Sankalp Kota Classes

Subject : Biology Paper Set : 1

Standard : 12 CWT microbes in human welfare Date : 08-05-2026
Total Mark : 400 Time : 0H:0M

............. Biology - Section A (MCQ) ............. (A) has a high BOD as it contains both aerobic and
anaerobic bacteria
(B) is processed by aerobic and then anaerobic bacteria in
(1) Which bacteria digest the bacteria and fungi present in the the secondary treatment in Sewage Treatment Plants
sludge during sewage treatment? (ST P s)
(A) Methanogenic bacteria (C) when treated in ST P s does not really require the
aeration step as the sewage contains adequate oxygen
(B) Saprophytic bacteria
(D) has very high amount of suspended solids and dissolved
(C) Anaerobic bacteria
salts.
(D) Rhizobium
(9) Which of the following is a free-living,aerobic,and
non-photosynthetic nitrogen-fixing bacterium?
(2) Conversion of sugar into alcohol during fermentation is due
to the direct action of (A) Rhizobium (B) Nostoc
(A) Temperature (C) Azospirillum (D) Azotobacter
(B) Micro-organisms (10) For which of the following diseases have antibiotics been
(C) Concentration of sugar solution discovered?
(A) Plague (B) Diphtheria
(D) Zymase
(C) Leprosy (D) All of the above
(3) Which of the following organisms does not fix N2 ? (11) Fungal herbicides are produced by which of the following?
(A) Glomus fungus (B) Rhizobium (A) Bacteria
(C) Azospirillum (D) Azotobacter (B) Nematodes

(4) Which of the following organisms add organic matter to the (C) Insects
soil and increase its fertility? (D) Fungi
(A) Pseudomonas (B) Blue-green algae
(12) Which type of carbohydrate,when processed by
(C) Baculovirus (D) LAB bacteria,yields the highest amount of methane?
(A) Starch (B) Pectin
(5) What is the full form of IP M ?
(A) Integrated Production of Meat (C) Cellulose (D) Glycogen

(B) Integrated Preservation of Microbes (13) What will happen if Rhizobium bacteria are introduced into
a wheat field?
(C) Integrated Plants Management (A) The soil will become enriched with calcium.
(D) Integrated Pest Management (B) The soil will become enriched with nitrogen.

(6) Which of the following alcoholic beverages are produced by (C) There will be no effect on the nitrogen in the soil.
distillation of the fermented broth? (D) The soil will become enriched with O2 .
(A) Wine and Whisky (B) Beer and Rum
(14) What is produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates
(C) Wine and Beer (D) Whisky and Brandy
present in green plant tissues?
(A) Toddy (B) Bread
(7) Which process is used to remove physical particulate matter
from sewage? (C) Silage (D) Pickle
(A) Aerobic process
(15) Which of the following pesticides are non-biodegradable?
(B) Oxidation (A) Triazines (B) Organophosphates
(C) Filtration and sedimentation (C) Organochlorines (D) None
(D) Chemical process (16) The starter or inoculum is added to fresh milk in order to
convert milk into curd. The term starter or inoculum here
(8) The domestic sewage in large cities refers to:

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 (A) Bacteria rich in vitamin-B12 (A) All microbes are useful to humanity.
(B) Bacteria rich in protein (B) All microbes are pathogenic to humanity.
(C) Bacteria containing millions of LAB (C) Except for some,most microbes are useful to humanity.
(D) All of the above (D) All (A),(B),and (C).
(17) Which microorganisms are used for the purification of (28) Assertion A: The use of biocontrol agents prepared by
sewage water? microorganisms has become necessary as an alternative to
(A) Heterotrophic viruses chemical pesticides.
Reason R: The use of biological control agents helps
(B) Heterotrophic fungi maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
(C) Heterotrophic bacteria Which option is correct for Assertion A and Reason R?
(A) A and R are both true and R is the correct explanation
(D) Autotrophic fungi
of A.
(18) Which of the following is a medicinal plant?
(B) A and R are both true but R is not the correct
(A) Cryptostegia grandiflora explanation of A.
(B) Coffea arabica (C) A is true and R is false.
(C) Rauwolfia serpentina (D) A is false and R is true.
(D) Brassica oleracea (29) The process of nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium is stimulated
(19) Which of the following chemicals are used in organic by the presence of which of the following?
farming? (A) Potassium (B) Nitrogen
I− Pesticides,II− Insecticides,III− Herbicides (C) Phosphorus (D) None of these
(A) I, II, III (B) I, II
(30) Select the odd one out.
(C) II, III (D) None of these (A) Aspergillus niger
(20) Sewage treatment is carried out by .........
(B) Trichoderma polysporum
(A) Microbes (B) Fertilizers
(C) Penicillium notatum
(C) Antibiotics (D) Antiseptics
(D) Clostridium butylicum
(21) Chloramphenicol and erythromycin (broad-spectrum
antibiotics) are produced by (31) Which of the following is not the belief of an organic farmer?
(A) Streptomyces (B) Nitrobacter (A) The more variety a landscape has,the more sustainable
(C) Rhizobium (D) Penicillium it is.

(22) Which chemical substance is used to remove unwanted (B) The insects that are sometimes called pests are not
weeds? eradicated,but instead are kept at manageable levels by
(A) Insecticides a complex system of checks and balances within a living
and vibrant ecosystem.
(B) Pesticides
(C) For controlling plant diseases and pests,chemicals like
(C) Fungicides insecticides and pesticides should be used extensively.
(D) Weedicides (D) Eradication of the pests is undesirable because they act
(23) Who is the first discoverer of the antibiotic penicillin? as food or hosts for beneficial predatory and parasitic
insects.
(A) Carl Linnaeus (B) Howard Florey
(32) Compared to normal water,the BOD of sewage-polluted
(C) Alexander Fleming (D) None of these water is . . . . . . .
(24) A natural insecticide obtained from plants is (A) Higher. (B) Lower.
(A) Azadirachtin (C) Normal. (D) Zero.
(B) Rotenone (33) A: Statins are products of the fermentation activity of yeast.
R: Statins and mevalonate compete for the same active site
(C) Nicotine, Pyrethrum and cinerin
on the enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis.
(D) All the above (A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the
(25) Which alcoholic beverage is produced by the fermentation correct explanation of Assertion.
of grape juice? (B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not
(A) Whisky (B) Brandy the correct explanation of Assertion.
(C) Wine (D) Rum (C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect.
(26) Identify the odd one out. (D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
(A) Protease (B) Pectinase
(34) Which substance of biological origin is used to maintain and
(C) Statins (D) Streptokinase increase soil fertility?
(27) Which statement is correct regarding microbes and (A) Bio-pesticides (B) Bio-fertilizers
humanity? (C) Chemical fertilizers (D) Green manure

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(35) On which bacteria was Alexander Fleming working during (46) Drinking of mineral water with a very low level of pesticides
the discovery of penicillin? (about 0.02 ppm) for long periods may:
(A) Salmonella typhi (A) Produce immunity against mosquitoes
(B) Staphylococci (B) Cause leukemia (blood cancer) in most people
(C) Haemophilus influenzae (C) Cause cancer of the intestine
(D) Streptococcus pneumoniae (D) Lead to accumulation of pesticide residues in body fat
(36) In the anaerobic digestion of organic waste,such as in the (47) Root nodules for nitrogen fixation of a non-leguminous tree
production of biogas,which of the following remains possess
undegraded? (A) Frankia (B) Rhizobium
(A) Hemicellulose (B) Cellulose
(C) Azotobacter (D) Thiobacillus
(C) Lipids (D) Lignin
(48) The prickly pear weed (Opuntia) became a menace and it
(37) Which one of the following fungi contains hallucinogens? has been successfully controlled by
(A) Morchella esculenta (B) Amanita muscaria (A) DDT spray
(C) Neurospora sp. (D) Ustilago sp. (B) Cattle
(38) Which of the following is not useful as a biofertilizer? (C) Destroying its seeds
(A) Glomus (B) Earthworm
(D) Cochineal insects
(C) Oscillatoria (D) Snail
(49) What is the full form of the Khadi and Village Industries
(39) Which of the following is used as an immunosuppressive
Commission?
agent?
(A) KAGC (B) KV IC
(A) Cyclosporin A (B) Statins
(C) KIV C (D) KGCN
(C) Cyclosporin C (D) Streptokinase
(50) What does the image below represent?
(40) What is the main problem caused by the use of pesticides?
(A) Their residues persist in water and other components of
the environment.
(B) Mosquitoes have become resistant to DDT .
(C) They kill silkworms.
(D) They deform the gills of some fishes.
(41) Which one of the following is being utilized as a source of
biodiesel in the Indian countryside? (A) Primary treatment
(A) Euphorbia (B) Secondary treatment
(B) Beetroot (C) Anaerobic sludge process
(C) Sugarcane (D) Biogas production
(D) Pongamia
(51) Most insecticides affect which system of an insect?
(42) Thurioside is a proteinaceous toxin obtained from: (A) Digestive system (B) Reproductive system
(A) Biofertilizer (B) Green manure
(C) Nervous system (D) Respiratory system
(C) Bacterial origin (D) Farmyard manure
(52) In a sewage treatment plant,what is used for the process in
(43) Which of the following pairs is mismatched? the aeration tank?
(A) Antibiotic − Alexander Fleming (A) Primary sludge (B) Effluent
(B) Curd − Lactobacillus (C) Activated sludge (D) Flocs
(C) Butyric acid − Clostridium butylicum (53) How has the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis helped us in
controlling caterpillars of insect pests?
(D) Ashbya gossypii − Cyclosporin-A
(A) It produces a toxic protein that kills the larvae.
(44) Which of the following is a symbiotic nitrogen fixer?
(B) It acts as a predator for the caterpillars.
(A) Azolla (B) Glomus
(C) It competes with the caterpillars for food.
(C) Azotobacter (D) Frankia
(D) It releases antibiotics that inhibit caterpillar growth.
(45) Leaves of which plant can sharpen the memory?
(A) Asparagus (54) In which of the following are root nodules found?
(B) Adhatoda (A) Apple (B) Mango

(C) Aloe vera (C) Groundnut (D) Chikoo

(D) Ocimum (55) What is the function of mycorrhiza?

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 (A) Absorption of nutrients (A) LAB → Acid coagulates milk
(B) Synthesis of food (B) Palm sap → Toddy drink
(C) Immunity (C) Silage → Green plant tissue proteins
(D) Prevention of diseases (D) Sour fruits,vegetables → Pickles

(56) A patient brought to a hospital with myocardial infarction is (65) Identify the incorrect statement.
normally immediately given (A) Yeast is used in the production of alcoholic beverages.
(A) Penicillin (B) Streptokinase (B) Some alcoholic beverages are produced by distillation.
(C) Cyclosporin-A (D) Statins (C) Whisky, brandy, and wine are produced by the process
(57) Transgenic plants are mainly developed to be resistant to of distillation.
which of the following? (D) Distillation is not required for the production of beer.
(A) Pests (66) Farmers have reported over 50% higher yields of rice by
(B) Genes using which of the following biofertilizer?
(A) Mycorrhiza
(C) Growth
(B) Azolla pinnata
(D) Mutation
(C) Cyanobacteria
(58) Which organism is indirectly useful for patients who have
undergone organ transplantation? (D) Legume-Rhizobium symbiosis
(A) Trichoderma polysporum (67) The main sources of biofertilisers are:
(a) Bacteria
(B) Monascus purpureus (b) Cyanobacteria
(C) Acetobacter aceti (c) Fungi
(d) Protists
(D) Bacillus thuringiensis
(A) (a), (b), (c) (B) (a), (b), (d)
(59) The chemical formula of ’Paris green’ is (C) (b), (c), (d) (D) (a), (c), (d)
(A) N a3 AlF6 (68) The free-living anaerobic nitrogen-fixing bacterium is . . . . . . .
(B) C8 H10 P2 O7 (A) Beijerinckia (B) Rhodospirillum
(C) Cu(C2 H3 O2 )2 · 3Cu(AsO2 )2 (C) Rhizobium (D) Azotobacter
(D) None of the above (69) Which bacteria are responsible for converting milk into curd?
(A) Lactobacillus bacteria
(60) Which genus of fungi is used to form mycorrhiza?
(B) Bacillus lacto bacteria
(A) Trichoderma (B) Saccharomyces
(C) Bacillus bacteria
(C) Glomus (D) Monascus
(D) Lactogenic bacteria
(61) Assertion A: Herbivores release methane gas into the
atmosphere. (70) Which raw material is commonly used in industrial
Reason R: Herbivores consume a cellulose-rich diet. fermentation processes to produce ethanol?
Which option is correct for Assertion A and Reason R? (A) Starch in vegetables
(A) A and R are both true and R is the correct explanation (B) Starch in cereals
of A.
(C) Sugar in fruits
(B) A and R are both true but R is not the correct
explanation of A. (D) Protein in pulses
(C) A is true and R is false. (71) Identify the odd one out in the context of biogas
composition.
(D) A is false and R is true.
(A) Methane (B) Hydrogen sulfide
(62) What is the full form of IARI? (C) Carbon monoxide (D) Carbon dioxide
(A) Indian Association Research Institute (72) Which vitamin is produced by Ashbya gossypii?
(B) Industrial Association Research Institute (A) Vitamin K (B) Vitamin B2

(C) Indian Rice Research Institute (C) Vitamin B6 (D) Vitamin B1

(73) Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(D) Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(A) Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic.
(63) Which of the following can be used as a biocontrol agent in
(B) Antibiotics inhibit the growth of certain
the treatment of plant disease?
microorganisms.
(A) Trichoderma (B) Chlorella
(C) The organism that produces an antibiotic dies due to
(C) Anabaena (D) Lactobacillus the production of that same antibiotic.
(64) Find the mismatched pair regarding fermentation. (D) Fleming was awarded the Nobel Prize.

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(74) Match the following columns: (A) Escherichia coli and Bacillus thuringiensis
Column-I Column-II
(B) Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
(a) Pectinase and Pro- (1) Clot buster
tease
(C) Penicillium and Aspergillus

(b) Streptokinase (2) Immunosuppressive (D) Rhizobium and Azotobacter

agent
(84) A small part of the activated sludge is pumped back into
(c) Cyclosporin A (3) Clarifying fruit juices which tank?
(d) Lipase (4) Removing oily (A) Secondary tank
stains
(B) Aeration tank
(A) a − 4, b − 1, c − 2, d − 3 (B) a − 4, b − 2, c − 1, d − 3
(C) Settling tank
(C) a − 3, b − 1, c − 2, d − 4 (D) a − 3, b − 2, c − 4, d − 1
(D) Anaerobic sludge digesters
(75) Which of the following is correct regarding nitrogen fixation
by legumes? They fix nitrogen through: (85) For which major rivers in India has the Ministry of
(A) Specialized bacteria in their roots Environment and Forests initiated action plans?
(A) Ganga (B) Yamuna
(B) Specialized bacteria in their leaves
(C) Sabarmati (D) Both (A) and (B)
(C) Independent of bacteria that live in their roots
(D) The statement is wrong (86) How can food products be prepared from fish,soybeans,and
bamboo?
(76) Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria can bring about a saving (A) By fermentation
of nitrogen fertilizer to the tune of:
(B) By passing through aerobic respiration
(A) 10 − 25 kg/ha (B) 30 − 50 kg/ha
(C) By passing through high temperature
(C) 20 − 30 kg/ha (D) 50 − 60 kg/ha
(D) By keeping at low temperature
(77) How do microbes reduce the environmental degradation
caused by chemicals? (87) In cattle,these are helpful in the digestion of cellulose.
(A) By producing antibiotics that kill harmful bacteria. (A) Methanogens (B) Streptococcus
(B) By acting as bio-control agents to eliminate pests. (C) Trichoderma (D) Monascus
(C) By breaking down complex organic pollutants into
(88) What is used to remove unwanted weeds from a field or
simpler,non-toxic substances through bioremediation.
crop?
(D) By increasing the soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. (A) Pesticides
(78) Red pigment (Leghaemoglobin) having affinity for oxygen is (B) Fungicides
present in the roots of
(C) Insecticides
(A) Mustard (B) Soybean
(D) Weedicides
(C) Carrot (D) Radish
(79) Trichoderma is a . . . . . . . (89) What do bio-pesticides include?
(A) Blue-green algae (A) Only bio-insecticides
(B) Fungus (B) Only bio-herbicides
(C) Bryophyte (C) Bio-insecticides and bio-herbicides
(D) Protozoan (D) Only bio-weedicides
(80) Which is a bioinsecticide? (90) The removal of floating and suspended solids from sewage
(A) Cactoblastis cactorum through filtration and sedimentation is the part of
(B) Anabaena (A) Primary treatment (B) Secondary treatment

(C) Bacillus thuringiensis (C) Tertiary treatment (D) Biological treatment

(D) Rhizobium (91) Which is used as an immunosuppressive drug during organ

transplant?
(81) Thurioside is a proteinaceous toxin which is obtained from
(A) Statin (B) Cyclosporin-A
(A) Biofertilizer (B) Farmyard manure
(C) Streptokinase (D) Lipase
(C) Green manure (D) Bacterial origin
(92) An immunosuppressive agent used in organ-transplant
(82) Which is the main component in the diet of herbivorous
patients is
animals?
(A) Protein (B) Lipid (A) Streptokinase (B) Statins

(C) Mineral (D) Cellulose (C) Cyclosporin-A (D) Lipases

(83) Give any two microbes that are useful in biotechnology. (93) Define/Explain: M ycorrhiza.

5
 (A) A symbiotic association between a fungus and the (A) Sewage treatment plant
roots of higher plants.
(B) Typical biogas plant
(B) A parasitic relationship between bacteria and plant
(C) Fermentation plant
roots.
(D) Primary treatment
(C) A type of nitrogen-fixing bacteria found in soil.
(D) A chemical fertilizer used to enhance plant growth.

(94) Which microorganism is responsible for the production of

butyric acid?
(A) Clostridium butyricum
(B) Lactobacillus
(C) Acetobacter aceti
(D) Aspergillus niger

(95) Which of the following herbicides is derived from urea?

(A) Simazine (B) Atrazine
(C) Unerin (D) Both (a) and (b)

(96) Which of the following statements is correct?

(A) Excessive use of chemical fertilizers leads to
eutrophication in nearby water bodies.
(B) Both Azotobacter and Rhizobium fix atmospheric
nitrogen in the root nodules of plants.
(C) Cyanobacteria such as Anabaena and Nostoc are
important as phosphate and potassium mobilizers for
plants from the soil.
(D) Currently,it is not possible to grow maize without
chemical fertilizers.

(97) Biogas produced by anaerobic fermentation of biomass

waste contains ......
(A) Methane
(B) H2 ,H2 S and N2 as trace elements
(C) CO2
(D) All of the above

(98) By which process is sludge formed?

(A) Filtration
(B) Sedimentation
(C) Continuous agitation
(D) All of the above

(99) Who was the first discoverer of an antibiotic?

(A) Alexander Fleming (B) Alexander Chain
(C) Walther Flemming (D) Louis Pasteur

(100) What does the given figure represent?

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 Sankalp Kota Classes
Subject : Biology Paper Set : 1
CWT microbes in human welfare Date : 08-05-2026
Standard : 12
Total Mark : 400 (Answer Key) Time : 0H:0M

Biology - Section A (MCQ)

1-C 2-D 3-A 4-B 5-D 6-D 7-C 8-B 9-D 10 - D

11 - D 12 - C 13 - C 14 - C 15 - C 16 - C 17 - C 18 - C 19 - D 20 - A
21 - A 22 - D 23 - C 24 - D 25 - C 26 - C 27 - C 28 - A 29 - D 30 - C
31 - C 32 - A 33 - A 34 - B 35 - B 36 - D 37 - B 38 - D 39 - A 40 - A
41 - D 42 - C 43 - D 44 - D 45 - D 46 - D 47 - A 48 - D 49 - B 50 - B
51 - C 52 - D 53 - A 54 - C 55 - A 56 - B 57 - A 58 - A 59 - C 60 - C
61 - A 62 - D 63 - A 64 - C 65 - C 66 - B 67 - A 68 - B 69 - A 70 - B
71 - C 72 - B 73 - C 74 - C 75 - A 76 - C 77 - C 78 - B 79 - B 80 - C
81 - D 82 - D 83 - A 84 - B 85 - D 86 - A 87 - A 88 - D 89 - C 90 - A
91 - B 92 - C 93 - A 94 - A 95 - D 96 - A 97 - D 98 - B 99 - A 100 - B

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 Sankalp Kota Classes
Subject : Biology Paper Set : 1
CWT microbes in human welfare Date : 08-05-2026
Standard : 12
Total Mark : 400 (Solutions) Time : 0H:0M

(4) Which of the following organisms add organic matter to the

............. Biology - Section A (MCQ) .............
soil and increase its fertility?
(1) Which bacteria digest the bacteria and fungi present in the (A) Pseudomonas (B) Blue-green algae
sludge during sewage treatment? (C) Baculovirus (D) LAB
(A) Methanogenic bacteria Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) Saprophytic bacteria (B) Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are autotrophic
microbes widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial
(C) Anaerobic bacteria
environments. Many of these,such as Anabaena and
(D) Rhizobium N ostoc,have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. When
these organisms die and decompose,they add organic
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) matter to the soil and increase its fertility. Therefore,they
(C) In the process of sewage treatment,the primary sludge is are widely used as biofertilizers in paddy fields.
passed into large tanks called anaerobic sludge digesters.
Inside these tanks,anaerobic bacteria digest the bacteria (5) What is the full form of IP M ?
and fungi present in the sludge. (A) Integrated Production of Meat
During this digestion,these bacteria produce a mixture of
gases such as methane,hydrogen sulfide,and carbon (B) Integrated Preservation of Microbes
dioxide,which form biogas. (C) Integrated Plants Management

(2) Conversion of sugar into alcohol during fermentation is due (D) Integrated Pest Management
to the direct action of Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(A) Temperature
(D) IP M stands for Integrated Pest Management.
(B) Micro-organisms It is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term
prevention of pests or their damage through a combination
(C) Concentration of sugar solution
of techniques such as biological control,habitat
(D) Zymase manipulation,modification of cultural practices,and use of
resistant varieties.
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) This approach minimizes the use of chemical
(D) Fermentation is a metabolic process that produces pesticides,thereby reducing risks to human health and the
chemical changes in organic substrates through the action environment.
of enzymes.
In the case of sugar conversion to alcohol,the enzyme (6) Which of the following alcoholic beverages are produced by
Zymase acts as a biocatalyst. distillation of the fermented broth?
Zymase is a complex of enzymes produced by yeast (A) Wine and Whisky (B) Beer and Rum
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that catalyzes the (C) Wine and Beer (D) Whisky and Brandy
fermentation of sugar into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Therefore,the direct chemical action is performed by the Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
enzyme Zymase. (D) Alcoholic beverages are produced by the fermentation
of various substrates by yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
(3) Which of the following organisms does not fix N2 ? 1. Beverages like wine and beer are produced without
(A) Glomus fungus (B) Rhizobium distillation,resulting in a lower alcohol content.
2. Beverages like whisky,brandy,and rum are produced by
(C) Azospirillum (D) Azotobacter
the distillation of the fermented broth,which increases the
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) alcohol concentration.
(A) Rhizobium,Azospirillum,and Azotobacter are Therefore,whisky and brandy are examples of beverages
well-known nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. produced by distillation.
Rhizobium forms symbiotic associations with the root
(7) Which process is used to remove physical particulate matter
nodules of leguminous plants.
from sewage?
Azospirillum and Azotobacter are free-living
nitrogen-fixing bacteria. (A) Aerobic process
Glomus is a genus of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM ) fungi (B) Oxidation
that forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots to help
in the absorption of phosphorus from the soil,but it does (C) Filtration and sedimentation
not fix atmospheric nitrogen. (D) Chemical process

8
 Solution:(Correct Answer:C) the treatment of various deadly diseases including P lague
(C) The removal of physical particulate matter from sewage (caused by Y ersiniapestis), Diphtheria (caused by
is primarily achieved through physical processes. Corynebacteriumdiphtheriae), and Leprosy (caused by
1. Filtration is used to remove large floating debris. M ycobacteriumleprae).
2. Sedimentation is used to remove grit (soil and small Therefore, all the listed diseases can be treated using
pebbles) and other solid particles that settle down. antibiotics.
These steps are collectively known as primary treatment.
(11) Fungal herbicides are produced by which of the following?
(8) The domestic sewage in large cities (A) Bacteria
(A) has a high BOD as it contains both aerobic and
(B) Nematodes
anaerobic bacteria
(C) Insects
(B) is processed by aerobic and then anaerobic bacteria in
the secondary treatment in Sewage Treatment Plants (D) Fungi
(ST P s)
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(C) when treated in ST P s does not really require the
aeration step as the sewage contains adequate oxygen (D) Mycoherbicides,also known as fungal herbicides,are
biological control agents used to manage weeds.
(D) has very high amount of suspended solids and dissolved These are derived from specific species of fungi that act as
salts. pathogens to target weeds without harming the crop plants.
For example,the fungus P hytophthora palmivora is used as
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) a mycoherbicide to control milkweed vines in citrus
(B) : Sewage water can be purified by passing it through orchards.
sewage treatment plants with the action of heterotrophic Therefore,the correct answer is D.
microorganisms. There are three stages of this treatment -
primary,secondary,and tertiary. Primary treatment removes (12) Which type of carbohydrate,when processed by
floating and suspended solids from sewage through two bacteria,yields the highest amount of methane?
processes of filtration and sedimentation. First,floating
(A) Starch (B) Pectin
matter is removed through sequential filtration. The filtrate
is kept in large open settling tanks where grit settles down. (C) Cellulose (D) Glycogen
The sediment is called primary sludge,while the supernatant
is called effluent. In secondary treatment,the primary Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
effluent is taken to aeration tanks. A large number of (C) Methanogens are a group of anaerobic bacteria that
aerobic heterotrophic microbes grow in the aeration tank produce methane (CH4 ) as a metabolic byproduct in anoxic
and form flocs. The microbes digest a lot of organic conditions.
matter,reducing the BOD of the waste. The sediment of These bacteria are commonly found in the rumen of cattle
the settling tank is called activated sludge. The remaining is and in anaerobic sludge digesters.
passed into a large tank called an anaerobic sludge Cellulose is a complex polysaccharide and a major
digester,where anaerobic microbes digest the organic mass component of plant cell walls.
and produce gases like methane,H2 S,and CO2 . When methanogens act on cellulosic material (which is
abundant in agricultural and animal waste),they break it
(9) Which of the following is a free-living,aerobic,and down through a series of anaerobic processes to produce
non-photosynthetic nitrogen-fixing bacterium? biogas,which is rich in methane.
(A) Rhizobium (B) Nostoc Therefore,cellulose is the primary substrate used in biogas
production to yield high amounts of methane.
(C) Azospirillum (D) Azotobacter

Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (13) What will happen if Rhizobium bacteria are introduced into
(D) Azotobacter is a free-living,aerobic,and a wheat field?
non-photosynthetic nitrogen-fixing bacterium found in the (A) The soil will become enriched with calcium.
soil. (B) The soil will become enriched with nitrogen.
Rhizobium is a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium.
N ostoc is a photosynthetic cyanobacterium that can fix (C) There will be no effect on the nitrogen in the soil.
nitrogen. (D) The soil will become enriched with O2 .
Azospirillum is an associative symbiotic nitrogen-fixing
bacterium. Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(C) Rhizobium is a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium that
(10) For which of the following diseases have antibiotics been typically forms root nodules in leguminous plants (like
discovered? peas,beans,etc.).
(A) Plague (B) Diphtheria Wheat is a non-leguminous cereal crop.
(C) Leprosy (D) All of the above Rhizobium bacteria require a specific host-plant interaction
to establish nodules and fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) Since wheat does not provide the necessary signals or root
(D) Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by some structures for Rhizobium colonization,the bacteria will not
microbes which can kill or retard the growth of other be able to fix nitrogen in a wheat field.
disease-causing microbes. Therefore,there will be no significant effect on the nitrogen
Antibiotics have been discovered and are used effectively in content of the soil.

9
(14) What is produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
present in green plant tissues? (C) The correct answer is Rauwolf ia serpentina (commonly
(A) Toddy (B) Bread known as Sarpagandha).
It is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional
(C) Silage (D) Pickle
medicine to treat high blood pressure and various mental
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) disorders.
(C) Silage is a type of fodder made from green foliage crops It contains an active alkaloid called reserpine.
which have been preserved by acidification,a process
achieved through the fermentation of carbohydrates (19) Which of the following chemicals are used in organic
present in the plant tissues by lactic acid bacteria. This farming?
process is commonly used in agriculture to store feed for I− Pesticides,II− Insecticides,III− Herbicides
livestock. (A) I, II, III (B) I, II

(15) Which of the following pesticides are non-biodegradable? (C) II, III (D) None of these
(A) Triazines (B) Organophosphates Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(C) Organochlorines (D) None (D) Organic farming is a method of farming that primarily
aims at cultivating the land and raising crops in such a
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) way,as to keep the soil alive and in good health by the use
(C) Organochlorines (such as DDT ) are synthetic organic of organic wastes (crop,animal and farm wastes,aquatic
compounds that are highly stable and resistant to wastes) and other biological materials along with beneficial
environmental degradation. Due to their chemical microbes (biofertilizers) instead of chemical fertilizers and
structure,they persist in the environment for long periods synthetic pesticides.
and are considered non-biodegradable,leading to Chemicals such as pesticides,insecticides,and herbicides are
bioaccumulation in the food chain. synthetic substances used in conventional farming to
control pests and weeds.
(16) The starter or inoculum is added to fresh milk in order to
Since organic farming strictly prohibits the use of synthetic
convert milk into curd. The term starter or inoculum here
chemicals,none of the listed substances (I, II, III) are
refers to:
used in organic farming.
(A) Bacteria rich in vitamin-B12
(B) Bacteria rich in protein (20) Sewage treatment is carried out by .........
(A) Microbes (B) Fertilizers
(C) Bacteria containing millions of LAB
(C) Antibiotics (D) Antiseptics
(D) All of the above
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (A) Sewage treatment is primarily a biological process that
(C) The correct answer is C. The starter or inoculum used in relies on the activity of microorganisms.
the preparation of curd from milk contains millions of Lactic In the secondary treatment phase,also known as biological
Acid Bacteria (LAB). treatment,aerobic and anaerobic microbes are used to
These bacteria grow in milk and convert it into curd by decompose the organic matter present in the sewage.
producing acids that coagulate and partially digest the milk These microbes consume the organic waste,thereby
proteins. reducing the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the
effluent before it is released into water bodies.
(17) Which microorganisms are used for the purification of
sewage water? (21) Chloramphenicol and erythromycin (broad-spectrum
(A) Heterotrophic viruses antibiotics) are produced by
(B) Heterotrophic fungi (A) Streptomyces (B) Nitrobacter

(C) Heterotrophic bacteria (C) Rhizobium (D) Penicillium

Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(D) Autotrophic fungi
(A) Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by some
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) microbes and can kill or retard the growth of other
(C) Sewage treatment involves the use of microorganisms disease-causing microbes.
to break down organic matter present in wastewater. Chloramphenicol and erythromycin are well-known
Specifically,heterotrophic bacteria are used in the broad-spectrum antibiotics.
secondary treatment (biological treatment) phase. These antibiotics are primarily produced by bacteria
These bacteria grow rapidly and form flocs (masses of belonging to the genus Streptomyces.
bacteria associated with fungal filaments to form mesh-like Streptomyces species are filamentous bacteria known for
structures) which consume the major part of the organic their ability to produce a wide variety of secondary
matter in the effluent,thereby reducing the Biological metabolites,including many clinically important antibiotics.
Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the sewage.
(22) Which chemical substance is used to remove unwanted
(18) Which of the following is a medicinal plant? weeds?
(A) Cryptostegia grandiflora (A) Insecticides
(B) Coffea arabica (B) Pesticides
(C) Rauwolfia serpentina (C) Fungicides
(D) Brassica oleracea (D) Weedicides

10
 Solution:(Correct Answer:D) Streptokinase is used as a ’clot buster’ for removing clots
(D) Weedicides (also known as herbicides) are chemical from the blood vessels of patients who have undergone
substances specifically designed to kill or inhibit the growth myocardial infarction.
of unwanted plants,commonly known as weeds. Statins, on the other hand, are blood-cholesterol lowering
A. Insecticides are used to kill insects. agents, not enzymes. They are produced by the yeast
B. Pesticides are a broad category of chemicals used to M onascus purpureus.
control various pests.
(27) Which statement is correct regarding microbes and
C. Fungicides are used to control fungal diseases.
humanity?
D. Weedicides are the correct agents used for weed control.
(A) All microbes are useful to humanity.
(23) Who is the first discoverer of the antibiotic penicillin? (B) All microbes are pathogenic to humanity.
(A) Carl Linnaeus (B) Howard Florey
(C) Except for some,most microbes are useful to humanity.
(C) Alexander Fleming (D) None of these
(D) All (A),(B),and (C).
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(C) The antibiotic penicillin was discovered by (C) Microbes are diverse organisms that play a significant
Alexander F leming in 1928. role in human welfare.
He observed that the mold P enicillium notatum inhibited While some microbes are pathogenic and cause diseases in
the growth of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. humans,animals,and plants,the vast majority of them are
This discovery marked the beginning of the antibiotic era in beneficial.
medicine. They are used in the production of household products (like
curd,cheese),industrial products (like
(24) A natural insecticide obtained from plants is beverages,antibiotics),sewage treatment,and as
(A) Azadirachtin biofertilizers.
Therefore,it is incorrect to say all are useful or all are
(B) Rotenone
pathogenic; rather,most are useful to humanity despite the
(C) Nicotine, Pyrethrum and cinerin existence of harmful ones.
(D) All the above (28) Assertion A: The use of biocontrol agents prepared by
microorganisms has become necessary as an alternative to
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) chemical pesticides.
(D) The correct answer is D. Reason R: The use of biological control agents helps
Azadirachtin is extracted from the neem tree maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
(Azadirachta indica). Which option is correct for Assertion A and Reason R?
Rotenone is a natural pesticide obtained from the roots of (A) A and R are both true and R is the correct explanation
several tropical plants. of A.
N icotine is obtained from tobacco plants, while
P yrethrum and cinerin are extracted from the flowers of (B) A and R are both true but R is not the correct
Chrysanthemum species. explanation of A.
Since all these substances are natural insecticides derived (C) A is true and R is false.
from plants, the correct option is D.
(D) A is false and R is true.
(25) Which alcoholic beverage is produced by the fermentation Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
of grape juice? (A) Chemical pesticides are toxic and harmful to the
(A) Whisky (B) Brandy environment,causing pollution and affecting non-target
(C) Wine (D) Rum beneficial organisms.
Biocontrol agents (like Bacillus
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) thuringiensis,T richoderma,and Baculoviruses) are
(C) Wine is an alcoholic beverage produced by the specific to pests and do not harm beneficial insects or the
fermentation of grape juice using yeast,primarily environment.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer’s yeast). Therefore,the use of biocontrol agents is necessary to
Unlike whisky,brandy,or rum,which are produced by replace harmful chemical pesticides.
distillation,wine is produced without distillation. Biological control agents help maintain the ecological
balance by controlling pest populations without disrupting
(26) Identify the odd one out. the food chain or causing environmental toxicity.
(A) Protease (B) Pectinase Thus,both A and R are true,and R is the correct explanation
of A.
(C) Statins (D) Streptokinase
(29) The process of nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium is stimulated
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) by the presence of which of the following?
(C) The correct answer is C (Statins). (A) Potassium (B) Nitrogen
P rotease, P ectinase, and Streptokinase are all examples of
(C) Phosphorus (D) None of these
enzymes produced by microbes that are used in industrial
applications. Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
P rotease and P ectinase are used in the clarification of (D) Nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium in the root nodules of
bottled juices. leguminous plants is a complex biochemical process.

11
 This process is highly sensitive to the presence of oxygen. (A) BOD stands for Biochemical Oxygen Demand. It
Rhizobium produces an oxygen-scavenging pigment called represents the amount of dissolved oxygen that would be
leghemoglobin (often referred to as the ’oxygen buffer’). consumed if all the organic matter in one liter of water were
Leghemoglobin maintains a low oxygen concentration in oxidized by bacteria. Sewage-polluted water contains a
the nodules,which is essential for the activity of the enzyme high amount of organic matter (biodegradable waste). As
nitrogenase. the amount of organic matter increases,the number of
Since none of the options (Potassium,Nitrogen,Phosphorus) microorganisms (bacteria) required to decompose it also
directly stimulate the fixation process in the context of the increases,leading to higher oxygen consumption.
question’s focus on essential environmental factors,the Therefore,sewage-polluted water has a significantly higher
correct answer is D. BOD compared to normal,clean water.

(30) Select the odd one out. (33) A: Statins are products of the fermentation activity of yeast.
R: Statins and mevalonate compete for the same active site
(A) Aspergillus niger on the enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis.
(B) Trichoderma polysporum (A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the
(C) Penicillium notatum correct explanation of Assertion.

(D) Clostridium butylicum (B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not
the correct explanation of Assertion.
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect.
(C) The correct answer is C.
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Aspergillusniger is a fungus used for the production of
citric acid. Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
T richodermapolysporum is a fungus used for the (A) Statins are produced by the fermentation activity of the
production of cyclosporin A. yeast M onascus purpureus.
Clostridiumbutylicum is a bacterium used for the They act as blood-cholesterol lowering agents.
production of butyric acid. Statins function by competitively inhibiting the enzyme
P enicilliumnotatum is a fungus used for the production of responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol.
penicillin (an antibiotic),whereas the others are primarily They compete with mevalonate for the same active site on
used for the production of industrial chemicals or bioactive the enzyme HM G − CoA reductase,thereby reducing the
molecules. However,in the context of industrial production of cholesterol in the body.
microbiology,P enicilliumnotatum is the odd one because
it is the source of the first antibiotic,while the others are (34) Which substance of biological origin is used to maintain and
used for organic acids or immunosuppressants. increase soil fertility?
(A) Bio-pesticides (B) Bio-fertilizers
(31) Which of the following is not the belief of an organic farmer?
(C) Chemical fertilizers (D) Green manure
(A) The more variety a landscape has,the more sustainable
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
it is.
(B) Bio-fertilizers are organisms that enrich the nutrient
(B) The insects that are sometimes called pests are not quality of the soil. The main sources of bio-fertilizers are
eradicated,but instead are kept at manageable levels by bacteria,fungi,and cyanobacteria. These microbes fix
a complex system of checks and balances within a living atmospheric nitrogen,solubilize phosphorus,and produce
and vibrant ecosystem. plant growth-promoting substances,thereby enhancing soil
(C) For controlling plant diseases and pests,chemicals like fertility naturally.
insecticides and pesticides should be used extensively. (35) On which bacteria was Alexander Fleming working during
(D) Eradication of the pests is undesirable because they act the discovery of penicillin?
as food or hosts for beneficial predatory and parasitic (A) Salmonella typhi
insects.
(B) Staphylococci
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (C) Haemophilus influenzae
(C) Organic farming is based on the principle of maintaining
a balanced ecosystem. (D) Streptococcus pneumoniae
Organic farmers believe in biodiversity and natural control Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
mechanisms rather than the use of synthetic chemicals. (B) Alexander Fleming was working on the bacterium
They do not believe in the extensive use of insecticides and Staphylococci when he discovered the antibiotic penicillin.
pesticides because these chemicals are toxic and harmful to He observed that in one of his unwashed culture plates,a
both the environment and human health. mold called P enicillium notatum was growing,which
Instead,they focus on managing pest populations through inhibited the growth of Staphylococci bacteria.
biological control methods. This serendipitous discovery led to the development of the
first antibiotic,penicillin.
(32) Compared to normal water,the BOD of sewage-polluted
water is . . . . . . . (36) In the anaerobic digestion of organic waste,such as in the
(A) Higher. (B) Lower. production of biogas,which of the following remains
undegraded?
(C) Normal. (D) Zero.
(A) Hemicellulose (B) Cellulose
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) (C) Lipids (D) Lignin

12
 Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (A) Their residues persist in water and other components of
(D) During the process of anaerobic digestion for biogas the environment.
production,methanogenic bacteria break down complex
(B) Mosquitoes have become resistant to DDT .
organic matter like cellulose,hemicellulose,and lipids into
methane (CH4 ),carbon dioxide (CO2 ),and hydrogen (H2 ). (C) They kill silkworms.
Lignin is a complex phenolic polymer found in the cell walls
(D) They deform the gills of some fishes.
of plants.
Due to its highly complex and recalcitrant structure,it is Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
resistant to microbial degradation under anaerobic (A) The main problem with the use of pesticides,especially
conditions. organochlorines,is that they are non-biodegradable.
Therefore,lignin remains undegraded in the biogas digester. Because they do not break down easily,their residues persist
in water,soil,and other components of the
(37) Which one of the following fungi contains hallucinogens? environment,leading to bioaccumulation and environmental
(A) Morchella esculenta (B) Amanita muscaria pollution.
(C) Neurospora sp. (D) Ustilago sp. (41) Which one of the following is being utilized as a source of
biodiesel in the Indian countryside?
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(A) Euphorbia
(B) Amanita muscaria is a member of Class
Basidiomycetes. (B) Beetroot
It is a poisonous mushroom and possesses hallucinogenic (C) Sugarcane
properties.
It produces toxic alkaloids such as muscarine,which mimics (D) Pongamia
the effects of acetylcholine and binds to muscarinic
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
receptors,as well as ibotenic acid,which binds to different
receptors. (D) Biodiesel is a renewable fuel derived from biological
This interaction leads to the excitation of neurons bearing sources. In India,P ongamia pinnata (commonly known as
these receptors,resulting in hallucinations. Karanja) is widely recognized and utilized as a significant
source of biodiesel. Its seeds contain oil that can be
processed into biodiesel,which is then used as a sustainable
(38) Which of the following is not useful as a biofertilizer?
alternative to conventional diesel fuel in rural areas.
(A) Glomus (B) Earthworm
(42) Thurioside is a proteinaceous toxin obtained from:
(C) Oscillatoria (D) Snail
(A) Biofertilizer (B) Green manure
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (C) Bacterial origin (D) Farmyard manure
(D) Biofertilizers are organisms that enrich the nutrient
quality of the soil. Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
1. Glomus is a fungal symbiont (mycorrhiza) that helps in (C) The correct answer is C.
phosphorus absorption. Thurioside (often referred to as Bt toxin) is a proteinaceous
2. Earthworms are known as ’farmers’ friends’ because they crystal toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus
improve soil aeration and fertility through vermicomposting. thuringiensis.
3. Oscillatoria is a cyanobacterium that fixes atmospheric This toxin is highly specific and is toxic to several insect
nitrogen. larvae,making it useful in biological pest control.
4. Snails are mollusks that do not contribute to soil fertility
(43) Which of the following pairs is mismatched?
as biofertilizers; in fact,they are often considered pests in
agricultural fields. (A) Antibiotic − Alexander Fleming
Therefore,the correct option is D. (B) Curd − Lactobacillus

(39) Which of the following is used as an immunosuppressive (C) Butyric acid − Clostridium butylicum
agent? (D) Ashbya gossypii − Cyclosporin-A
(A) Cyclosporin A (B) Statins
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(C) Cyclosporin C (D) Streptokinase (D) The correct answer is D.
1. Antibiotics were discovered by Alexander Fleming
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) (Penicillin).
(A) Cyclosporin A is a bioactive molecule produced by the 2. Curd is produced by the action of Lactic Acid Bacteria
fungus T richoderma polysporum. (LAB) like Lactobacillus on milk.
It is widely used as an immunosuppressive agent in patients 3. Butyric acid is produced by the bacterium Clostridium
undergoing organ transplantation. butylicum.
It suppresses the immune system to prevent the rejection of 4. Cyclosporin-A is an immunosuppressive agent produced
the transplanted organ by the recipient’s body. by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum,not Ashbya gossypii.
Statins are used as blood-cholesterol lowering agents. Ashbya gossypii is used for the commercial production of
Streptokinase is used as a ’clot buster’ for removing clots Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin).
from the blood vessels of patients who have undergone
myocardial infarction. (44) Which of the following is a symbiotic nitrogen fixer?
(A) Azolla (B) Glomus
(40) What is the main problem caused by the use of pesticides? (C) Azotobacter (D) Frankia

13
 Solution:(Correct Answer:D) Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) The correct answer is D. (D) In 1920s,the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) was
F rankia is a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium that forms introduced into Australia,where it spread rapidly into
root nodules in non-leguminous plants like Alnus. millions of hectares of rangeland.
Azolla is a water fern that has a symbiotic relationship with It became a major menace to the local ecosystem and
the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae. agriculture.
Glomus is a genus of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,which are It was successfully controlled by the introduction of the
symbiotic but not nitrogen fixers. cochineal insect (Cactoblastiscactorum),which is a
Azotobacter is a free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium. biological control agent that feeds specifically on the
Opuntia cactus.
(45) Leaves of which plant can sharpen the memory? This is a classic example of biological control of weeds.
(A) Asparagus
(49) What is the full form of the Khadi and Village Industries
(B) Adhatoda Commission?
(A) KAGC (B) KV IC
(C) Aloe vera
(C) KIV C (D) KGCN
(D) Ocimum
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (B) The Khadi and Village Industries Commission is a
(D) Leaves of Ocimum (Tulsi) are known to possess statutory body formed by the Government of India under
medicinal properties that can help sharpen the memory. the Act of Parliament,’Khadi and Village Industries
They are widely used in traditional medicine as a nerve tonic Commission Act of 1956’.
and to improve cognitive function. It is commonly abbreviated as KV IC.
This organization is involved in the development and
(46) Drinking of mineral water with a very low level of pesticides promotion of khadi and village industries,often in
(about 0.02 ppm) for long periods may: coordination with other agencies for rural
(A) Produce immunity against mosquitoes development,including the implementation of biogas
programs in rural areas.
(B) Cause leukemia (blood cancer) in most people
(50) What does the image below represent?
(C) Cause cancer of the intestine
(D) Lead to accumulation of pesticide residues in body fat

Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) Pesticides are non-biodegradable synthetic chemicals
that are not easily broken down by biological processes.
When ingested in small quantities over a long period,these
chemicals undergo biomagnification.
They are lipophilic in nature,meaning they have an affinity
for fats. (A) Primary treatment
Consequently,they accumulate in the adipose tissues (body (B) Secondary treatment
fat) of the organism,leading to potential long-term health
hazards. (C) Anaerobic sludge process
(D) Biogas production
(47) Root nodules for nitrogen fixation of a non-leguminous tree
possess Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(A) Frankia (B) Rhizobium (B) The image shows an aeration tank,which is a key
component of secondary treatment (biological treatment)
(C) Azotobacter (D) Thiobacillus in a sewage treatment plant.
In this process,the primary effluent is passed into large
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
aeration tanks where it is constantly agitated mechanically
(A) The nitrogen-fixing symbiotic association in the root and air is pumped into it.
nodules of non-leguminous plants (such as Alnus) is formed This allows vigorous growth of aerobic microbes into flocs
by the actinomycete bacterium F rankia. (masses of bacteria associated with fungal filaments to form
Rhizobium is typically associated with leguminous plants. mesh-like structures).
Azotobacter is a free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium. These microbes consume the major part of the organic
T hiobacillus is involved in the nitrogen cycle matter in the effluent,significantly reducing the Biological
(denitrification) but does not form root nodules. Oxygen Demand (BOD).

(48) The prickly pear weed (Opuntia) became a menace and it (51) Most insecticides affect which system of an insect?
has been successfully controlled by (A) Digestive system (B) Reproductive system
(A) DDT spray
(C) Nervous system (D) Respiratory system
(B) Cattle
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(C) Destroying its seeds (C) Most insecticides,such as organophosphates and
(D) Cochineal insects carbamates,are designed to target the nervous system of

14
 insects. They typically act by inhibiting the enzyme Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
acetylcholinesterase,which leads to the accumulation of the (A) Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus
neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the synapse. This results and the roots of higher plants. The fungal hyphae absorb
in continuous nerve impulse transmission,causing paralysis essential nutrients,particularly phosphorus,from the soil and
and eventually death of the insect. pass them to the plant. In return,the plant provides the
fungus with carbohydrates. Therefore,the primary function
(52) In a sewage treatment plant,what is used for the process in of mycorrhiza is the absorption of nutrients from the soil.
the aeration tank?
(A) Primary sludge (B) Effluent (56) A patient brought to a hospital with myocardial infarction is
(C) Activated sludge (D) Flocs normally immediately given
(A) Penicillin (B) Streptokinase
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) In a sewage treatment plant,the primary effluent is (C) Cyclosporin-A (D) Statins
passed into large aeration tanks. Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
In these tanks,the effluent is constantly agitated (B) Streptokinase is a clot-buster enzyme produced by the
mechanically and air is pumped into it. bacterium Streptococcus and modified by genetic
This allows vigorous growth of useful aerobic microbes into engineering. It is administered to patients who have
flocs (masses of bacteria associated with fungal filaments to suffered from myocardial infarction (heart attack) to
form mesh-like structures). dissolve blood clots (thrombi) in the blood vessels,thereby
These flocs consume the major part of the organic matter in restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
the effluent,which significantly reduces the BOD
(Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of the effluent. (57) Transgenic plants are mainly developed to be resistant to
Therefore,the flocs are the active biological agents used in which of the following?
the aeration tank.
(A) Pests
(53) How has the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis helped us in (B) Genes
controlling caterpillars of insect pests?
(C) Growth
(A) It produces a toxic protein that kills the larvae.
(D) Mutation
(B) It acts as a predator for the caterpillars.
(C) It competes with the caterpillars for food. Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(A) Transgenic plants,such as Bt cotton,are genetically
(D) It releases antibiotics that inhibit caterpillar growth. modified to express specific genes (like the cry gene from
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) Bacillus thuringiensis) that produce insecticidal proteins.
These proteins make the plants resistant to specific
(A) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces a specific
pests,thereby reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
insecticidal protein known as the cry protein or endotoxin.
When the caterpillars of insect pests ingest these bacterial (58) Which organism is indirectly useful for patients who have
spores or crystals, the alkaline pH of the insect gut undergone organ transplantation?
solubilizes the crystals and releases the active toxin.
This active toxin binds to the surface of the midgut epithelial (A) Trichoderma polysporum
cells and creates pores, causing cell swelling and lysis. (B) Monascus purpureus
This process eventually leads to the death of the insect
larvae, thereby controlling the pest population. (C) Acetobacter aceti
(D) Bacillus thuringiensis
(54) In which of the following are root nodules found?
(A) Apple (B) Mango Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(A) The fungus T richoderma polysporum is used for the
(C) Groundnut (D) Chikoo
commercial production of Cyclosporin A.
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) Cyclosporin A is an immunosuppressive agent.
(C) Root nodules are specialized structures found on the It is widely used as an immunosuppressant in patients who
roots of leguminous plants. have undergone organ transplantation to prevent organ
These nodules contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as rejection by the body’s immune system.
Rhizobium.
Among the given options, groundnut (Arachishypogaea) is (59) The chemical formula of ’Paris green’ is
a member of the family F abaceae (legumes), which (A) N a3 AlF6
characteristically forms root nodules to house symbiotic
(B) C8 H10 P2 O7
nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Apple, mango, and chikoo are not legumes and do not form (C) Cu(C2 H3 O2 )2 · 3Cu(AsO2 )2
root nodules.
(D) None of the above
(55) What is the function of mycorrhiza? Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(A) Absorption of nutrients (C) Paris green is a bright green pigment that was
(B) Synthesis of food historically used as an insecticide and rodenticide.
Its chemical composition is copper(II) acetoarsenite.
(C) Immunity The chemical formula is represented as
(D) Prevention of diseases Cu(C2 H3 O2 )2 · 3Cu(AsO2 )2 .

15
(60) Which genus of fungi is used to form mycorrhiza? Chlorella is an alga,Anabaena is a cyanobacterium (often
(A) Trichoderma (B) Saccharomyces used as a biofertilizer),and Lactobacillus is a bacterium
used in the production of curd from milk.
(C) Glomus (D) Monascus Therefore,the correct option is A.
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(64) Find the mismatched pair regarding fermentation.
(C) The correct answer is C.
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and (A) LAB → Acid coagulates milk
the roots of higher plants. (B) Palm sap → Toddy drink
Many members of the genus Glomus form mycorrhiza.
The fungal symbiont in these associations absorbs (C) Silage → Green plant tissue proteins
phosphorus from the soil and passes it to the plant. (D) Sour fruits,vegetables → Pickles

(61) Assertion A: Herbivores release methane gas into the Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
atmosphere. (C) 1. LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria) converts lactose in milk
Reason R: Herbivores consume a cellulose-rich diet. into lactic acid,which coagulates and partially digests milk
Which option is correct for Assertion A and Reason R? proteins,forming curd. This is a correct match.
(A) A and R are both true and R is the correct explanation 2. Toddy is a traditional drink made by fermenting sap from
of A. palms. This is a correct match.
3. Silage is produced by the fermentation of green plant
(B) A and R are both true but R is not the correct tissues (like corn or grass) to preserve them as animal feed.
explanation of A. It is not specifically a process for extracting plant proteins.
(C) A is true and R is false. This is the mismatched pair.
4. Pickles are produced by the fermentation of sour fruits
(D) A is false and R is true. and vegetables. This is a correct match.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) (65) Identify the incorrect statement.
(A) 1. Herbivores,such as cattle,consume a diet rich in
(A) Yeast is used in the production of alcoholic beverages.
cellulose.
2. In the rumen (a part of the stomach) of these (B) Some alcoholic beverages are produced by distillation.
animals,certain bacteria called methanogens
(C) Whisky, brandy, and wine are produced by the process
(e.g.,Methanobacterium) are present.
of distillation.
3. These methanogens anaerobically break down
cellulose,which results in the production of large amounts (D) Distillation is not required for the production of beer.
of methane (CH4 ) along with CO2 and H2 .
4. This methane is then released into the atmosphere Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
through the animal’s digestive tract. (C) The production of alcoholic beverages involves
5. Therefore,both the assertion and the reason are true,and fermentation by yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
the reason correctly explains why herbivores release Wine and beer are produced without distillation, which
methane. results in a lower alcohol content.
Whisky, brandy, and rum are produced by distillation of the
(62) What is the full form of IARI? fermented broth, which increases the alcohol content.
(A) Indian Association Research Institute Therefore, the statement that wine is produced by
distillation is incorrect, as wine is a non-distilled alcoholic
(B) Industrial Association Research Institute beverage.
(C) Indian Rice Research Institute
(66) Farmers have reported over 50% higher yields of rice by
(D) Indian Agricultural Research Institute using which of the following biofertilizer?
(A) Mycorrhiza
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) IARI stands for Indian Agricultural Research Institute. It (B) Azolla pinnata
is a premier national institute for agricultural (C) Cyanobacteria
research,education,and extension in India,located in New
Delhi. (D) Legume-Rhizobium symbiosis

Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(63) Which of the following can be used as a biocontrol agent in
the treatment of plant disease? (B) Azollapinnata is a small aquatic fern that has a
symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing
(A) Trichoderma (B) Chlorella
cyanobacterium Anabaenaazollae.
(C) Anabaena (D) Lactobacillus When used as a biofertilizer in rice fields,it provides a
significant amount of nitrogen to the soil.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) Farmers have reported that the application of Azolla can
(A) Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for increase rice yields by over 50% due to its nitrogen-fixing
controlling plant diseases and pests. capabilities and its role as a green manure.
T richoderma species are free-living fungi that are very
common in the root ecosystem. (67) The main sources of biofertilisers are:
They are effective biocontrol agents of several plant (a) Bacteria
pathogens. (b) Cyanobacteria

16
 (c) Fungi In industrial fermentation for the production of ethanol,
(d) Protists starch-rich materials like cereals (e.g., maize, wheat, barley)
(A) (a), (b), (c) (B) (a), (b), (d) are commonly used as the primary raw material.
These starches are first broken down into fermentable
(C) (b), (c), (d) (D) (a), (c), (d) sugars (glucose) by enzymes, which are then converted into
ethanol by yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
While fruits contain sugar, cereals are the most common
(A) Biofertilisers are organisms that enrich the nutrient industrial source for large-scale ethanol production.
quality of the soil.
(a) Bacteria: Many bacteria like Rhizobium (symbiotic) and (71) Identify the odd one out in the context of biogas
Azospirillum (free-living) fix atmospheric nitrogen. composition.
(b) Cyanobacteria: These are autotrophic microbes widely
(A) Methane (B) Hydrogen sulfide
distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments,many of
which can fix atmospheric (C) Carbon monoxide (D) Carbon dioxide
nitrogen,e.g.,N ostoc,Anabaena,and Oscillatoria.
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(c) Fungi: Many members of the genus Glomus form
symbiotic associations with plants known as mycorrhiza. (C) Biogas is a mixture of gases produced by the microbial
The fungal symbiont in these associations absorbs activity of methanogens on organic waste. The primary
phosphorus from the soil and passes it to the plant. components of biogas are CH4 (Methane),CO2 (Carbon
(d) Protists: Protists are not typically used as biofertilisers. dioxide),and traces of H2 S (Hydrogen sulfide),H2
Therefore,the main sources of biofertilisers are (Hydrogen),and N2 (Nitrogen). Carbon monoxide (CO) is
bacteria,cyanobacteria,and fungi. The correct option is not a typical component of biogas. Therefore,Carbon
(a), (b), (c). monoxide is the odd one out.

(68) The free-living anaerobic nitrogen-fixing bacterium is . . . . . . . (72) Which vitamin is produced by Ashbya gossypii?
(A) Beijerinckia (B) Rhodospirillum (A) Vitamin K (B) Vitamin B2

(C) Rhizobium (D) Azotobacter (C) Vitamin B6 (D) Vitamin B1

Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) The fungus Ashbya gossypii is an industrial
(B) The correct answer is B.
microorganism used for the commercial production of
Rhodospirillum is a free-living,anaerobic,nitrogen-fixing
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). It is highly efficient in synthesizing
bacterium.
this vitamin through fermentation processes.
Beijerinckia and Azotobacter are
free-living,aerobic,nitrogen-fixing bacteria. (73) Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Rhizobium is a symbiotic,nitrogen-fixing bacterium found
in the root nodules of leguminous plants. (A) Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic.
(B) Antibiotics inhibit the growth of certain
(69) Which bacteria are responsible for converting milk into curd? microorganisms.
(A) Lactobacillus bacteria (C) The organism that produces an antibiotic dies due to
(B) Bacillus lacto bacteria the production of that same antibiotic.

(C) Bacillus bacteria (D) Fleming was awarded the Nobel Prize.

(D) Lactogenic bacteria Solution:(Correct Answer:C)

(C) The correct answer is C.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by some
(A) Microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and others microbes which can kill or retard the growth of other
commonly called Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) grow in milk (disease-causing) microbes.
and convert it into curd. Alexander Fleming discovered the first
During growth,the LAB produce acids that coagulate and antibiotic,P enicillin,from the mould P enicillium notatum.
partially digest the milk proteins. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1945 for this discovery.
This process increases the nutritional quality of curd by Statement C is incorrect because the organism producing
increasing vitamin B12 content. the antibiotic does not die from its own product; it has
mechanisms to remain unaffected by the antibiotic it
(70) Which raw material is commonly used in industrial synthesizes.
fermentation processes to produce ethanol?
(A) Starch in vegetables (74) Match the following columns:
Column-I Column-II
(B) Starch in cereals
(a) Pectinase and Pro- (1) Clot buster
(C) Sugar in fruits tease
(D) Protein in pulses (b) Streptokinase (2) Immunosuppressive
agent
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(c) Cyclosporin A (3) Clarifying fruit juices
(B) Fermentation is a metabolic process that produces
chemical changes in organic substrates through the action (d) Lipase (4) Removing oily
of enzymes. stains

17
 (A) a − 4, b − 1, c − 2, d − 3 (B) a − 4, b − 2, c − 1, d − 3 Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(C) Microbes reduce environmental degradation through a
(C) a − 3, b − 1, c − 2, d − 4 (D) a − 3, b − 2, c − 4, d − 1
process called bioremediation.
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) Certain microorganisms,such as P seudomonas
species,possess the ability to degrade complex chemical
(C) The correct matches are as follows:
pollutants,including hydrocarbons found in oil spills.
(a) Pectinase and Protease are used for clarifying fruit juices
For example,the genetically engineered ’Chakravarthy Bug’
(bottled juices are clearer than homemade ones because of
(a strain of P seudomonas with multiple plasmids) is highly
these enzymes). Thus, (a − 3).
effective in cleaning up oil spills.
(b) Streptokinase is produced by the bacterium
Other microbes like Colif orm,Clostridium,and
Streptococcus and modified by genetic engineering to be
M icrococcus also play significant roles in breaking down
used as a ’clot buster’ for removing clots from the blood
various toxic industrial chemicals and organic wastes into
vessels of patients who have undergone myocardial
simpler,non-toxic substances,thereby restoring
infarction. Thus, (b − 1).
environmental health.
(c) Cyclosporin A, produced by the fungus Trichoderma
polysporum, is used as an immunosuppressive agent in (78) Red pigment (Leghaemoglobin) having affinity for oxygen is
organ-transplant patients. Thus, (c − 2). present in the roots of
(d) Lipase is used in detergent formulations and is helpful in
(A) Mustard (B) Soybean
removing oily stains from the laundry. Thus, (d − 4).
Therefore, the correct sequence is a − 3, b − 1, c − 2, d − 4. (C) Carrot (D) Radish
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(75) Which of the following is correct regarding nitrogen fixation
(B) Leghaemoglobin is a red-colored pigment found in the
by legumes? They fix nitrogen through:
root nodules of leguminous plants,such as Soybean.
(A) Specialized bacteria in their roots This pigment acts as an oxygen scavenger,which maintains a
(B) Specialized bacteria in their leaves low concentration of molecular oxygen within the root
nodules.
(C) Independent of bacteria that live in their roots This low oxygen environment is essential because the
(D) The statement is wrong enzyme N itrogenase,which is responsible for nitrogen
fixation by the symbiotic bacteria Rhizobium,is highly
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) sensitive to oxygen and gets inactivated in its presence.
(A) Leguminous plants form a symbiotic relationship with (79) Trichoderma is a . . . . . . .
nitrogen-fixing bacteria,such as Rhizobium.
(A) Blue-green algae
These bacteria reside in specialized structures called root
nodules found on the roots of the leguminous plants. (B) Fungus
Inside these nodules,the bacteria convert atmospheric
(C) Bryophyte
nitrogen into ammonia,which the plant can utilize for
growth. (D) Protozoan
Therefore,the correct mechanism is the presence of
specialized bacteria in their roots. Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) T richoderma is a genus of fungi that are present in all
(76) Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria can bring about a saving soils,where they are the most prevalent culturable fungi.
of nitrogen fertilizer to the tune of: They are used as biocontrol agents against several plant
pathogens.
(A) 10 − 25 kg/ha (B) 30 − 50 kg/ha
(C) 20 − 30 kg/ha (D) 50 − 60 kg/ha (80) Which is a bioinsecticide?
(A) Cactoblastis cactorum
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(B) Anabaena
(C) Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria,such as Azotobacter
and Beijerinckia,fix atmospheric nitrogen into the (C) Bacillus thuringiensis
soil,which increases soil fertility.
(D) Rhizobium
These bacteria contribute to the nitrogen requirements of
crops,thereby reducing the dependency on chemical Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
nitrogen fertilizers.
(C) Bacillus thuringiensis is a natural bioinsecticide. It
It is estimated that the use of these biofertilizers can save
produces a crystalline protein toxin known as Cry toxin (or
approximately 20 − 30 kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer
Bt toxin), which is effective against various insect pests
application.
such as lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm),
coleopterans (beetles), and dipterans (flies, mosquitoes).
(77) How do microbes reduce the environmental degradation
caused by chemicals? (81) Thurioside is a proteinaceous toxin which is obtained from
(A) By producing antibiotics that kill harmful bacteria. (A) Biofertilizer (B) Farmyard manure
(B) By acting as bio-control agents to eliminate pests. (C) Green manure (D) Bacterial origin
(C) By breaking down complex organic pollutants into Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
simpler,non-toxic substances through bioremediation. (D) Thurioside (often referred to as Bt toxin) is a
(D) By increasing the soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. proteinaceous insecticidal toxin produced by the bacterium

18
 Bacillus thuringiensis. pollution. These plans aim to build a large number of
This bacterium produces crystal proteins during a particular sewage treatment plants so that only treated sewage may
phase of its growth. be discharged in the rivers.
These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein.
Therefore,it is of bacterial origin. (86) How can food products be prepared from fish,soybeans,and
bamboo?
(82) Which is the main component in the diet of herbivorous (A) By fermentation
animals?
(A) Protein (B) Lipid (B) By passing through aerobic respiration

(C) Mineral (D) Cellulose (C) By passing through high temperature

(D) By keeping at low temperature
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) Herbivorous animals,such as cattle,primarily feed on Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
plant-based materials like grass and leaves.
(A) Fermentation is a metabolic process that produces
These plant materials are rich in cell walls,which are
chemical changes in organic substrates through the action
composed of Cellulose.
of enzymes. In many cultures,fish,soybeans,and bamboo are
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide) that
processed using fermentation to enhance their nutritional
serves as the primary structural component of plant cell
value,flavor,and shelf life. For example,fermented soybean
walls.
products include soy sauce and tempeh,while various
Therefore,Cellulose is the main component in the diet of
fermented fish products are common in Southeast Asian
herbivorous animals.
cuisine. Microorganisms like bacteria,yeasts,and molds are
responsible for these transformations.
(83) Give any two microbes that are useful in biotechnology.
(A) Escherichia coli and Bacillus thuringiensis (87) In cattle,these are helpful in the digestion of cellulose.
(B) Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (A) Methanogens (B) Streptococcus
(C) Penicillium and Aspergillus (C) Trichoderma (D) Monascus
(D) Rhizobium and Azotobacter Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) (A) Methanogens are a group of anaerobic bacteria that
produce methane (CH4 ) as a metabolic byproduct in
(A) [Link] is a bacterium whose plasmid is widely used as a
hypoxic conditions.
cloning vector to introduce foreign DN A segments into
These bacteria are commonly found in the rumen (a part of
host cells.
the stomach) of cattle.
Bacillusthuringiensis is a bacterium from which a specific
In the rumen,these bacteria help in the breakdown of
gene is isolated and inserted into cotton plants to produce
cellulose,which is a major component of the food
insect-resistant plants,commonly known as Bt cotton.
(grass/fodder) consumed by cattle.
Therefore,methanogens play a crucial role in the digestion
(84) A small part of the activated sludge is pumped back into
of cellulose in cattle.
which tank?
(A) Secondary tank
(88) What is used to remove unwanted weeds from a field or
(B) Aeration tank crop?
(C) Settling tank (A) Pesticides

(D) Anaerobic sludge digesters (B) Fungicides

(C) Insecticides
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) In sewage treatment,the primary effluent is passed into (D) Weedicides
large aeration tanks where it is constantly agitated
mechanically and air is pumped into it. This allows vigorous Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
growth of useful aerobic microbes into flocs. After this,the (D) Weedicides are chemical substances specifically
mixture is passed into a settling tank where the bacterial designed to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted
flocs are allowed to sediment. This sediment is called plants,known as weeds,in agricultural fields or crops
activated sludge. A small part of this activated sludge is without significantly harming the main crop.
pumped back into the aeration tank to serve as the A. Pesticides are used to kill pests.
inoculum. B. Fungicides are used to kill fungi.
C. Insecticides are used to kill insects.
(85) For which major rivers in India has the Ministry of D. Weedicides are used to remove weeds.
Environment and Forests initiated action plans? Therefore,the correct option is D.
(A) Ganga (B) Yamuna
(89) What do bio-pesticides include?
(C) Sabarmati (D) Both (A) and (B)
(A) Only bio-insecticides
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(B) Only bio-herbicides
(D) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has initiated
specific action plans,such as the Ganga Action Plan and the (C) Bio-insecticides and bio-herbicides
Yamuna Action Plan,to save these major rivers from severe (D) Only bio-weedicides

19
 Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (94) Which microorganism is responsible for the production of
(C) Bio-pesticides is a broad term that refers to the use of butyric acid?
biological organisms or their derivatives to control pests. (A) Clostridium butyricum
This category encompasses various agents,including
(B) Lactobacillus
bio-insecticides (which target insects) and bio-herbicides
(which target weeds). (C) Acetobacter aceti
Therefore,bio-pesticides include both bio-insecticides and
(D) Aspergillus niger
bio-herbicides.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(90) The removal of floating and suspended solids from sewage (A) Butyric acid is produced by the bacterium
through filtration and sedimentation is the part of Clostridium butyricum.
(A) Primary treatment (B) Secondary treatment Lactobacillus is responsible for the production of lactic acid.
Acetobacter aceti is used for the production of acetic acid.
(C) Tertiary treatment (D) Biological treatment Aspergillus niger is a fungus used for the production of
citric acid.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(A) The removal of floating and suspended solids from (95) Which of the following herbicides is derived from urea?
sewage through filtration and sedimentation is known as (A) Simazine (B) Atrazine
primary treatment.
This process involves physical removal of particles through (C) Unerin (D) Both (a) and (b)
sequential filtration and sedimentation. Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) Triazines,which include herbicides such as Simazine and
(91) Which is used as an immunosuppressive drug during organ Atrazine,are chemical compounds derived from urea. These
transplant? are widely used as selective herbicides to control
(A) Statin (B) Cyclosporin-A broad-leaved weeds and grasses in various crops.
Therefore,both (a) and (b) are correct.
(C) Streptokinase (D) Lipase
(96) Which of the following statements is correct?
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) (A) Excessive use of chemical fertilizers leads to
(B) Cyclosporin − A is a bioactive molecule produced by eutrophication in nearby water bodies.
the fungus T richoderma polysporum.
It is widely used as an immunosuppressive agent in patients (B) Both Azotobacter and Rhizobium fix atmospheric
undergoing organ transplantation. nitrogen in the root nodules of plants.
It works by inhibiting the activation of T -cells,thereby (C) Cyanobacteria such as Anabaena and Nostoc are
preventing the immune system from rejecting the important as phosphate and potassium mobilizers for
transplanted organ. plants from the soil.
Therefore,the correct option is B.
(D) Currently,it is not possible to grow maize without
chemical fertilizers.
(92) An immunosuppressive agent used in organ-transplant
patients is Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(A) Streptokinase (B) Statins (A) Statement A is correct. Excessive use of chemical
fertilizers leads to nutrient enrichment (especially nitrogen
(C) Cyclosporin-A (D) Lipases and phosphorus) in water bodies,causing algal blooms and
eutrophication.
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
Statement B is incorrect because Azotobacter is a
(C) Cyclosporin-A is an immunosuppressive agent used in free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium,while Rhizobium is a
organ-transplant patients. symbiotic bacterium found in root nodules.
It is produced by the fungus T richoderma polysporum. Statement C is incorrect because cyanobacteria like
Anabaena and N ostoc are primarily nitrogen fixers,not
(93) Define/Explain: M ycorrhiza. phosphate or potassium mobilizers.
(A) A symbiotic association between a fungus and the Statement D is incorrect because organic farming practices
roots of higher plants. allow for the cultivation of maize without chemical
fertilizers.
(B) A parasitic relationship between bacteria and plant
roots. (97) Biogas produced by anaerobic fermentation of biomass
waste contains ......
(C) A type of nitrogen-fixing bacteria found in soil.
(A) Methane
(D) A chemical fertilizer used to enhance plant growth.
(B) H2 ,H2 S and N2 as trace elements
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) (C) CO2
(A) M ycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a (D) All of the above
fungus and the roots of higher plants.
In this relationship,the fungal hyphae absorb phosphorus Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
from the soil and pass it to the plant,while the plant (D) Biogas is a mixture of gases (containing predominantly
provides the fungus with carbohydrates and shelter. methane) produced by the microbial activity of
This association is a classic example of mutualism,where methanogens on organic waste.
both organisms benefit from the interaction. During anaerobic fermentation,methanogens (like

20
 M ethanobacterium) break down cellulosic material and
other organic matter.
The composition of biogas typically includes CH4
(methane),CO2 (carbon dioxide),and trace amounts of H2
(hydrogen),H2 S (hydrogen sulfide),and N2 (nitrogen).
Therefore,all the listed components are present in biogas.

(98) By which process is sludge formed?

(A) Filtration
(B) Sedimentation
(C) Continuous agitation
(D) All of the above

Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) In the process of sewage treatment,the primary
treatment involves the physical removal of particles from
the sewage through filtration and sedimentation.
1. Filtration removes large debris.
2. Sedimentation allows the grit (soil and small pebbles) and
all solids that settle to form the primary sludge.
Therefore,sedimentation is the key process responsible for
the formation of sludge.

(99) Who was the first discoverer of an antibiotic?

(A) Alexander Fleming (B) Alexander Chain
(C) Walther Flemming (D) Louis Pasteur

Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(A) The first antibiotic,P enicillin,was discovered by
Alexander F leming in 1928. He observed that the mold
P enicillium notatum inhibited the growth of
Staphylococcus bacteria in a culture plate. This discovery
marked the beginning of the antibiotic era in medicine.

(100) What does the given figure represent?

(A) Sewage treatment plant

(B) Typical biogas plant
(C) Fermentation plant
(D) Primary treatment

Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) The given figure represents a typical biogas plant.
It consists of a concrete tank (digester) where bio-wastes
are collected and a slurry of dung is fed.
P represents gas,Q represents the gas holder,R represents
the sludge,and S represents the digester.

21