Nutrition [Nutrition in General]
Solutions for Biology, Class 9, ICSE
Assertion Reason Type
6 questionsAssertion (A): Cellulose and glycogen are polysaccharides which provide roughage for proper functioning of the gut.
Reason (R): None of the polysaccharides can be converted into simpler carbohydrates like glucose, etc. So, these polysaccharides remain as such in the gut and help in digestion.
- A is True and R is False.
- A is False and R is True.
- Both A and R are True.
- Both A and R are False.
Answer:
Both A and R are False.
Reason — Cellulose is a polysaccharide that acts as roughage because humans lack the enzyme cellulase to digest it but glycogen is not roughage, it is a storage form of glucose in animals and is digestible by humans.
Many polysaccharides, like starch and glycogen, can be digested into simpler sugars like glucose. Only cellulose remains undigested in the human gut and contributes to roughage.
Answer:
Both A and R are True.
Reason — Goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, caused by iodine deficiency. Without iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to gland enlargement. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate growth, metabolism and development all of which are essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Assertion (A): Haemoglobin is a respiratory pigment consisting of iodine and albumin protein.
Reason (R): The deficiency of iodine causes anaemia because it is required for the formation of haemoglobin.
- A is True and R is False.
- A is False and R is True.
- Both A and R are True.
- Both A and R are False.
Answer:
Both A and R are False.
Reason — Haemoglobin is a respiratory pigment found in red blood cells, but it is made of: Globin (a protein), Heme group containing iron , not iodine. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, not haemoglobin. Anaemia is caused by iron deficiency, not iodine deficiency.
Assertion (A): Diet is the combination of food items which we eat in our meals every day.
Reason (R): Diet must contain all the food components in the required amount for a particular person.
- A is True and R is False.
- A is False and R is True.
- Both A and R are True.
- Both A and R are False.
Answer:
Both A and R are True.
Reason — A diet refers to the daily intake of food by an individual. It includes all the food items consumed as part of regular meals. A balanced diet must contain all essential nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water) in the right proportions.
Assertion (A): Both galactose and lactose are sugars present in milk and soluble in water.
Reason (R): Lactose is insoluble in water as it is a type of polysaccharide; while galactose being a disaccharide, is soluble.
- A is True and R is False.
- A is False and R is True.
- Both A and R are True.
- Both A and R are False.
Answer:
A is True and R is False.
Reason — Lactose is the main sugar in milk. It is a disaccharide. Galactose is a monosaccharide, and also found in milk. Both the sugars are soluble in water. Lactose is a disaccharide, not a polysaccharide and it is soluble in water, galactose is a monosaccharide not a disaccharide, is also soluble in water.
Assertion (A): Both kwashiorkor and marasmus are caused due to the deficiency of fat. Usually, old aged people are affected with these diseases.
Reason (R): Kwashiorkor and marasmus are protein deficiency diseases usually affecting children.
- A is True and R is False.
- A is False and R is True.
- Both A and R are True.
- Both A and R are False.
Answer:
A is False and R is True.
Reason — Kwashiorkor and marasmus are primarily caused by protein and carbohydrate deficiencies, not fat alone. These diseases affects young children, especially in areas with malnutrition.
These diseases are protein deficiency diseases and mostly affect infants and young children.
Long Answer Type
6 questionsDistinguish between the following pairs on the basis of the words indicated in the brackets :
(a) Monosaccharides and Disaccharides (Number of carbon atoms)
(b) Kwashiorkor and Marasmus (Age)
(c) Tocopherol and Pantothenic acid (Solubility)
(d) Malnutrition and Under-nutrition (Definition)
(e) Iron and Iodine. (Deficiency diseases)
Answer:
(a) Difference between Monosaccharides and Disaccharides (Number of carbon atoms):
Monosaccharides | Disaccharides |
---|---|
The number of carbon atoms is six. | The number of carbon atoms is twelve |
(b) Difference between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus (Age):
Kwashiorkor | Marasmus |
---|---|
It affects children of 2-5 years of age. | It affects infants below the age of 1 year. |
(c) Difference between Tocopherol and Pantothenic acid (Solubility):
Tocopherol | Pantothenic acid |
---|---|
It is soluble in fat. | It is soluble in water. |
(d) Difference between Malnutrition and Undernutrition (Definition):
Malnutrition | Undernutrition |
---|---|
Malnutrition is the condition in which a person suffers due to an unbalanced diet. It includes both deficiency as well as an excess of nutrients in a person's diet. | Undernutrition refers to the condition in which a person suffers from poor nutrition caused by not having enough food containing essential nutrients. |
(e) Difference between Iron and Iodine (Deficiency diseases):
Iron | Iodine |
---|---|
Iron deficiency results in Anaemia. | Iodine deficiency causes Goitre and Cretinism. |
Answer:
Purpose for which food is needed by the body.
- Growth — Food is necessary for building new protoplasm or cells. This helps in the growth of an organism.
- Repair — Food provides material for the repair of worn-out or injured cells.
- Energy — We obtain energy from food. This energy is required for carrying out various life functions.
- Maintenance — Nutrients obtained through food help to maintain the chemical composition of cells.
- Provision of raw material — to manufacture various secretions namely, hormones, enzymes, milk, sweat etc.
- Protection — Food provides protection from infection and diseases.
Answer:
Proteins are essential in our food because they play a crucial role in various bodily functions. They are body building foods. They provide the chemical material for the growth and repair of body cells and tissues. Proteins also serve as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, and contribute to the structure and functioning of muscles, bones, and other body systems. In the time of emergency, they may also be oxidised to release energy.
Answer:
Whole grain atta, fruits and green leafy vegetables are the chief sources of roughage. The benefits of roughage are:
- It enables undigested food to move easily through the intestines.
- It stimulates secretion from the digestive tract.
- It helps in the removal of cholesterol and toxins.
- It prevents constipation as it absorbs water and retains it making the faecal matter soft.
- It simulates the muscle contraction in the intestinal wall, making the movement of faecal matter easy.
Answer:
Water is necessary in our body because:
- It acts as a solvent in the body for thousands of organic and inorganic substances.
- It is used to produce digestive juices.
- It helps in the transportation of digested foods and oxygen throughout the body.
- It is used in the excretion of soluble wastes.
Answer:
Breakfast — Milk 250 ml/ 2 eggs + cereals + fruits.
Lunch — Vegetable 150 gms/ meat/ fish + 2-3 chapati/ rice + salad + Dal 1 cup.
Dinner — Vegetable 100 gms + salad + chapatis 2-3.
Multiple Choice Type
11 questionsAnswer:
Fructose and glucose
Reason — Fructose and glucose, both are simple sugars (monosaccharides).
Answer:
Roughage
Reason — Roughage is not digested by our body and hence do not provide any nutrition but it maintains gut health by enabling easy movement of the food through the intestines.
Identify the mineral nutrients P and Q based on their roles in the human body.
Mineral nutrient | Role in human body |
---|---|
P | Production of chemical energy (ATP) |
Q | Process of blood clotting |
- P — Calcium, Q — Phosphorus
- P — Phosphorus, Q — Iodine
- P — Phosphorus, Q — Calcium
- P — Iodine, Q — Calcium
Answer:
P — Phosphorus, Q — Calcium
Reason — Phosphorus is a key component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. Calcium plays a vital role in the coagulation cascade, a series of reactions that lead to the formation of a blood clot.
Progress Check 1
3 questionsShort Answer Type
4 questionsAnswer:
(a) Balanced diet — A balanced diet is one which contains all the principal constituents of food in proper quantity so that it provides sufficient number of calories.
(b) Malnutrition — Malnutrition is the condition in which a person suffers due to an unbalanced diet. It includes both deficiency as well as an excess of nutrients in a person's diet.
(c) Food — Food is any substance which we eat or drink, and which contains the nutrients.
(d) Nutrients — The components of food that provide essential organic and inorganic compounds to our body are called Nutrients.
(e) Kwashiorkor — Kwashiorkor is a severe protein deficiency disease usually affecting young children and marked by Oedema of the feet and face, protruding belly, stunted growth and other symptoms.
Answer:
- Monosaccharides:
Examples — Glucose, Fructose
Usefulness — Glucose provides an instant source of energy. Fructose enhances glucose metabolism and facilitates disposal of dietary carbohydrate load. - Disaccharides:
Examples — Sucrose, Lactose
Usefulness — Sucrose is the commercial sugar that is broken down into Glucose and Fructose by the body to provide the energy needed for physical and mental functions. Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. Lactose acts as an excellent, slow release energy source and causes lesser tooth decay. - Polysaccharides:
Examples — Cellulose, Glycogen
Usefulness — Cellulose provides roughage for proper functioning of gut. Glycogen serves as a fuel reserve for the body. The controlled breakdown of glycogen and release of glucose increase the amount of glucose that is available between meals.
Answer:
(a) Cellulose provide roughage for proper functioning of gut.
(b) Fat provides energy and helps to repair tissues.
(c) Protein builds as well as repairs cells and tissues.
(d) Calcium is constituent of bones and enamel. It is required for muscle contraction and clotting of blood.
(e) Phosphorus participates in synthesis of nucleic acid, ATP, NADP, bones, enamel. It helps in muscle contraction and conduction of nerve impulse.
Answer:
Bones are made of iron and calcium. Milk products and milk are rich in Vitamin A and Calcium. The doctor advises his patient to include milk and its products so that the bones and teeth get stronger. Milk inhibits the oxidation of Vitamin A. It contains calcium that aids in blood clotting.
Structured Application Skill Type
3 questionsGiven below is an incomplete table of vitamins, their rich sources and the related deficiency diseases. Fill in the blanks [(i)-(viii)] with only one suitable word for each.
Vitamin | Rich source | Deficiency disease |
---|---|---|
(i) ...... | Whole grain | Beri-beri |
Niacin | Milk | (ii) ...... |
(iii) ...... | (iv) ...... | Scurvy |
Calciferol | (v) ...... | (vi) ...... |
(vii) ...... | Carrot, yellow fruit | (viii) ...... |
Answer:
Vitamin | Rich source | Deficiency disease |
---|---|---|
Thiamine | Whole grain | Beri-beri |
Niacin | Milk | Pellagra |
Ascorbic acid | Citrus fruit | Scurvy |
Calciferol | Fish liver oil | Rickets |
Retinol | Carrot, yellow fruit | Night blindness |
Answer:
Mineral | Function | Rich source |
---|---|---|
Iodine | Facilitates the secretion of thyroxin hormone by the thyroid gland | Iodized salt, water, sea foods |
Iron | Formation of haemoglobin | Whole cereals, fish, nut, egg yolk, liver, kidney |
Calcium | Constituents of enamel, bones. Required for blood clotting, muscle contraction | Dairy food, beans, cabbage |
Potassium | Nerve and muscle activity, fluid balance, secretion of neurotransmitter | Banana, potato, citrus fruit. |
Akshay studied a flow-chart showing the role of nutrients in the human body. It shows that all the nutrients are important for various metabolic activities of the body.

(a) Mention the simplest form of carbohydrates which releases energy on its oxidation.
(b) Write two important roles of fat in our body.
(c) Name the mineral element which is required for the synthesis of the hormone produced by thyroid gland.
Answer:
(a) Glucose
(b) Two important roles of fat: -
- Energy production.
- Insulation and Protection.
(c) Iodine
Very Short Answer Type
9 questionsGiven below is a photo of a child suffering from a deficiency disease. Read the information below and fill in the blanks.

Proteins are large chemical molecules which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Proteins provide the chemical materials for the growth and repair of body cells and tissues. Its deficiency leads to some severe diseases.
(a) ............... is a disease caused due to the deficiency of (b) ............... , (c) ............... and proteins in the diet. This disease usually affects infants below the age of (d) ............... year(s). In this disease, the skin becomes loosely folded and (e) ............... appear prominent.
Answer:
Marasmus is a disease caused due to the deficiency of Carbohydrates, Fats and proteins in the diet. This disease usually affects infants below the age of one year. In this disease, the skin becomes loosely folded and ribs appear prominent.
Mention whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F)
(a) Cellulose in our food passes out undigested.
(b) Kwashiorkor is a severe vitamin deficiency disease.
(c) Iron is required for the proper working of thyroid.
(d) Foods protect us from disease and therefore antibiotics which protect us from disease are also foods.
(e) Mineral salts contribute in regulating body processes.
Answer:
(a) True
(b) False
Corrected Statement — Kwashiorkor is a severe carbohydrate deficiency disease.
(c) False
Corrected Statement — Iodine is required for the proper working of thyroid.
(d) False
Corrected Statement — Foods protect us from disease but antibiotics which cure diseases are medicine.
(e) True
Answer:
The mineral element that are needed for the following are:
(i) Strong teeth — Fluorine.
(ii) Proper working of thyroid — Iodine.
(iii) Synthesis of haemoglobin — Iron.
(iv) Production of chemical energy (ATP) — Phosphorous.
(v) Cell permeability, especially in nerve cells — Potassium and Sodium.
Answer:
The nutrients whose deficiencies cause the following diseases are:
- Pernicious anemia — Vitamin B12.
- Pellagra — Vitamin B3.
- Night blindness — Vitamin A.
- Goiter — Mineral Iodine.
- kwashiorkor — Proteins.
Mark the odd one out in each of the following cases and name the category to which the others belong:
Xerophthalmia, Marasmus, Pellagra, Scurvy.
Riboflavin, Thiamine, Folic acid, Iodine.
Glucose, Fructose, Galactose, Lactose.
Cellulose, Glycogen, Fructose, Starch.
Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium.
Answer:
Marasmus — Marasmus is the odd one out as it is a diseases caused by deficiency of Carbohydrates, fats and proteins whereas the others namely Xerophthalmia, Pellagra, Scurvy are vitamin deficiency diseases.
Iodine — Iodine is the odd one out as it is a mineral element whereas the others namely Riboflavin, Thiamine, Folic acid are Vitamins.
Lactose — Lactose is the odd one out as it is disaccharide or double sugar made up of galactose and glucose, whereas glucose, fructose and galactose are monosaccharides.
Fructose — Fructose is the odd one out as it is water soluble sugar whereas cellulose, glycogen, and starch are polysaccharides that are not soluble in water.
Iron — Iron is the odd one out as it is micronutrient whereas Calcium, Sodium and Potassium are macronutrients
Answer:
Column A | Column B |
---|---|
Tocopherol | Vitamin E |
Phylloquinone | Vitamin K |
Retinol | Vitamin A |
Ascorbic acid | Vitamin C |
Calciferol | Vitamin D |
Identify the deficiency diseases with the help of the clues given below :
(a) Delay in blood clotting time.
(b) Swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck region.
(c) Poor mental and physical growth in children.
(d) Poor vision in dim light.
(e) Dryness of the cornea and ulceration in the eye.
Answer:
(a) Haemorrhage — due to deficiency of Vitamin K
(b) Goitre — due to deficiency of Iodine
(c) Cretinism — due to deficiency of Iodine
(d) Night Blindness — due to deficiency of Vitamin A
(e) Xerophthalmia — due to deficiency of Vitamin A
Answer:
(a) Glucose + Galactose → Lactose
(b) Glucose + Glucose → Maltose
(c) Glucose + Fructose → Sucrose
(d) (C6H10O5)n → Starch
(e) Amino acid1 + Amino acid2 + Amino acid3 + Amino acidn→ Protein