CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

CLASS 8 SCIENCE CH-2

MICROORGANISMS FRIEND & FOE
NOTES
→ Those living organisms around us which we cannot be seen with naked eyes are called
microorganisms or microbes.
→ Some of these can be seen with a magnifying glass while some cannot be seen without the
help of a microscope. That is why these are called microorganisms or microbes.
Microorganisms→ Microorganisms are classified into four major groups. These groups are
bacteria, fungi, protozoa and some algae.
Classification of microorganisms
(i) Bacteria → Single-celled organisms

→ Found in wide range of habitats ranging from glaciers to deserts and hot springs
→ For example: curd bacteria (Lactobacillus)
(ii) Fungi → Multicellular, heterotrophic organisms
→ Lack chlorophyll and are generally found in colonies
→ For example: Penicillium, Aspergillus
(iii) Protozoa → Unicellular or multicellular microorganisms
→ Usually found in water
→ For example: Amoeba and Paramecium
(iv) Algae → Unicellular or multicellular autotrophic organisms
→ Contain chlorophyll pigment and carry out photosynthesis
→ For example: Chlamydomonas and Spirogyra
(v) Viruses → Viruses are also microscopic which reproduce only inside the cells of the host

organism, which may be a bacterium, plant or animal.

→ Ultramicroscopic organisms

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

→ Require host cells to reproduce and complete their life cycle.

→ For example: Influenza virus, polio virus.
Food Preservation→ Process of preventing the spoilage of food items by the action of
microbes is called food preservation.
→ Microorganisms act on food items and spoil them.
Methods of food preservation
(i) Chemical methods→ The chemicals that controls the growth of microorganisms on food
are called preservatives.
For example: sodium benzoate, sodium metabisulphite, salts and edible oil.
→ Common salt is used as preservative in pickles. It is also used to preserve meat and fish.
→ Sugar is used as preservative in jams and jellies.

→ Oil and vinegar are used as preservatives in pickles and vegetables.

(ii) Heat and cold treatments → Boiling the milk helps in killing microorganisms present in it.
→ Pasteurization is a technique of preserving milk in which it is boiled to about 70°C for 15 to
30 seconds and then suddenly chilled and stored.
(iii) Storage and packing → Dry fruits and vegetables are stored in sealed air tight packets to
prevent microbial attack.
Importance of microorganisms
(i) In food industry
→ Lactobacillus bacteria promote the conversion of milk into curd.
→ Yeast is used in preparation of breads, pastries and cakes.
(ii) In beverage industry
→ Yeast is used for commercial production of alcohol, wine and vinegar (acetic acid).

→ Yeast acts on sugar and converts it into alcohol by the process of fermentation. Louis
Pasteur discovered fermentation.

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

(iii) In medicine production

→ Medicines produced by certain microorganisms to kill or stop the growth of other disease-
causing microorganisms are called antibiotics.
→ Antibiotics are obtained from bacteria and fungi.
→ Commonly used antibiotics are streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin.
→ First antibiotic penicillin was prepared by Alexander Fleming
(iv) In vaccine production
→ Protection of the body from the attack of various disease-causing microorganisms through
vaccines is known as vaccination.
→ Vaccine includes dead or weakened microbes that trigger the production of antibodies in the
body.

→ These antibodies help in preventing the attack from disease-causing microorganisms.

→ Vaccination helps in controlling diseases such as cholera, polio, small pox, hepatitis etc.
→ Vaccine for small pox was discovered by Edward Jenner.
(v) In increasing soil fertility
→ Blue green algae and Rhizobium bacteria are called biological nitrogen fixers.
→ They fix free atmospheric nitrogen to enhance soil fertility.
(vi) In cleaning the environment
→ Microorganisms (decomposers) help in converting dead waste of plants and animals into
simpler substances by the process of decomposition.
Nitrogen cycle
→ It involves circulation of nitrogen through living and non-living components of nature.
→ Nitrogen gas comprises 78% of the atmosphere.

→ First process of nitrogen cycle is fixation of nitrogen gas into nitrogenous compounds
caused by bacterium Rhizobium and lightning.

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

→ Nitrogen compounds in soil are taken up by the plants through roots and used up in
synthesis of plant proteins. Animals obtain nitrogen by feeding on plants.
→ Waste of plants and animals are converted to nitrogenous compounds by the action of
bacteria and fungi in the soil.
→ Some bacteria convert nitrogenous compounds back to nitrogen to maintain atmospheric
levels of nitrogen.
Harmful microorganisms
→ Disease-causing microorganisms are called pathogens.
→ Diseases in humans caused by microorganisms
→ Diseases caused by microorganisms that spread from an infected person to a healthy
person through air, water, or food are called communicable diseases.

→ The example includes cholera, chicken pox, and tuberculosis.

→ The organisms that transmit diseases from one place to the other are called carriers.
Example of carriers
→ Housefly spreads diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
→ Female Anopheles mosquito spreads malarial parasites.
→ Female Aedes mosquito spreads dengue virus.
Examples of human diseases caused by bacteria
Tuberculosis , Cholera, Typhoid
Examples of human diseases caused by virus
Measles, Chicken pox, Polio, Hepatitis-B
Examples of human diseases caused by protozoa
Malaria, Sleeping Sickness

Diseases in animals caused by microorganisms

Anthrax is caused by bacteria, Foot and mouth disease in cattle is caused by virus

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Diseases in plants caused by microorganisms

Citrus canker disease is caused by bacteria
Rust of wheat is caused by fungi
Yellow vein mosaic of Bhindi (Okra) is caused by virus
NCERT TEXTBOOK
Question 1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) Microorganisms can be seen with the help of a Microscope
(b) Blue-green algae fix Nitrogen directly from the air to enhance the fertility of soil.
(c) Alcohol is produced with the help of Yeast
(d) Cholera is caused by Bacteria.
Question 2.Tick the correct answer.
(a) Yeast is used in the production of
(i) sugar (ii) alcohol (iii) hydrochloric acid (iv) oxygen
Answer: (ii) alcohol
(b) The following is an antibiotic:
(i) sodium bicarbonate (ii) streptomycin (iii) alcohol (iv) yeast
Answer: (ii) streptomycin
(c) Carrier of malaria-causing protozoan is:
(i) female Anopheles mosquito (ii) cockroach (iii) housefly (iv) butterfly
Answer: (i) female Anopheles mosquito
(d) The most common carrier of communicable diseases is
(i) ant (ii) housefly (iii) dragonfly (iv) spider
Answer: (ii) housefly
(e) The bread or idli dough rises because of:
(i) heat (ii) grinding (iii) growth of yeast cells (iv) kneading
Answer: (iii) growth of yeast cells
(f) The process of conversion of sugar into alcohol is called
(i) nitrogen fixation (ii) moulding (iii) fermentation (iv) infection
Answer: (iii) fermentation
Question 3. Match the organisms in column A with their action in column B.
A B

(i) Bacteria (a) Fixing nitrogen

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

(ii) Rhizobium (b) Setting of curd

(iii) Lactobacillus (c) Baking of bread

(iv) Yeast (d) Causing malaria

(v) A protozoan (e) Causing cholera

(vi) A virus (f) Causing AIDS

(g) Producing antibodies

Answer: (i) (e) (ii) (a) (iii) (b) (iv) (c) (v) (d) (vi) (f)
Q4. Can microorganisms be seen with the naked eye? If not, how can they be seen?
Answer: The microorganisms cannot be seen with our naked eyes because they are very small
in size. Some of these, such as fungus growing on bread, can be seen with a magnifying glass.
Others cannot be seen without the help of a microscope.
Q5.What are the major groups of microorganisms?
Answer: Microorganisms are classified on the basis of their size into four major groups. These
groups are: (a) Bacteria (b) Fungi (c) Protozoa (d) Some algae
Q6. Name the microorganisms which can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.
Answer: Rhizobium, Clostridium and Azotobacter.
Q7. Write 10 lines on the usefulness of microorganisms in our lives.
Answer: Microorganisms are useful to us in many ways. For example,
• Bacteria like Lactobacillus convert milk into curd.
• Bacteria are also involved in the making of cheese.
• Acetobacter aceti is used for producing acetic acid from alcohol.
• Yeast is used in the commercial production of alcohol, wine and bakery products.
• Some specific microorganisms are helpful in manufacturing of antibiotics.
• Microorganisms act as cleansing agents and decompose the waste products into
manure.
• Dead or weakened microbes are used in the preparation of vaccines.
• Some bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen and increase soil fertility.
• Algae, yeast, fungi or bacteria may be used as an ingredient or a substitute for protein-
rich foods that are suitable for human or animal consumption.
• Some microorganisms are taken as probiotics, that are believed to provide health
benefits when consumed.

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Q8. Write a short paragraph on the harms caused by microorganisms.

Answer: Microorganisms are harmful to us in many ways. For example, microorganisms,
called pathogens cause disease in humans, plants and animals. Pathogens or germs enter a
healthy body through air, water, contaminated food and infected person by direct or indirect
contact or by the carrier. Common ailments like cold, influenza (flu), cough, polio, chicken pox
are caused by viruses. Foot and mouth diseases in the cattle are also caused by viruses.
Typhoid, tuberculosis (TB) are caused by bacteria. Anthrax a dangerous human and cattle
diseases is also caused by bacteria.
Diseases like dysentery and malaria are caused by protozoa. Ringworm is caused by fungi.
Several microbes causes diseases in plants and thus reduces the yield. Citrus canker, a
bacterial disease, affects trees of citrus fruit and is spread by air. Bhendi yellow vein mosaic
disease is caused by a virus and is spread by insects in lady fingers. Rust of wheat is a fungal
disease spread through air. Microorganisms that grow on our food sometimes produce toxic
substances. These make the food poisonous causing serious illness and even death. This
food-borne illness is called food poisoning.
Q9.What are antibiotics? What precautions must be taken while taking antibiotics?
Answer: Antibiotics are the medicines which kill or stop the growth of the disease-causing
microbes. They are manufactured by growing specific microorganisms. They are used to cure
a variety of diseases.
It is important to take antibiotic only on the advice of a qualified doctor. One must finish the
course prescribed by the doctor to make the drug more effective. Antibiotics must not be
taken unnecessarily because it may kill beneficial bacteria also. Antibiotics are, however, not
effective against cold and flu as they are caused by viruses.
1 MARKS OUT OF BOOK QUESTIONS
1.Name the bacteria responsible for the disease typhoid.
Ans. Salmonella typhi.
2. Chicken pox is caused by ………. virus.
Ans. Varicella zoster.
3.………….. (disease) is caused by mycoplasma.
Ans. Pleuropneumonia.
4.Name the toxin released by T.B. bacteria.
Ans. Tuberculin toxin is released by T.B. bacteria.
5. Which microorganism is the cause of malaria ?
Ans. A Protozoan, Plasmodium.

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6. Write two diseases caused by bacteria.

Ans. Two diseases caused by bacteria are tuberculosis and diphtheria.
7. Name any two items that are prepared by using yeast.
Ans. Yeast is used to prepare bread and alcohol.
8. What are microorganisms ?
Ans. Microorganisms are organisms that are so small that they can only be seen through a
microscope.
9. Name two diseases caused by viruses.
Ans. Influenza and cough.
10.Name two diseases caused by protozoans.
Ans. Dysentery and malaria.
11.Which microorganisms are unicellular ?
Ans. Bacteria and protozoa are unicellular.
12. Name two multicellular microorganisms.
Ans. Algae and fungi are multicellular.
13.Define fermentation.
Ans. The process of conversion of sugar into alcohol is called fermentation.
14. Why antibiotics are not effective against cold and flu ?
Ans. Cold and flu are caused by viruses, so the antibiotics are not effective against them.
15. What are antibodies ?
Ans. When a disease carrying microbe enters our body, the body produces antibodies to fight
the invader
16. Name two diseases which can be prevented by vaccination.
Ans. Cholera and tuberculosis can be prevented by vaccination.
17.Name the diseases for which oral drops are given as vaccination. (Ans. Polio )
18.What are biological nitrogen fixers ?
Ans. Some bacteria and blue-green algae are able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere to
enrich soil with nitrogen and increase fertility, are known as biological nitrogen fixers.
19. What are pathogens ?
Ans. Diseases-causing microorganisms are called pathogens.
20. What are communicable diseases ?
Ans. Microbial diseases which can spread from an infected person to a healthy person through
air, water, food or physical contact are known as communicable diseases.
21. Name two communicable diseases.

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Ans. Chicken pox and tuberculosis.

22.Name two carriers of disease-causing microbes.
Ans. Housefly and female Anopheles mosquito.
23. Name the microorganism that cause tuberculosis and its mode of transmission.
Ans. Causative microorganisms – Bacteria & Mode of transmission – Air.
24. How are cholera and typhoid transmitted ?
Ans. Cholera is transmitted through water or food.
Typhoid is transmitted through water.
25. Which microorganism causes foot and mouth disease of cattle (Ans. Virus )
26. Name one plant disease caused by bacteria and its mode of transmission.
Ans. Citrus canker is caused by bacteria and transmitted through air
27. Name one plant disease transmitted by insects and caused by virus.
Ans. Yellow vein mosaic of bhindi.
28. Name one plant disease caused by fungi and its mode of transmission.
Ans. Rust of wheat. It is transmitted through air and seeds.
29. What is meant by food poisoning ?
Ans. Food poisoning is caused by consuming food that has been spoilt by some
microorganisms.
30. What are preservatives ?
Ans. Chemicals (salts, etc.) that prevent the growth of microorganisms are called
preservatives.
31. How are pickles preserved ?
Ans. Pickles are preserved by adding salt or acid.
32. Name the chemicals used to preserve jams and squashes.
Ans. Sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulphite
33. How are meat and fish preserved ?
Ans. Meat and fish are preserved by covering them with dry salt
2 MARKS OUT OF BOOK QUESTIONS
1. Describe the role of blue-green algae in fertility of soil.
Ans. Blue-green, algae, also called cyanobacteria, can fix atmospheric nitrogen into usable ,
compounds. These are then used as fertilizers.
2. Name three habitats of microorganisms.
Ans. Microorganisms are present in soil, water, outer space and inside the body of animals.
3. Name the bacterium found in the roots of pea plant. How is this bacterium useful for human
beings ?

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Ans. Rhizobium is the bacterium found in the roots of pea plant. The bacterium absorbs the
atmospheric nitrogen and converts it to nitrates.
4. What is a vaccine ? Why is it important to vaccinate small children ?
Ans. Vaccine is prepared from weak or dead disease-causing microbe. Vaccine is given to
healthy persons to prevent occurrence of disease. It is important to vaccinate small children
because it creates antibodies in blood.
5.
a. Give full form of ORS.
b. What is vaccination ?
Ans. ORS — Oral Rehydration Solution.
Vaccination is a method to immunise the body against diseases by making the body’s
immune system produce antibodies against the disease-causing microbe in the vaccine.
6. Mention two important uses of fungi.
Ans. Uses of fungi:
• They convert dead organic matter into simple soluble minerals and gases, which can be
used again by plants.
• Fungi like yeast is used in bread, beer and wine.
7. How is pasteurised milk obtained ?
Ans. In pasteurisation, the milk is heated to 62.5°C for 30 minutes or to 71.5°C for 15 seconds.
It is then rapidly cooled to 10°C and packed in airtight containers.
8. Draw a neat and well-labelled diagram of Spirogyra.

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

9. Draw a labelled diagram of Rhizopus

10. Draw a labelled diagram of Chlamydomonas.

11. Draw a labelled diagram of Amoeba.

12. How are viruses different from other microorganisms ?

Ans. Viruses reproduce only inside the host organisms that is, bacterial, plant or animal cell.
13. Give two examples where microorganisms are useful at home.
Ans. At home microorganisms are used for preparation of curd and cakes.
14. How are microorganisms useful commercially ?
Ans. Microorganisms are used for the large scale production of alcohol, wine and acetic acid
(vinegar).
15. How do microorganisms clean the environment ?
Ans. Microorganisms degrade the harmful substances and clean the environment.
16. How can we prevent a person from getting Hepatitis B ?
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• By giving boiled water for drinking.

• By vaccination.
17.Name one disease caused by bacteria and one disease caused by virus in cattle.
• Bacteria – Anthrax.
• Virus – Foot and mouth disease.
18. How can we control plant diseases ?
Ans. Plant diseases can be controlled by chemicals which kill the microbes.
19. Why do we use oil and vinegar to preserve vegetables and fruits ?
Ans. Use of oil and vinegar prevents spoilage of vegetables and fruits because bacteria cannot
live in such an environment.
20. Why do we keep milk in the refrigerator during summers ?
Ans. The low temperature in the refrigerator inhibits the growth of microbes.
21. Why do we boil milk before storing ?
Ans. Boiling kills the microorganisms.
22. How are dry fruits preserved ?
Ans. Dry fruits are preserved by keeping them sealed in airtight packets to prevent the attack of
microbes.
23. Draw a labelled diagram of Penicillium.

24.
• Name the scientist who discovered the vaccine for smallpox.
• Who discovered the bacterium which causes anthrax disease ?
Ans.
• Edward Jenner
• Robert Koch
3 MARK OUT OF BOOK QUESTIONS
Question 1.
• Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease. Justify the statement.
• Which vitamin helps in the prevention of common cold ?
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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer:
• Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease. TB is transmitted through minute droplets of
infected sputum on phlegm, by drinking milk of an infected animal.
• Common cold is prevented by taking vitamin C.
Question 3. Can you store pickles in iron containers ? Why ?
Answer: We can not store pickles in iron containers because the acid present in the pickles
reacts with iron. This can cause food poisoning, if consumed.
Question 4. What precautions must be taken while taking antibiotics ?
Answer: Antibiotics should be taken after consulting a doctor. The complete dose of the
antibiotics should be taken as prescribed. They should not be taken unnecessarly because
they will kill the useful bacteria.
Question 5.
1. Write the causal organism of cholera.
2. Write any two symptoms of this disease.
3. Why ORS should be given to the patients suffering from cholera ?
Answer:
4. Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae.
5. Two symptoms of cholera are :
o profuse and painless watery diarrhoea.
o muscular cramps.
6. ORS should be given to the patients suffering from cholera to avoid excessive loss of
body fluids.
Question 6.Why are viruses considered to be on the borderline between living organisms and
non-living things ?
Answer: Viruses cannot reproduce, respond to changes or use energy to grow. Since viruses
reproduce in the host cell, scientist regard viruses as a link between living and non-living.
Question 7. How are bacteria beneficial for us ?
Answer: Bacteria are useful to us as :
• Nitrogen fixing bacteria increase the fertility of the soil.
• They can be used to form curd, alcohol, etc.
• They can decompose organic matter.
Question 8.Write three types of bacteria on the basis of their shape. Give one example of
each. Answer: Three types of bacteria are :
I. Bacillus or rod-shaped, e.g., Lactobacillus.
II. Coccus or spherical, e.g., Streptococcus.

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

III. Spirillum or spiral, e.g., Vibrio.

Question 9. (a) Are bacteria plants or animals ? Give reasons in support of your answer.
(b) Write two differences between autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria.
Answer:(a) Bacteria is considered as plant due to the presence of a rigid cell wall in it.
(b)
Autotrophic bacteria Heterotrophic bacteria

(i) Chlorophyll is present. (i) Chlorophyll is absent.

(ii) Synthesize their own food. (ii) Depend on readymade food from other sources.
Question 10. How does a housefly transmit diseases ?
Answer: A housefly gets attracted towards garbage and excreta. The harmful microorganisms
present in excreta and garbage easily stick to its fine array of body hair and are thus,
transferred to food stuffs whenever they sit on them and a result food gets poisoned.
Question 11.
a. What are antibiotics ?
b. How are antibiotics manufactured ?
c. Name two important antibiotics.
Answer:
a. Medicines which kill or stop the growth of the disease causing microorganisms are called
antibiotics.
b. The antibiotics are manufactured by growing specific microorganisms.
c. Two important antibiotics are Tetracycline and Bacitracin.
Question 12. What will happen if you take antibiotics when not needed ?
Answer: If you take antibiotics when not needed, you help bacteria in your body to develop
resistance to them. Next time when you fall ill and need these antibiotics, they would be less
effective.
Question 13. How does a vaccine act ?
Answer: The vaccine acts by making the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against
the disease-causing microbe in the vaccine. The antibodies attack and destroy the weakened
microbe as it enters the body.
Question 14. How is common cold spread ?
Answer: When a person suffering from common cold sneezes, fine droplets of moisture
carrying thousands of viruses causing common cold are spread in the air. The viruses may
enter the body of a healthy person while breathing.

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Question 15. How can you prevent the spread of communicable diseases ?
Answer: It is better to avoid contact with the infected person. We should keep distance from
infected persons.
Question 16. Give the methods of prevention of cholera.
Answer: Cholera can be prevented by :
• Vaccination.
• Maintaining good personal hygiene.
• Consuming properly cooked food and drinking boiled water.
Question 17. How does food become ‘poison’ ?
Answer: Microorganisms that grow on our food sometimes produce toxic substances. These
make the food poisonous causing serious illness and even death.
Question 18. What will happen if yeast powder is put in sugar solution and kept for few hours ?
Name the process.
Answer: When yeast powder is put in sugar solution and kept for few hours, fermentation
takes place. The sugar is converted into alcohol by yeast and this process is known as
Fermentation.
Question 19. How can we control the spread of malaria or dengue ?
Answer: All mosquitoes breed in water. Hence, by keeping the surroundings clean and dry, we
can prevent mosquitoes from breeding. We should not allow water to collect in coolers, flower
pots, etc. We should wear full sleeves shirts in the evenings and at night. We can also use
mosquito repellant creams and mosquito nets.
MCQs
Question 1.Microorganisms exhibiting the characteristics of living and non-living organisms
are known as (a) bacteria (b) virus (c) algae (d) fungi
Answer: (b)
Question 2. A person bitten by dog gets
(a) malaria (b) tetanus (c) typhoid (d) rabies
Answer: (d)
Question 3. Amoebic dysentery is transmitted by
(a) sneezing (b) using contaminated water (c) direct contact (d) wound
Answer: (b)
Question 4. Anthrax in cattle is caused by
(a) fungi (b) virus (c) bacteria (d) algae
Answer: (c)

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Question 5. Smut of rice is caused by

(a) virus (b) protozoa (c) fungi (d) bacteria
Answer: (c)
Question 6. Wheat, maize and oats are preserved by
(a) using sugar and salt (b) pasteurisation (c) drying (d) using chemical preservatives
Answer: (c)
Question 7. Jams and jellies are preserved by
(a) drying (b) using chemical preservatives
(c) using acetic acid (d) using heat and cold treatments
Answer: (b)
Question 8. Pasteurisation is the method used for preserving
(a) milk (b) jams (c) pickles (d) grains
Answer: (a)
Question 9. Fermentation is the process used for making
(a) curd (b) cheese (c) idlis (d) chappatis
Answer: (c)

NCERT EXEMPLAR
Question. 1 Which of the following reproduces only inside a host cell?
(a) Bacteria (b) Virus (c) Amoeba (d) Fungus
Answer. (b) Virus is a micro organism, which is in an inactive or deal form outside the body of
a host. It reproduces or replicates only when it enters a host and reaches its cells.
Question. 2 A disease in human beings caused by virus is
(a) typhoid (b) influenza (c) dysentery (d) cholera
Answer. (b) Influenza is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. It is also known as
flu whose symptoms includes high fever, running nose, sore throat, headache, coughing and
muscle pain etc. Typhoid, dysentry and cholera are bacterial infections.
Question. 3 Pathogenic micro organisms present in host cells are killed by medicines
called (a) pain killer (b) antibodies (c) antibiotics (d) vaccines
Answer. (c) Antibiotics are substances that may inhibit or kill the growth of different
microbes.Micro organisms causing infection in host bodies are killed by consumption of these
antibiotics.
Question. 4 The two micro organisms which live in symbiotic association in lichens are
(a) fungus and protozoa (b) alga and bacteria(c) bacteria and protozoa (d) alga and fungus

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer. (d) Lichens is an association between a fungal and an algal species. It is mutually
benefiting association where algae provides food to the fungus and in return gets
shelter from it.
Question. 5 The gas released during the preparation of bread is
(a) oxygen (b) carbon dioxide (c) nitrogen (d) sulphur dioxide
Answer. (b) Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released during the preparation of bread.
This is the process of fermentation in which yeast cells rapidly produces CO 2, which causes
rising of the dough used in preparation of bread.
Question. 6 The disease caused by a protozoan and spread by an insect is
(a) dengue (b) malaria (c) polio (d) measles
Answer. (b) Malaria is the disease which is caused by the spread of a protozoan, i.e.
Plasmodium.It is spread in healthy individuals by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito
carrying this Plasmodium in their mouth (saliva).
Question. 7 Paheli dug two pits, A and B, in her garden. In pit A, she put a polythene bag
packet with some agricultural waste. In pit B, she dumped the same kind of waste but
without packing it in a polythene bag. She, then covered both the pits with soil. What did
she observe after a month?
(a) Waste in pit A degraded faster than that in pit B
(b) Waste in pit 6 degraded faster than that in pit A
(c) Waste in both pits degraded almost equally
(d) Waste in both pits did not degrade at all
Answer. (b) Waste in pit B degraded faster than that in pit A because packet B was kept open,
so 02 could go in which helped the microbes in decomposing the waste materials easily.In
packet A, since it was sealed, 02 could not enter and thus, microbial degradation did not
occur.
Question. 8 Unscramble the jumbled words underlined in the following statements.
(a) Cells of our body produce santiidobe to fight pathogens.
(b) Curbossulite is an air-borne disease caused by a bacterium.
(c) Xanrhat is a dangerous bacterial disease.
(d) Yeasts are used in the wine industry because of their property of meronettinaf.
Answer. (a) Antibodies are specific molecules produced against invading microbes.
(b) Tuberculosis is an infectious air-borne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
(c) Anthrax is an infectious disease of humans and animals caused by Bacillus anthracis.
(d) Fermentation is a process occurring in yeast which converts sugar into gases (C02) and
alcohols.

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Question. 9 Suggest a suitable word for each of the following statements.

(a) Chemicals added to food to prevent growth of micro organisms.
(b) Nitrogen-fixing micro organism present in the root nodules of legumes.
(c) Agent which spreads pathogens from one place to another.
(d) Chemicals which kill or stop the growth of pathogens.
Answer. (a) Preservatives are the chemicals added in food. They prevent microbial infection
without altering the taste or appearance.
(b) Rhizobium are the nitrogen fixing bacteria which fix the atmospheric nitrogen into that form
(i.e. nitrates, nitraties) which is usable for plants.
(c) Carrier/Vector are the modes of transmission of a disease.
(d) Antibiotics are the antimicrobial agents for inhibiting or killing the growth of microbes.
Question. 10 Match the names of scientists given in Column I with the discovery made by
them given in Column II.

Answer. (a) —(iii), (b)—(ii), (c)—(iv),(d)—(i)

(a) Louis Pasteur discovered fermentation in 1857 by demonstrating that microbes cause
souring of milk.
(b) Robert Koch is known for his role in identification of the causing agent of anthrax.
(c) Edward Jenner is known as father of Immunology. He discovered the vaccine for smallpox
in 1798.
(d) Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin antibiotic, which is used extensively in treatment
of various diseases.
Question. 11 Name one commercial use of yeast.
Answer. Baking bread/manufacturing of alcoholic drinks is the commercial use of yeast.
Question. 12 Name the process in yeast that converts sugars into alcohol.
Answer. Fermentation is the process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol.
Question. 13 Preservatives are used in kitchen on daily basis. List a few of them.
Preservatives prevent the spoilage of food lives for a long time from microbial infestation.
Answer. Vinegar common salt and oil are common preservatives used in kitchen.
Question. 14 Why should we avoid standing dose to a tuberculosis patient while he/she is
coughing?
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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer. Tuberculosis is an air-borne disease, which is easily spreads when the infected
person coughs. As coughing spreads germs in the air and these germs remain suspended in air
until inhaled by person present in promixity of the patient who is suffering from the disease.
That is why we should avoid standing close to a TB patient.
Question. 15 Polio drops are not given to children suffering from diarrhoea. Why?
Answer. If the child is suffering from diarrhoea, the polio drops that is an oral vaccine for
fighting against polio virus may be excreted out because of frequent motions.
Thus, the child becomes susceptible to polio inaction as the vaccine becomes ineffective to
fight against invading pathogen.
Question. 16 Paheli watched grandmother making mango pickle. After she bottled the
pickle, her grandmother poured oil on top of the pickle before closing the lid. Paheli
wanted to know why oil was poured? Can you help her understand why?
Answer. The oil poured on the pickle forms a barrier between the pickle and air. This prevents
the bacteria present in air from entering jar and attacking the pickle and spoiling it. Thus,
increasing the shelf life of pickles.
Question. 17 Match the micro organisms given in the Column I to the group to which they
belong in Column II.

Answer. (a) —(iv), (b)—(iii), (c)—(i), (d)—(ii)

Question. 18 Classify the following into friendly and harmful micro organisms. Yeast,
malarial parasite, Lactobacillus, bread mould, Rhizobium, Bacillus anthracis.
Answer. Friendly micro organisms The microbes which benefit humans and other organisms

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in one way on the other are considered as friendly microbes.

Question. 19 While returning from the school, Boojho ate chaat from a street hawker.
When he reached home, he felt ill and complained of stomachache and fell ill. What
could be the reason?
Answer. The reason could be that the chaat was contaminated by pathogenic micro
organisms. The unhygienic conditions present near the shop becomes the breeding place for
microbes, flies, etc.
The pathogens can be transmitted to places by flies and other vectors, even the utensil used
for serving could have been contaminated by the pathogenic micro organism. If such
microbial contaminated food is consumed several disease like diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera,
etc., may occur.
Question. 20 What will happen to ‘pooris’ and ‘unused kneaded flouri if they are left in the
open for a day or two?
Answer. The ‘unused kneaded flour’ if left in warm conditions, gets infected by microbes
which causes fermentation and spoils the flavour, texture, etc., of the flour. The pooris would
remains in relatively good condition because these were deep fried in heated oil that kills
microbes.
Question. 21 (a) Name two diseases that are caused by virus.
(b) Write one important characteristic of virus.
Answer. (a) Influenza and chickenpox are two diseases caused by virus in humans.
(b) Virus are dead when present in the environment. They can reproduce only inside the cells
of an infected person (as host).
Question. 22 Observe the figure and answer the questions that follows.
(a) Write the name of the disease.
(b) Name the causative agent of this disease?
(c) How does the disease spread from one plant to another?

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

(d) Name any two plant diseases and the microbes that cause them.

Answer. (a) The disease is yellow vein mosaic of the lady’s finger/okra. The disease is
characterised by alternating green and yellow patches and chlorosis in veins. Severity of
disease leads to complete yellowing of leaves.
(b) Bhindi yellow vein mosaic virus.
(c) The disease transmission occurs via the insects sitting on anther of diseased plant and
moving to others,
(d) Plant disease occurring commonly are:
1. Common rust Puccinia graminis (fungus) brown pustules which can be • elongated or
ovule develops on both the leaf surfaces. On rupturing they release spores.
2. Citrus canker Xanthomonas spp (bacteria) lesions on leaves, stems and fruits of citrus
trees which fruit and leaves drops prematurely from trees.
Question. 23 How do vaccines work?
Answer. Vaccines contain dead or weakened microbial strains of a particular disease. When a
vaccine is introduced into a heathy body. It produces specific cells against the pathogen.
These cells, are called antibodies and they becomes active when the pathogen attack our
body. The body fights and kills them by producing specific set of reactions.
These antibodies remain in the body for life long and protect against the microbe when
microbe enters the body again.
Vaccines can be given either orally (in the forms of drops) or injected in the body.
Question. 24 Observe the set-up given in figure and answer the following questions.
I. What happens to the sugar solution in A?
II. Which gas is released in A?
III. What changes will you observe in B when the released gas passes through it?

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer.
I. Yeast grow very rapidly on the sugar containing substrates. It multiplies and increases its
number and in process converts the sugar into alcoholic products with the release of CO 2
gas.
In flask A, fermentation is occurring due to the presence of yeast and its utilisation of
sugar.
II. Carbon dioxide is released in A during fermentation process.
III. The gas released due to the fermentation of sugar in set up is CO 2. When CO2 is passed
over lime water in set up S its color changes, i.e. the lime water turns milky.
Question. 25 Observe the figure and answer the following questions.

1. Name the microorganism and the group to which it belongs.

2. Name the foodjtem on which the organism grows.
3. Does it grow well in dry or in moist conditions?
4. Is it safe to eat infected bread?
Answer.
1. The microorganism is Rhizopus, also known as the bread mould. It belongs to the
microbial group of fungi.
2. The Rhizopus grows well on moist and stale bread.
3. This organism grows well in moist conditions. Dry conditions inhibit its growth.
4. No, Intake of fungus infected bread can cause harm by producing poisonous chemicals
or toxins which adversely effects the proper functioning of our body.
Question. 26 Give reasons for the following.
I) Fresh milk is boiled before consumption while processed milk is stored in packets
and can be consumed without boiling.
II) Raw vegetables and fruits are kept in refrigerators, whereas jams and pickles can
be kept outside.
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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

III) Farmers prefer to grow beans and peas in nitrogen deficient soils.
IV) Mosquitoes can be controlled by preventing stagnation of water though they do not
live in water. Why?
Answer.
I. Fresh milk is boiled before consumption to kill the micro organisms that could be
present in it. But packed milk is pasteurised and boiled at 70°C for 30 sec followed by
sudden : chilling then stored.
Thus, it can be consumed without boiling. Pasteurisation kill all micro organisms for
making it free of any contamination.
II. Raw vegetables and fruits get easily infected by micro organisms and get spoiled. They
are kept in refrigerator at low temperature that inhibits growth of microbes. Jams and
pickles contain sugar and salt as preservatives.
These preservatives forms a protective layer and prevent spoilage of these products by
inhibiting the growth of various micro organisms.
III. Beans and peas are leguminous plants as they have Rhizobium, a bacteria in their root
nodules. This bacteria can fix atmospheric nitrogen to enrich the soil with nitrogen and
increase its fertility.
Farmers grow leguminous plants in between the major crops, a practice called crop
rotation to restore the used nutrients of the soil.
IV. Though mosquitoes, live on land, water is their breeding ground their larvae grow in
water. Water stagnation is collecting of water in a small area, without any activity.
Mosquitoes lay egg on such a surface.
If water stagnation is prevented, their larvae cannot survive, thus reducing mosquito
population.
Question. 27 How can we prevent the following diseases?
Cholera , Typhoid & Hepatitis-A
Answer.
(i) Cholera An infectious disease caused by bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It occurs due to the
consumption of contaminated or unhygienic food and water. It can be prevented by
maintaining personal hygiene, good sanitation practice, consumption of clean drinking
water, etc.
(ii) Typhoid An acute illness caused by bacteria Salmonella typhi. It occurs by ingestion of
typhoid bacterium through food, water, fomite, etc. Preventions includes consumption of
hygiene and properly cooked meals, filtered or boiled water, etc.

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 CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

(iii)Hepatitis-A A disease caused by hepatitis. A virus. Symptoms of disease appears after 2

weeks of infection. Prevention includes proper vaccinasation drinking boiled water, wash
hands before eating, etc.
Question. 28 Complete the following cycle given as figure by filling the boxes (1), (2),(3)

Answer. The cycle given above represents the nitrogen cycle occurring in the environment.
The atmospheric nitrogen cannot be up taken by plants and animals as such, this is corrected
by some bacteria and blue-green algae present in the soil. These microbes fix the atmospheric
nitrogen into usable components which are utilised by other living ’organisms.
Nitrogen cycle checks the percentage of nitrogen in the atmosphere and maintains it at a
constant level.
3. Lightning fixes nitrogen.
4. Nitrogen fixing bacteria and blue-green algae fix atmospheric nitrogen.
5. Nitrogenous waste from excretion and death.
6. Bacteria turns compounds of nitrogen into gaseous nitrogen.
Very short Answer Type Questions
Question 1: What causes malaria?
Answer: Malaria is caused by protozoa.
Question 2: Which mosquito act as carrier of dengue virus?
Answer: Aedes mosquito acts as carrier of dengue virus.
Question 3: Name any two diseases that can be prevented by vaccination.
Answer: Polio and smallpox
Question 4: Give two examples of algae.
Answer: Chlamydomonas and Spirogyra
Question 5: Give two examples of protozoa.
Answer: Amoeba and Paramecium
Question 6: How are cholera and typhoid caused?
Answer: Cholera and typhoid are caused by bacteria.
Question 7: Give few of examples of fungi.
Answer: Bread mould, Penicillium and Aspergillus
Question 8: Who discovered penicillin?
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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer: In 1929, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

Question 9: Name any two diseases caused by bacteria.
Answer: Typhoid and tuberculosis (TB)
Question 10: What causes foot and mouth disease of cattle?
Answer: Foot and mouth disease of cattle is caused by a virus.
Question 11:Who discovered the vaccine for smallpox?
Answer: Edward Jenner discovered the vaccine for smallpox in 1798.
Question 12: Name any two diseases caused by protozoa.
Answer: Diseases like dysentery and malaria are caused by protozoans.
Question 13: Name some antibiotics.
Answer: Streptomycin, tetracycline and erythromycin
Question 14: How are meat and fish preserved?
Answer: Meat and fish are covered with dry salt to check the growth of bacteria.
Question 15: What is fermentation?
Answer: The process of conversion of sugar into alcohol is called fermentation.
Question 16: Why do we boil milk before storing?
Answer: We boil milk before storing because boiling kills many microorganisms.
Question 17: Name one plant disease caused by bacteria and its mode of transmission.
Answer: Citrus canker is caused by bacteria and transmitted through air.
Question 18: Why are the antibiotics not effective against colds and the flu?
Answer: Antibiotics are not effective against cold and flu as these are caused by viruses.
Question 19: Name one plant disease caused by virus and its mode of transmission.
Answer: Yellow vein mosaic of bhindi (Okra) is caused by virus and transmitted through
insect.
Question 20: How can we control plant diseases?
Answer: They can be controlled by the use of certain chemicals which kill the microbes.
Question 21: Name one plant disease caused by fungi and its mode of transmission.
Answer: Rust of wheat is caused by fungi and transmitted through air and seeds.
Question 22: What causes food poisoning?
Answer: Food poisoning could be due to the consumption of food spoilt by some
microorganisms.
Question 26: How do we preserve pickles?
Answer: We add salt or acid preservatives to pickles to prevent the attack of microbes.
Question 27: What are preservatives?

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer: Chemicals (Salts, edible oils etc.) used to check the growths of microorganisms are
called preservatives.
Question 28: Why pasteurized milk can be consumed without boiling?
Answer: Pasteurized milk can be consumed without boiling as it is free from harmful
microbes.
Short Answer Type Question
Question 1: Name some unicellular and multicellular organisms.
Answer: Unicellular organisms- bacteria, some algae and protozoa
Multicellular organisms- algae and fungi
Question 2: How can we prevent the spread of communicable diseases?
Answer: We prevent the spread of communicable diseases:
• By keeping handkerchief on the nose and mouth while sneezing.
• By keeping distance from infected persons.
Question 3: How are viruses different from other microorganisms?
Answer: Viruses are quite different from other microorganisms. They reproduce only inside
the host organism; bacterium, plant or animal cell.
Question 4: How do microorganisms clean the environment?
Answer: Some microorganisms decompose the organic waste and dead plants and animals
into simple substances and clean up the environment.
Question 5: How are jams and squashes preserved?
Answer: Sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulphite are used in the jams and squashes to
check their spoilage.
Question 6: What are the major groups of microorganisms?
Answer: Microorganisms are classified into four major groups. These groups are bacteria,
fungi, protozoa and some algae.
Question 7: What are microorganisms?
Answer: Microorganisms or microbes are the living organisms around us which cannot be
seen with naked eye.
Question 8: What diseases are prevented through vaccination?
Answer: Several diseases, including cholera, tuberculosis, smallpox and hepatitis can be
prevented by vaccination.
Question 9: Why do we keep food in refrigerator?
Answer: We keep food in the refrigerator because low temperature inhibits the growth of
microbes and keep the food fresh.
Question 10: Why dry fruits and even vegetables are sold in sealed air tight packets?

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer: Dry fruits and even vegetables are sold in sealed air tight packets to prevent the
attack of microbes.
Question 11: Why is it important to vaccinate small children?
Answer: It is important to vaccinate small children in order to protect them against several
diseases.
Question 12: Who discovered the bacterium which causes anthrax disease?
Answer: Robert Köch (1876) discovered the bacterium (Bacillus anthracis) which causes
anthrax disease.
Question 13: How are cholera and typhoid transmitted?
Answer: Cholera is transmitted through water or food. Typhoid is transmitted through water.
Question 14: Write any two common cattle diseases and its cause.
Answer: Anthrax is a dangerous cattle disease caused by a bacterium.
Foot and mouth disease of cattle is caused by a virus.
Question 15: Name the microorganisms which can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.
Answer: Certain bacteria and blue green algae present in the soil fix nitrogen from the
atmosphere and convert into compounds of nitrogen.
Question 16: Why sugar is used as preservative?
Answer: Sugar is used as preservative in jams, jellies and squashes. Sugar reduces the
moisture content which inhibits the growth of bacteria which spoil food.
Question 17: Which microorganism is used for commercial production of alcohol, wine and
acetic acid (vinegar)?
Answer: Yeast is used for commercial production of alcohol, wine and acetic acid (vinegar).
Question 18: Name some commonly known antibiotics which are made from fungi and
bacteria.
Answer: Streptomycin, tetracycline and erythromycin are some of the commonly known
antibiotics which are made from fungi and bacteria.
Question 19: What are the harmful effects of microorganisms on plants?
Answer: Several microorganisms cause diseases in plants like wheat, rice, potato, sugarcane,
orange, apple and others. The diseases reduce the yield of crops.
Question 20: Name some diseases caused by virus.
Answer: Common ailments like cold, influenza (flu) and most coughs are caused by viruses.
Serious diseases like polio and chicken pox are also caused by viruses.
Question 21: How does food become poisonous?
Answer: Microorganisms that grow on our food sometimes produce toxic substances. These
make the food poisonous causing serious illness and even death.

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Question 22: How can we prevent the spread of hepatitis B?

Answer: Ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis B
• Drink boiled drinking water.
• Vaccination
Question 23: Name the bacterium found in the roots of pea plant. How is this bacterium
useful?
Answer: Rhizobium lives in the root nodules of leguminous plants such as beans and peas. It
is involved in the fixation of nitrogen in leguminous plants (pulses).
Question 24: Why should we keep our food covered?
Answer: Flies sit on uncovered food and they may transfer the pathogens. Whoever eats the
contaminated food is likely to get sick. So, it is advisable to always keep food covered.
Question 25: Why are viruses considered to be on the borderline between living organisms
and non-living things?
Answer: Viruses are also microscopic. They, however, reproduce only inside the cells of the
host organism, which may be a bacterium, plant or animal.
Question 26: Write some common uses of yeast.
Answer: Common uses of yeast are:
• It is used in the baking industry for making breads, pastries and cakes.
• It is used for commercial production of alcohol and wine.
Long Answer Type Question
Question 1: How can food be preserved by adding oil and vinegar?
Answer: Use of oil and vinegar prevents spoilage of food because bacteria cannot live in such
an environment. Vegetables, fruits, fish and meat are often preserved by this method.
Question 2: How milk is turned into curd?
Answer: A little curd is added to warm milk to set curd. Curd contains several
microorganisms. Of these, the bacterium Lactobacillus promotes the formation of curd. It
multiplies in milk and converts it into curd.
Question 3: How does common cold spread?
Answer: When a person suffering from common cold sneezes, fine droplets of moisture
carrying thousands of viruses are spread in the air. The virus may enter the body of a healthy
person while breathing.
Question 4: Why is tuberculosis considered as infectious disease?
Answer: Tuberculosis is considered as infectious disease because bacteria that cause
tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air
via coughs and sneezes.

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Question 5: What causes tuberculosis and how is it spread?

Answer: Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread from person to person through
microscopic droplets released into the air. This can happen when someone with tuberculosis
coughs, speaks, sneezes or spits.
Question 6: What are biological nitrogen fixers?
Answer: Some bacteria and blue green algae are able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere to
enrich soil with nitrogen and increase its fertility. These microbes are commonly called
biological nitrogen fixers.
Question 7: How can cholera be prevented?
Answer: To prevent cholera we must:
• Maintain personal hygiene and good sanitary habits.
• Consume properly cooked food and boiled drinking water.
• Vaccination.
Question 8: What are pathogens?
Answer: Microorganisms are harmful in many ways. Some of the microorganisms cause
diseases in human beings, plants and animals. Such disease-causing microorganisms are
called pathogens.
Question 9: How do pathogens enter our body?
Answer: Pathogens enter our body through the air we breathe, the water we drink or the food
we eat. They can also get transmitted by direct contact with an infected person or carried
through an animal.
Question 10: Why should we not let water collect anywhere in the neighbourhood?
Answer: All mosquitoes breed in water. Hence, one should not let water collect anywhere, in
coolers, tyres, flower pot etc. By keeping the surroundings clean and dry we can prevent
mosquitoes from breeding.
Question 11: What will happen if we take antibiotics when not needed?
Answer: If we take antibiotics when not needed or in wrong doses, it may make the drug less
effective when we might need it in future. Also antibiotics taken unnecessarily may kill the
beneficial bacteria in the body.
Question 12: What are carriers of disease-causing microbes? Give examples.
Answer: There are some insects and animals which act as carriers of disease-causing
microbes. Housefly is one such carrier. Another example of a carrier is the female
Anopheles mosquito, which carries the parasite of malaria.
Question 13: What happens when yeast powder is added to sugar solution and kept for 4-5
hours?

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer: When yeast powder is added to sugar solution and kept for 4-5 hours, fermentation
takes place. Sugar has been converted into alcohol by yeast. This process of conversion of
sugar into alcohol is known as fermentation.
Question 14: Why is yeast used in baking industry?
Answer: Yeast reproduces rapidly and produces carbon dioxide during respiration. Bubbles of
the gas fill the dough and increase its volume. This is the basis of the use of yeast in the baking
industry for making breads, pastries and cakes.
Question 15: How do houseflies spread disease?
Answer: Housefly is one such carrier. The flies sit on the garbage and animal excreta.
Pathogens stick to their bodies. When these flies sit on uncovered food they may transfer the
pathogens. Whoever eats the contaminated food is likely to get sick.
Question 16: Write a short paragraph on the harms caused by microorganisms.
Answer: Microorganisms are harmful in many ways. Some of the microorganisms cause
diseases in human beings, plants and animals. Such disease-causing microorganisms are
called pathogens. Some microorganisms spoil food, clothing and leather.
Question 17: What is called pasteurization?
Answer: It is a process in which milk is heated to about 700C for 15 to 30 seconds and then
suddenly chilled and stored. By doing so, it prevents the growth of microbes. This process was
discovered by Louis Pasteur. It is called pasteurization.
Question 18: What are communicable diseases? Give examples.
Answer: Microbial diseases that can spread from an infected person to a healthy person
through air, water, food or physical contact are called communicable diseases. Examples of
such diseases include cholera, common cold, chicken pox and tuberculosis.
Question 20: Where do microorganisms live?
Answer: They can survive under all types of environment, ranging from ice cold climate to hot
springs and deserts to marshy lands. They are also found inside the bodies of animals
including humans. Some microorganisms grow on other organisms while others exist freely.
Microorganisms like amoeba can live alone, while fungi and bacteria may live in colonies.
Question 21: Why is curd an important ingredient in making rava idlis and bhaturas?
Answer: Curd is added while making idli and bhatura dough as curd contains Lactobacillus
bacteria that undergoes anaerobic respiration and in this process it acts on sugar of the flour
and releases carbon dioxide gas, this gas make the dough rise and when baked or fried gas
escapes leaving the idli or bhatura soft and spongy.
Question 22: How a vaccine works?

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

Answer: When a disease-carrying microbe enters our body, the body produces antibodies to
fight the invader. The body also remembers how to fight the microbe if it enters again. So, if
dead or weakened microbes are introduced in a healthy body, the body fights and kills them by
producing suitable antibodies. The antibodies remain in the body and we are protected from
the disease-causing microbes. This is how a vaccine works.
Question 23: Mention some important uses of fungi.
Answer: Uses of fungi are as follows:
• Some antibiotics are made from fungi.
• When plants and animals die fungi present in the soil convert the nitrogenous wastes into
nitrogenous compounds to be used by plants again.
• Yeasts are single-celled fungi. It is used in baking industry for making breads, pastries and
cakes and for commercial production of alcohol and wine.
Question 25: What are antibiotics? What precautions must be taken while taking antibiotics?
Answer: Antibiotics are the medicines prepared from microorganisms to kill or stop the
growth of the disease-causing microorganisms.
Precautions to be taken while taking antibiotics:
• Antibiotics should be taken only on the advice of a qualified doctor.
• Course of antibiotics should be completed as prescribed by the doctor.
• Antibiotics should be taken in the right amount and at the right time. If antibiotics are taken
unnecessarily it may kill the beneficial bacteria in the body.
• Antibiotics are not effective against cold and flu as these are caused by viruses.
Question 26: Explain nitrogen cycle.
Answer: Our atmosphere has 78% nitrogen gas. The atmospheric nitrogen cannot be taken
directly by plants and animals. Certain bacteria and blue green algae present in the soil fix
nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert into compounds of nitrogen. Once nitrogen is
converted into these usable compounds, it can be utilised by plants from the soil through their
root system. Nitrogen is then used for the synthesis of plant proteins and other compounds.
Animals feeding on plants get these proteins and other nitrogen compounds. When plants and
animals die, bacteria and fungi present in the soil convert the nitrogenous wastes into
nitrogenous compounds to be used by plants again. Certain other bacteria convert some part
of them to nitrogen gas which goes back into the atmosphere. As a result, the percentage of
nitrogen in the atmosphere remains more or less constant.
Question 27: What are the different methods of food preservation?
Answer: Different methods of food preservation are:

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CHEMISTRY Class 8 Science CH-2

• Chemical Method – Salts and edible oils are the common chemicals generally used to
check the growth of microorganisms.
• Preservation by Common Salt – Common salt has been used to preserve meat and fish for
ages. Salting is also used to preserve amla, raw mangoes, tamarind, etc.
• Preservation by Sugar – Jams, jellies and squashes are preserved by sugar.
• Preservation by Oil and Vinegar – Use of oil and vinegar prevents spoilage of pickles
because bacteria cannot live in such an environment. Vegetables, fruits, fish and meat are
often preserved by this method.
• Heat and Cold Treatments – This process kills many microorganisms. Milk is boiled before it
is stored or used.
• Storage and Packing – Dry fruits and even vegetables are sold in sealed air tight packets to
prevent the attack of microbes.

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