion (A): Anemia can be caused by a deficiency of iron in the diet.
Reason (R): Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, and a deficiency in iron reduces hemoglobin levels, leading to anemia.