Latest Maharashtra State Board (SSC & HSC) 2026-27 Syllabus Digest & Solutions Updated!
Class 12 (HSC Board)Biology2026-27 Syllabus

Chapter 10 Human Health and Diseases Solutions

Complete Maharashtra State Board Balbharati & Yuvakbharati textbook solutions for Chapter 10 Human Health and Diseases. Step-by-step solved exercises, numerical problems, and digest answers.

48 Solved Questions2466 words

Maharashtra State Board 12th Biology Solutions Chapter 10 Human Health and Diseases

1. Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1 Maharashtra Board Solution
Which of the following is NOT caused by unsterilized needles? (a) Elephantiasis (b) AIDS (e) Malaria (d) Hepatitis
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(a) Elephantiasis
Question 2 Maharashtra Board Solution
Opium derivative is ………………… (a) Codeine (b) Caffeine (c) Heroin (d) Psilocybin
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(c) Heroin
Question 3 Maharashtra Board Solution
The stimulant present in tea is ………………… (a) tannin (b) cocaine (C) caffeine (d) crack
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(c) caffeine
Question 4 Maharashtra Board Solution
WhIch of the following Is caused by smoking? (a) Liver cirrhosis (b) Pulmonary tuberculosis (c) Emphysema (d) Malaria
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(c) Emphysema
Question 5 Maharashtra Board Solution
An antibody is ………………… (a) molecuic that binds specifically an antigen (b) WBC which invades bacteria (c) secretion of mammalian RBC (d) cellular component of blood
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(a) molecule that binds specifically an antigen
Question 6 Maharashtra Board Solution
The antiviral proteins released by a virus-infected cell are called ………………… (a) histamines (b) interferons (c) pyrogens (d) allergens
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(b) interferons
Question 7 Maharashtra Board Solution
Both B-cells and T-cells are derived from ………………… (a) lymph nodes (b) thymus glands (c) liver (d) stem cells in bone marrow
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(b) thymus glands
Question 8 Maharashtra Board Solution
Which of the following diseases can be contracted by droplet infection? (a) Malaria (b) Chicken pox (c) Pneumonia (d) Rabies
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(c) Pneumonia
Question 9 Maharashtra Board Solution
Confirmatory test used for detecting HIV infection is ………………… (a) ELISA (b) Western blot (c) Widal test (d) Eastern blot
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(b) Western blot
Question 10 Maharashtra Board Solution
Elephantiasis is caused by ………………… (a) W. barterofti (b) P. vivax (c) Bedbug (d) Elephant
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(a) W. bancrofti
Question 11 Maharashtra Board Solution
Innate immunity is provided by ………………… (a) phagocytes (b) antibody (c) T-lymphocytes (d) B-lymphocytes
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(c) T-lymphocytes

2. Short Answer Questions

Question 1 Maharashtra Board Solution
What is the source of cocaine?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Source of cocaine is coca plant – Erythroxylum coca.
Question 2 Maharashtra Board Solution
Name one disease caused by smoking.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Emphysema. (Damaged and enlarged lungs causing breathlessness)
Question 3 Maharashtra Board Solution
Which cells stimulate B-cells to form antibodies ?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Helper T-cells stimulate B-cells to form antibodies.
Question 4 Maharashtra Board Solution
What does the abbreviation AIDS stand for?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome.
Question 5 Maharashtra Board Solution
Name the causative agent of typhoid fever.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Salmonella typhi
Question 6 Maharashtra Board Solution
What is Rh factor?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Antigen ‘D’ present on the surface of RBCs is known as Rh factor.
Question 7 Maharashtra Board Solution
What is schizont?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Schizont is a ring-like form produced from merozoites inside the erythrocytes of human beings, infected by Plasmodium, which again forms new merozoites.
Question 8 Maharashtra Board Solution
Name the addicting component found in tobacco.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Nicotine
Question 9 Maharashtra Board Solution
Name the pathogen causing Malaria.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Plasmodium vivax
Question 10 Maharashtra Board Solution
Name the vector of Filariasis.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Female Culex mosquito
Question 11 Maharashtra Board Solution
Name of the causative agent of ringworm.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Trichophyton
Question 12 Maharashtra Board Solution
Health
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Health is defined as the state of complete physical, mental and social well¬being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

3. Short Answer Questions

Question 1 Maharashtra Board Solution
What are acquired diseases?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Diseases which are developed after the birth of an individual are called acquired diseases. These are of two types, viz. (a) Communicable or infectious diseases and (b) Non- communicable or Non-infectious diseases. Communicable or infectious diseases are transmitted from infected person to another healthy person either directly or indirectly. They are caused due to pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, helminth worms, etc. Non-communicable or Non-infectious diseases cannot be transmitted from infected person to another healthy one either directly or indirectly.
Question 2 Maharashtra Board Solution
Antigen and antibody.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:

Antigen

Antibody

1. Antigens are foreign proteins which are capable of producing infection.

1. Antibodies are immunoglobulins produced by the body to act against the antigens.

2. The structure of antigens is variable dependent upon the type of pathogen.

2. The structure of antibody is Y-shaped.

3. The antigen is the ‘non-self’ molecule.

3. The antibody is ‘self’ molecule.

4. The antigens have epitope sites which bind with the antibody molecule.

4. The antibodies have paratope sites which bind with the antigen molecule.

Question 3 Maharashtra Board Solution
Name the infective stage of Plasmodium. Give Symptoms of malaria
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Sporozoite I. Symptoms of malaria:

II. Spread / Transmission of malaria:

Question 4 Maharashtra Board Solution
Explain the mode of infection and cause of elephantiasis.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Mode of infection, i.e. transmission:
Question 5 Maharashtra Board Solution
Why is smoking a bad habit?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 6 Maharashtra Board Solution
What do the abbreviations AMIS and CMIS denote?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
AMIS is Antibody-mediated immune system or humoral immunity and CMIS is cell- mediated immune system.
Question 7 Maharashtra Board Solution
What is a carcinogen? Name one chemical carcinogen with its target tissue.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 8 Maharashtra Board Solution
Active immunity and passive immunity.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:

Active immunity

Passive immunity

1. Active immunity is produced in response to entry of pathogens and their antigenic stimuli.

1. Passive immunity is produced due to antibodies that are transferred to the body.

2. Active immunity is the long lasting immunity.

2. Passive immunity is short-lived immunity.

3. In active immunity, the body produces its own antibodies.

3. In passive immunity, antibodies are given to the body from outside.

4. Natural acquired active immunity is obtained due to infections by pathogens.

4. Natural acquired passive immunity is obtained through antibodies of mother transmitted- to baby by placenta or colostrum.

5. Artificial acquired active immunity is obtained through vaccinations. These vaccines contain dead or live but attenuated pathogens.

5. Artificial acquired passive immunity is also obtained through vaccinations, but here the vaccines contain the readymade antibodies which are prepared with the help of other animals such as horses.

4. Short Answer Questions

Question 1 Maharashtra Board Solution
B-cells and T-cells.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:

B-cells

T-cells.

1. B-cells are type of lymphocyte whose origin is in bone marrow but maturation is in blood.

1. T-cells are type of lymphocytes which originate in bone marrow but maturation occurs in thymus.

2. B-cells Eire type of lymphocytes which are involved in humoral mediated immunity.

2. T-cells are type of lymphocytes which are involved in cell-mediated immunity.

3. 20% of lymphocytes present in the blood are B-cells.

3. 80% of lymphocytes present in the blood are T-cells.

4. Two types of B-cells are Memory cells and Plasma cells.

4. T-cells are of following subtypes : Cytotoxic T-cells, helper T-cells, suppressor T-cells.

5. They are involved in antibody mediated immunity. (AMI)

5. They are involved in cell-mediated immunity (CMI).

6. B-cells produced antibodies with which they fight against pathogens.

6. T-cells do not produce antibodies.

7. B-cells have membrane bound immunoglobulins located on the surface.

7. There is a presence of T cell receptors on the T-cell surface.

Question 2 Maharashtra Board Solution
What are the symptoms of malaria? How does malaria spread?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Symptoms of malaria:
Question 3 Maharashtra Board Solution
AIDS.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
(1) AIDS or the acquired immuno deficiency syndrome, is fatal viral disease caused by a retrovirus (ss RNA) known as the human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) which weakens the body’s immune system. It is called a modern pandemic.

(2) The HIV attacks the immune system which in turn causes many opportunistic infections, neurological disorders and unusual malignancies ultimately leading to death.

(3) AIDS was first noticed in USA in 1981 whereas in India, first confirmed case of AIDS was in April 1986 from Tamil Nadu.

(4) HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as saliva, tears, nervous system tissue, spinal fluid, blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. However, only blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk generally transmit infection to others.

(5) The transmission of HIV occurs by sexual contact, through blood and blood products and by contaminated syringes, needles, etc. There is also transplacental transmission or through breast milk at the time of nursing.

(6) Accidental needle injury, artificial insemination with infected donated semen and transplantation with infected organs are some of the rare occasions of transmission of HIV.

(7) HIV infection is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, bite of mosquitoes or using other objects touched by a patient.

(8) Acute HIV infection progresses over time to asymptomatic HIV infection and then to early symptomatic HIV infection. Later, it progresses to full blown AIDS when patient shows advanced HIV infection with CD4 T-cell count below 200 cells/mm.

Question 4 Maharashtra Board Solution
Give the symptoms of cancer.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Symptoms of cancer:
Question 5 Maharashtra Board Solution
Antigens on blood cells.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 6 Maharashtra Board Solution
Antigen-antibody complex: Img 1
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 7 Maharashtra Board Solution
What are the various public health measures, which you would suggest as safeguard against infectious diseases?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Infectious diseases spread through pathogens, therefore, it is an important duty of each person to decrease the risk of infecting our own self or others. This can be achieved by
Question 8 Maharashtra Board Solution
How does the transmission of each of the following diseases take place? (a) Amoebiasis:
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Amoebiasis is usually transmitted by the following ways:

(b) Malaria:
Answer:
Symptoms of malaria:

(c) Ascariasis:
Answer:

(d) Pneumonia:
Answer:

Question 9 Maharashtra Board Solution
What measures would you take to prevent water-borne diseases?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 10 Maharashtra Board Solution
Typhoid.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Typhoid is an infective disease caused by Gram-ve bacterium, Salmonella typhi. (1) It is food and water-borne infection. In the intestinal lumen of infected person this bacteria is found.

(2) The bacterium has “O” – antigen, which is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS), present on surface coat and its flagella has “H” – antigen. Thus it becomes pathogenic.

(3) Signs and Symptoms of typhoid are as follows:
Prolonged and high fever with nausea, fatigue, headache.
Abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea. In severe cases rose-coloured rash is seen on skin. Tongue shows white coating and there is cough. Anorexia or loss of appetite is seen. In chronic cases there is breathlessness, irregular heartbeats and haemorrhage.

(4) Poor hygiene habits and poor sanitation and insects like houseflies and cockroaches spread typhoid.

(5) Typhoid is diagnosed by Widal test.

(6) Antibiotics like Chloromycetin can cure typhoid. Preventive vaccines such as oral Ty21a vaccine and injectable typhim vi and typherix against typhoid are also available. Chronic cases need surgical removal of gall bladder.

5. Match the following.

Column I

Column II

(a) AIDS

(i) Antibody production

(b) Lysozyme

(ii) Activation of B-cells

(c) B-cells

(iii) Immunoglobulin

(d) T-helper cells

(iv) Tears

(e) Antibody

(v) Immuno deficiency

Answer:

Column I

Column II

(a) AIDS

(v) Immuno deficiency

(b) Lysozyme

(iv) Tears

(c) B-cells

(i) Antibody production

(d) T-helper cells

(ii) Activation of B-cells

(e) Antibody

(iii) Immunoglobulin

6. Long Answer Questions

Question 1 Maharashtra Board Solution
Describe the structure of antibody.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Img 2
Question 2 Maharashtra Board Solution
Vaccination.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 3 Maharashtra Board Solution
What is cancer? Differentiate between benign tumour and malignant tumour. The main five types of cancer
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
I. Cancer : Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division due to disturbed cell cycle.

II. Difference between benign tumour and malignant tumour:

Benign tumour

malignant tumour

1. Benign tumour is localized and it does not spread to neighbouring areas.

1. Malignant tumour starts as local but spreads rapidly to neighbouring areas.

2. Benign tumour is enclosed in connective tissue sheath.

2. Malignant tumour is not enclosed in connective tissue sheath.

3. Benign tumour compresses the surrounding normal tissue.

3. Malignant tumour invades and destroys the surrounding tissue.

4. Benign tumours can be removed surgically.

4. Malignant tumours need further treatment after removal.

5. Except for brain tumour, benign tumours are usually not fatal.

5. Malignant tumours are fatal.

6. Benign tumours do not show metastasis.

6. Malignant tumours show metastasis.

7. Benign tumours are well differentiated.

7. Malignant tumours are poorly differentiated.

8. Benign tumours show slow and progressive growth.

8. Malignant tumours show rapid and erratic growth.

III. The main five types of cancer:

Types of Cancer : According to the tissue affected, the cancers are classified into five main types. These are as follows:

Question 4 Maharashtra Board Solution
Describe the different type of immunity.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
There are two basic types of immunity, viz. innate immunity and acquired immunity. (A) Innate immunity:

(B) Acquired immunity:

Question 5 Maharashtra Board Solution
Describe the ill-effects of alcoholism on health.
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Question 6 Maharashtra Board Solution
In your view, what motivates the youngsters to take to alcohol or drugs and how can this be avoided?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
I. Taking drugs or alcohol:

II. Methods/measures to avoid drug abuse:

Question 7 Maharashtra Board Solution
Do you think that friends can influence one to take alcohol/drugs? If yes, how may one protect himself/herself from such an influence?
Solution & Step-by-Step Answer:
Friends can influence one to take alcohol and drugs, if a boy or girl is timid and non-communicative with his or her parents and teachers. It also depends on the personality of the indtvidual. In the adolescent age, many fall in trap due to such peer pressure. The confusion in the mind and role of hormones playing on the psyche and thought process makes one unable to understand the hazards of such habits. Also there is curiosity to do these experimentations due to bad influence of media.

If there is complete trust and friendship with sensible parents, then such influence does not work. One should protect himself or herself by a strong denial. Communicating such incidents to an elder in whom a boy or girl can confide, is very important. One should tell his or her friends about the ill-effects of alcohol and drugs. He should be made aware of these aspects that he or she has learnt in this lesson.