
Comprehensive Answer Set for Chapter 10 – Nutrition [ Nutrition in General ] | ICSE Class 9 

Explore a detailed and structured answer set on Nutrition [Nutrition in General] for ICSE Class 9. Includes define and differentiate, multiple-choice, very short, short, and long answer questions for thorough exam preparation. 

Define and Differentiate
Malnutrition:
Malnutrition refers to a condition that occurs when a person’s diet lacks essential nutrients or contains excessive nutrients, resulting in health problems. It includes both undernutrition (lack of nutrients) and overnutrition (excessive intake of nutrients).Categorization of Nutrients:
- Carbohydrates: Cellulose, Starch, Glycogen, Cane-sugar.
- Proteins: Egg albumen, Milk, Pea.
Caloric Requirements:
- An Adult Physical Labourer: Requires about 3000-3500 calories per day due to intensive physical work.
- A Teenager: Needs about 2200-2800 calories daily for proper growth and energy.
- A Pregnant Woman: Requires around 2500-2700 calories to support the baby’s development and the mother’s health.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Correct Pair of Simple Sugars:
Fructose and Glucose – Both are monosaccharides (simple sugars).
Correct Nutrient and Source:
Potassium – Banana – Bananas are rich in potassium, vital for muscle and nerve function.
Cause of Marasmus:
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins – A deficiency of these nutrients leads to Marasmus.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins:
A, D, and E – These vitamins are soluble in fats and essential for various body functions.
Best Source of Vitamin A:
Carrot – Rich in beta-carotene, converted into vitamin A in the body.
Ascorbic Acid is Vitamin:
Vitamin C – Essential for immune function and tissue repair.
Component Aiding Digestion:
Roughage – Aids in bowel movement and digestion.
Grape Sugar:
Glucose – Also known as grape sugar, it’s a primary energy source.
Two Molecules of Glucose Form:
Maltose – A disaccharide formed from two glucose units.
Disease from Thiamine Deficiency:
Beri beri – Caused due to vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
True or False Statements:
- (a) True – Cellulose is indigestible in humans.
- (b) False – Kwashiorkor is due to protein deficiency, not vitamin deficiency.
- (c) False – Iron is needed for hemoglobin synthesis; iodine is needed for thyroid.
- (d) False – Antibiotics are not food.
- (e) True – Mineral salts regulate bodily processes.
Mineral Elements:
- (i) Calcium – For strong teeth and bones.
- (ii) Iodine – For proper thyroid function.
- (iii) Iron – For synthesis of hemoglobin.
- (iv) Phosphorus – For ATP production.
- (v) Sodium – For cell permeability and nerve function.
Nutrient Deficiencies and Diseases:
- Pernicious anemia – Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Pellagra – Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency.
- Night blindness – Vitamin A deficiency.
- Goiter – Iodine deficiency.
- Kwashiorkor – Protein deficiency.
Odd One Out and Category:
- Xerophthalmia (others are malnutrition diseases; this is a vitamin A deficiency).
- Iodine (others are vitamins; iodine is a mineral).
- Lactose (others are monosaccharides; lactose is a disaccharide).
- Fructose (others are polysaccharides; fructose is a monosaccharide).
- Iron (others are major minerals; iron is a trace mineral).
Matching Terms:
Column A | Column B |
Tocopherol | Vitamin E |
Phylloquinone | Vitamin K |
Retinol | Vitamin A |
Ascorbic acid | Vitamin C |
Calciferol | Vitamin D |
Diseases Caused by Deficiencies:
- (a) Vitamin A – Night blindness, Xerophthalmia.
- (b) Vitamin D – Rickets, Osteomalacia.
- (c) Vitamin B3 – Pellagra, dermatitis.
- (d) Iodine – Goiter, mental retardation.
- (e) Protein – Kwashiorkor, Marasmus.
Deficiency Diseases from Clues:
- (a) Vitamin K deficiency.
- (b) Goiter (iodine deficiency).
- (c) Protein-energy malnutrition (Marasmus).
- (d) Night blindness (vitamin A deficiency).
- (e) Xerophthalmia (vitamin A deficiency).
Complete the Following:
- (a) Galactose → Lactose.
- (b) Maltose.
- (c) Glucose → Sucrose.
- (d) Starch.
- (e) Protein.
Short Answer Type Questions
Definitions:
- (a) Balanced diet – A diet with the right proportion of nutrients.
- (b) Malnutrition – Lack or excess of nutrients causing health problems.
- (c) Food – Any substance consumed for nutrition.
- (d) Nutrients – Substances that provide nourishment.
- (e) Kwashiorkor – A disease caused by protein deficiency.
Examples and Usefulness:
- (a) Monosaccharides – Glucose (quick energy), Fructose (sweetener).
- (b) Disaccharides – Sucrose (table sugar), Lactose (milk sugar).
- (c) Polysaccharides – Starch (energy source), Cellulose (aids digestion).
Role of Food Components:
- (a) Cellulose – Helps in bowel movement.
- (b) Fat – Provides energy and stores vitamins.
- (c) Proteins – Build and repair body tissues.
- (d) Calcium – Strengthens bones and teeth.
- (e) Phosphorus – Energy production and bone health.
Milk for Bone Health:
Milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, essential for strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Long Answer Type Questions
1.
Distinguish between the following pairs on the basis of the words indicated in the brackets:
(a) Monosaccharides:
- They are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit.
- Common examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
- They generally contain 3 to 7 carbon atoms. For instance, glucose has 6 carbon atoms.
- They are easily absorbed by the body and provide immediate energy.
- Monosaccharides have the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆.
- Disaccharides:
- These are carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide units linked by a glycosidic bond.
- Examples include sucrose (glucose + fructose
- They typically contain 12 carbon atoms in total.
- Disaccharides need to be broken down into monosaccharides during digestion for absorption.
- Their molecular formula is generally C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.
(b) Kwashiorkor and Marasmus (Age)
- Kwashiorkor:
- It is a protein-deficiency disease commonly observed in children aged 1-5 years, especially after weaning.
- Characterized by edema (swelling), a distended abdomen, flaky skin, and stunted growth.
- The diet is high in carbohydrates but severely deficient in proteins.
- Marasmus:
- It occurs in infants and young children below the age of 1 year due to severe deficiency of calories and proteins.
- Characterized by extreme thinness, wrinkled skin, weak muscles, and prominent ribs.
- The body appears emaciated due to the loss of fat and muscle tissues.
(c) Tocopherol and Pantothenic Acid (Solubility)
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E):
- It is a fat-soluble vitamin.
- Stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver.
- Essential for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and reproductive health.
- Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5):
- It is a water-soluble vitamin.
- Not stored in the body, hence, regular intake is necessary.
- Crucial for energy metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A.
(d) Malnutrition and Undernutrition (Definition)
- Malnutrition:
- It refers to an imbalance in nutrient intake, which could be due to excess, deficit, or improper nutrient consumption.
- It includes both undernutrition (deficiency) and overnutrition (excess).
- Leads to various health issues such as obesity, stunted growth, and nutrient-deficiency diseases.
- Undernutrition:
- It specifically refers to insufficient intake of nutrients, resulting in deficiencies.
- Common signs include weight loss, fatigue, and poor immunity.
- Conditions like marasmus and kwashiorkor are examples of undernutrition.
(e) Iron and Iodine (Deficiency Diseases)
- Iron:
- Essential for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
- Deficiency leads to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
- Iodine:
- Crucial for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Deficiency results in goiter, causing swelling in the neck and metabolic disorders.
2.
Six Main Purposes for Which Food is Required by the Body
- Energy Supply:
- Food provides energy required for all bodily activities like walking, running, and even resting.
- Carbohydrates and fats are the main sources of energy.
- Body Growth and Repair:
- Proteins from food are essential for building new tissues and repairing damaged cells.
- Essential during periods of growth, like childhood and adolescence.
- Maintenance of Body Functions:
- Nutrients regulate vital processes like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.
- Vitamins and minerals ensure smooth metabolic functioning.
- Protection Against Diseases:
- Certain nutrients like vitamins C and E boost immunity and help the body fight infections.
- Minerals like zinc and iron also strengthen the immune system.
- Regulation of Body Processes:
- Nutrients like water, roughage, and minerals help regulate digestion, circulation, and excretion.
- Storage of Energy:
- Excess food, especially fats, is stored in the body for future energy needs.
3.
Why Are Proteins Necessary in Our Food?
- Body Growth and Development:
- Proteins are the building blocks of cells and tissues.
- Essential for the growth of muscles, skin, hair, and internal organs.
- Repair and Maintenance:
- Help in the repair of damaged tissues and the maintenance of healthy body cells.
- Crucial during injury or recovery from illnesses.
- Enzyme and Hormone Production:
- Many enzymes and hormones are made up of proteins.
- These regulate body processes like digestion, metabolism, and growth.
- Immunity Boost:
- Proteins contribute to the formation of antibodies that fight infections.
- They play a crucial role in maintaining immune health.
- Energy Source:
- Although not the primary source, proteins can provide energy when carbohydrates and fats are insufficient.
- Transport and Storage:
- Certain proteins help in transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
4.
Importance of Roughage in Diet with Examples
- Improves Digestion:
- Roughage, or dietary fiber, adds bulk to the stool, promoting easy bowel movements.
- Whole grain atta and green leafy vegetables are rich in fiber.
- Prevents Constipation:
- By aiding in the smooth movement of food through the intestines, roughage prevents constipation.
- Fruits like apples and bananas are excellent sources.
- Maintains Healthy Weight:
- High-fiber foods keep one feeling full longer, reducing overeating.
- Whole grain products and vegetables assist in weight management.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels:
- Fiber slows the absorption of sugar, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Useful for people with diabetes.
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels:
- Soluble fiber found in fruits helps lower bad cholesterol levels.
- Reduces Risk of Diseases:
- A fiber-rich diet lowers the risk of digestive disorders and colon cancer.