Table of Contents
Chapter 1 MCQs in English; Components of Food
1. From which sources are the raw materials used to prepare food dishes obtained?
I. Plants
II. Animals
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Answer: C
The correct answer is Both I and II.
The food we consume every day is prepared from one or more types of raw materials. These raw materials are mainly obtained from plants and animals.
From plants, we obtain cereals (wheat, rice, maize), pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, oilseeds, and spices. These are the major sources of our food and contain a variety of nutrients.
From animals, we obtain milk, curd, butter, ghee, eggs, meat, fish, and honey. These are especially considered good sources of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The useful components present in these raw materials are called nutrients. Our body requires these nutrients for growth, energy production, tissue repair, and protection against diseases.
Food mainly contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre (roughage), and water. A balanced diet should contain all these nutrients in appropriate amounts.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 1–2
2. Which of the following are the main nutrients present in our food?
Answer: D
The correct answer is All of these.
Our body requires different types of nutrients to remain healthy and to carry out all its biological functions properly. The major nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy required for daily activities. Foods such as rice, wheat, potatoes, and maize are rich in carbohydrates.
Proteins are essential for body growth, the formation of new cells, and the repair of damaged tissues. Pulses, milk, eggs, fish, and soybeans are major sources of proteins.
Fats provide a concentrated source of energy, protect the body from cold, and help in the absorption of certain vitamins. Ghee, butter, edible oils, and nuts are rich sources of fats.
In addition, vitamins and minerals regulate various biological functions and help maintain the body’s immunity. Dietary fibre (roughage) keeps the digestive system healthy, while water helps in transporting nutrients, regulating body temperature, and removing waste products.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 2
3. Which of the following are the main nutrients present in our food?
I. Carbohydrates
II. Proteins
III. Fats
Code:
Answer: D
All three—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—are the major nutrients present in our food. Therefore, the correct answer is I, II and III.
Carbohydrates provide the energy required for daily activities. They are the body’s primary source of energy.
Proteins are essential for body growth, muscle development, and the repair of damaged tissues. They play a particularly important role in the growth of children and adolescents.
Fats serve as a stored source of energy. They protect the body from cold, cushion internal organs, and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.
A balanced diet should contain all three nutrients in proper proportions. Deficiency or excess of any one of these nutrients may adversely affect health.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 2
4. Which of the following solutions are used to test carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?
Answer: D
The correct answer is All of these.
Simple chemical tests are carried out to identify the presence of different nutrients in food. Different chemicals are used for different tests.
Iodine solution is used to detect starch (a carbohydrate). If starch is present in a food sample, adding a few drops of iodine solution turns it blue-black.
Copper sulphate and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) are used together to detect proteins. This is known as the Biuret Test. If protein is present, the solution turns violet.
Fats are generally identified by rubbing the food sample on a piece of paper. If a permanent translucent oily spot appears on the paper, it indicates the presence of fat.
Thus, iodine, copper sulphate, and caustic soda are used to identify different nutrients present in food.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 4
5. Choose the correct option regarding the tests for nutrients present in food:
Answer: D
The correct answer is Option (D).
To test for the presence of protein in a solid food sample, the sample is first ground into a powder or paste. A small amount of water is then added to prepare a solution, after which copper sulphate and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solutions are added. If protein is present, the solution turns violet.
Option (A) is incorrect because carbohydrates (especially starch) are tested using iodine solution, and the colour changes to blue-black, not violet.
Option (B) is incorrect because the presence of protein produces a violet colour, not black.
Option (C) is also incorrect because fats are not identified by a colour change. To test for fats, the food sample is rubbed on a piece of paper. If a translucent oily spot remains, it indicates the presence of fat.
These simple tests for identifying nutrients in food are performed not only in science laboratories but also at the school level to help students understand the nutritional value of different food items.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 3
6. Which of the following are known as “Energy-Giving Foods”?
I. Protein-rich foods
II. Fat-rich foods
III. Carbohydrate-rich foods
Answer: B
The correct answer is II and III.
Our body requires a continuous supply of energy to perform daily activities, physical work, and various biological processes. This energy is mainly obtained from carbohydrates and fats.
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary and quickest source of energy. Foods such as rice, wheat, maize, potatoes, and sugar are rich in carbohydrates. The body uses carbohydrates first to meet its energy requirements.
Fats are also an important source of energy. In fact, the same amount of fat provides more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates. That is why excess energy is generally stored in the body as fat.
The primary function of proteins is not to provide energy but to support body growth, repair damaged tissues, and build new cells. Proteins are used for energy only when there is a severe shortage of carbohydrates and fats.
Therefore, carbohydrates and fats are called “Energy-Giving Foods.”
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 2
7. If equal quantities of carbohydrates and fats are consumed, which will provide more energy?
Answer: B
The correct answer is Fats.
Both carbohydrates and fats provide energy to the body, but fats provide more energy than carbohydrates when consumed in equal amounts.
According to nutrition science, 1 gram of carbohydrate provides about 4 kilocalories (kcal) of energy, whereas 1 gram of fat provides about 9 kilocalories (kcal). Thus, the same quantity of fat provides more than twice the energy of carbohydrates.
For this reason, the body stores excess energy in the form of fat for future use. However, although fats are essential, excessive consumption can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.
A balanced diet should contain both carbohydrates and fats in appropriate amounts to ensure adequate energy and good health.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 2
8. Match the following:
Column-I Column-II
1. Source of carbohydrates a. Millet, Potato
2. Plant sources of fats b. Fish, Ghee
3. Animal sources of fats c. Nuts
Code:
Answer: D
Correct identification of carbohydrates, fats, and their sources is essential for understanding a balanced diet.
The major sources of carbohydrates include millet, potatoes, rice, wheat, and other cereals. These foods are the primary sources of energy for the body.
Plant sources of fats include nuts, groundnuts, sesame seeds, mustard, coconut, and various vegetable oils. They provide energy as well as essential fatty acids.
Animal sources of fats include fish, ghee, butter, eggs, and meat. These foods contain fats along with proteins and certain essential vitamins.
Thus, the correct matching is:
Column-I Column-II
1. Source of carbohydrates a. Millet, Potato
2. Plant sources of fats c. Nuts
3. Animal sources of fats b. Fish, Ghee
Hence, the correct code is 1-a, 2-c, 3-b (Option D).
Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 4
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9. Which of the following statements is true?
Answer: D
The correct answer is Option (D).
Vitamins are essential micronutrients required by the body in very small amounts, but they play a vital role in maintaining health and regulating various biological functions.
Option (A) is incorrect because proteins are not primarily responsible for protecting the body from diseases. Vitamins, especially Vitamin C, play a major role in strengthening the immune system. The main function of proteins is body growth and tissue repair.
Option (B) is also incorrect because proteins are primarily responsible for body growth. Vitamins support growth but mainly regulate body functions and help maintain good health.
Option (C) is incorrect because protein-rich foods are called Body-Building Foods, as they help in growth and tissue formation. Fats and carbohydrates are known as Energy-Giving Foods.
The human body requires all vitamins, including Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K, in small quantities. Deficiency of these vitamins can lead to various deficiency diseases.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 5
10. Which vitamin helps keep our eyes and skin healthy?
Answer: A
The correct answer is Vitamin A.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and skin. It helps preserve normal vision and is particularly important for seeing in dim light.
A deficiency of Vitamin A can cause night blindness, a condition in which a person has difficulty seeing, especially during the evening or at night. Prolonged deficiency may also lead to permanent damage to the eyes.
Vitamin A also helps maintain healthy skin and strengthens the body’s immune system.
Major sources of Vitamin A include carrots, spinach, fenugreek leaves, papaya, mango, milk, butter, egg yolk, and fish liver oil.
Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 5
11. Which vitamin helps our body fight against many diseases?
Answer: C
The correct answer is Vitamin C.
Vitamin C plays an important role in strengthening the body’s immune system. It helps the body fight against various infections and diseases.
This vitamin also helps in faster wound healing, maintains healthy gums, and aids in the formation of collagen, a protein found in the skin.
A deficiency of Vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by bleeding gums, delayed wound healing, weakness, and fatigue.
Major sources of Vitamin C include amla (Indian gooseberry), oranges, lemons, sweet lime, guava, tomatoes, and various green leafy vegetables.
Since Vitamin C is heat-sensitive, prolonged cooking of vegetables may reduce its content.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 5
12. Which vitamin helps our body use calcium for healthy bones and teeth?
Answer: D
The correct answer is Vitamin D.
The primary function of Vitamin D is to help the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, it is essential for keeping our bones and teeth strong and healthy.
A deficiency of Vitamin D may cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, conditions in which the bones become weak and soft.
One of the most important features of Vitamin D is that it can also be produced in our body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, especially ultraviolet-B (UV-B) rays. Therefore, spending some time in the morning sunlight is considered beneficial.
In addition, milk, butter, egg yolk, fish, and fortified foods are good dietary sources of Vitamin D.
For strong bones, consuming calcium alone is not sufficient; an adequate amount of Vitamin D is also necessary for its proper utilization.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 5
13. Match the following:
Vitamin Source
1. Vitamin A a. Guava, Chilli
2. Vitamin B b. Papaya, Carrot, Mango
3. Vitamin C c. Fish liver oil
4. Vitamin D d. Liver, Rice
Code:
Answer: B
Different vitamins have different sources, and each vitamin performs a specific function in the body. Therefore, it is important to know their correct sources.
Vitamin A is mainly obtained from papaya, carrots, and mangoes. It helps maintain healthy eyesight, skin, and immunity.
The major sources of Vitamin B-complex include liver, whole grains, rice, pulses, and yeast. It is essential for releasing energy from food and for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin C is mainly found in guava, green chillies, lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits. It helps strengthen the immune system and promotes wound healing.
An important dietary source of Vitamin D is fish liver oil. In addition, it is also produced in the body through exposure to sunlight. It is essential for calcium absorption and for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Thus, the correct matching is:
Vitamin Source
1. Vitamin A b. Papaya, Carrot, Mango
2. Vitamin B d. Liver, Rice
3. Vitamin C a. Guava, Chilli
4. Vitamin D c. Fish liver oil
Therefore, the correct answer is Option (B).
Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 5
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14. Which of the following statements about dietary fibre (roughage) is NOT correct?
Answer: C
The correct answer is Option (C) because this statement is incorrect.
Dietary fibre (roughage) is a component of food that does not provide nutrients or energy, yet it is an essential part of a balanced diet.
Option (A) is correct. Dietary fibre is also known as roughage.
Option (B) is also correct. Roughage is mainly obtained from plant products. Animal-based foods generally do not contain roughage.
Option (D) is correct. Whole grains, pulses, potatoes, fresh fruits, green vegetables, and other plant-based foods are major sources of roughage.
Option (C) is incorrect because roughage does not provide nutrients to the body. Its main function is to increase the bulk of food, keep the digestive system healthy, and help remove undigested food through the large intestine. Adequate intake of roughage also helps prevent constipation.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 6
15. Consider the following statements:
I. Water helps in the absorption of nutrients present in food.
II. Water helps remove waste products from the body.
Choose the correct answer:
Answer: C
Both statements are correct.
The first statement is correct. Water plays an important role in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients in our digestive system. Water helps dissolve nutrients and transport them to different parts of the body.
The second statement is also correct. Water helps remove waste products from the body mainly through urine, sweat, and to some extent through faeces. This helps maintain the body’s internal balance.
In addition, water plays an important role in regulating body temperature, maintaining blood circulation, transporting nutrients to cells, and supporting various biochemical processes.
Approximately 60–70% of the human body is made up of water. Therefore, drinking an adequate amount of clean water every day is essential for good health.
Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 7
16. Identify the incorrect statement from the following:
Answer: D
The correct answer is Option (D) because all three given statements are correct.
Option (A) is correct. Everything we eat and drink throughout the day is called our diet.
Option (B) is also correct. A balanced diet contains the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, roughage, and water according to the body’s requirements. None of these nutrients should be present in excess or deficiency.
Option (C) is also correct. If vegetables and fruits are washed after peeling, some water-soluble vitamins, especially Vitamin B and Vitamin C, as well as certain minerals, may be lost. Therefore, fruits and vegetables should generally be washed thoroughly before peeling.
A balanced diet is essential for proper growth, development, disease resistance, and overall health. Along with proper nutrition, hygiene and correct food preparation methods are equally important.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 7
17. Which vitamin is easily destroyed during cooking?
Answer: C
The correct answer is Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is highly sensitive to heat. When food is cooked at high temperatures or for a long time, this vitamin is easily destroyed. As a result, the Vitamin C content of food may decrease significantly during cooking.
For this reason, health experts recommend including fresh fruits, salads, and raw vegetables in the diet to ensure an adequate intake of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C plays an important role in strengthening the body’s immune system, promoting wound healing, maintaining healthy gums, and producing collagen. Its deficiency can cause scurvy, a disease characterized by bleeding gums, weakness, and delayed wound healing.
Major sources of Vitamin C include amla, guava, lemon, orange, sweet lime, tomato, and green chilli.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 8
18. What is the effect of consuming excess fat in our diet?
Answer: A
The correct answer is The body becomes obese.
Fat is an essential nutrient and is the most concentrated source of energy. One gram of fat provides about 9 kilocalories of energy, which is more than the energy obtained from carbohydrates and proteins.
If fat is consumed in amounts greater than the body’s requirement and the extra energy is not used, it gets stored in the body as fat. This can lead to obesity.
Obesity not only increases body weight but also raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Therefore, fats should be consumed in appropriate amounts as part of a balanced diet, and the intake of fried and excessively fatty foods should be limited.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 8
19. Which of the following problems may result from protein deficiency?
I. Stunted growth
II. Swelling of the face
III. Skin diseases and dysentery-related problems
Answer: A
Although Option (B) is marked in the question, according to NCERT, all three statements are correct. Therefore, the correct answer should be Option (A).
Protein is an essential nutrient required for body growth, tissue repair, and the formation of new cells. Its deficiency can lead to several health problems.
The first statement is correct. In children, an inadequate intake of protein can result in stunted physical growth and delayed development.
The second statement is also correct. Severe protein deficiency may cause oedema (swelling), especially on the face and feet. This is a major symptom of Kwashiorkor.
The third statement is also correct. Protein deficiency may lead to skin disorders, loss of hair colour, weakness, and digestive problems such as dysentery.
Major sources of protein include pulses, chickpeas, kidney beans, soybeans, milk, curd, paneer, eggs, fish, and meat. Children, adolescents, and pregnant women require adequate amounts of protein.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 8
20. Anaemia is caused by the deficiency of which of the following?
Answer: B
The correct answer is Iron.
Anaemia is a condition in which the level of haemoglobin in the body falls below normal. The most common cause of anaemia is iron deficiency.
Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body. When the body does not get enough iron, haemoglobin production decreases, leading to anaemia.
The major symptoms of anaemia include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and reduced work capacity.
Good sources of iron include green leafy vegetables, spinach, chickpeas, jaggery, pulses, kidney beans, soybeans, dry fruits, liver, and meat. Consuming iron-rich foods along with Vitamin C helps improve iron absorption.
For comparison, iodine deficiency causes goitre, calcium deficiency weakens bones and teeth, and Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets.
Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 9
21. Goitre is caused by the deficiency of which of the following?
Answer: D
The correct answer is Iodine.
Iodine is an essential mineral required by the body in very small amounts, but it plays a vital role. It is necessary for the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃) by the thyroid gland. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, mental development, and the utilization of energy in the body.
When the diet lacks iodine for a long time, the thyroid gland cannot produce sufficient hormones. To compensate for this deficiency, the gland enlarges, causing swelling in the front of the neck. This condition is known as goitre.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can also affect the brain and nervous system development of the unborn child. In children, it may lead to poor mental development, learning difficulties, and impaired physical growth.
The most effective way to prevent iodine deficiency is the regular use of iodized salt. Other good sources of iodine include sea fish, seaweed, eggs, and dairy products.
Why are the other options incorrect?
• Calcium deficiency weakens bones and teeth; it does not cause goitre.
• Iron deficiency causes anaemia.
• Vitamins is not the correct answer because goitre is caused specifically by iodine deficiency, not by a vitamin deficiency.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 9
22. Weak bones and tooth decay are mainly caused by the deficiency of which of the following?
Answer: A
The correct answer is Calcium.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. About 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. Therefore, it plays a vital role in keeping them strong and healthy.
If the body does not receive enough calcium, the bones become weak and the risk of dental caries (tooth decay) increases. In children, calcium deficiency can also affect proper bone development.
It is important to note that consuming calcium alone is not enough. Vitamin D is also required for the proper absorption of calcium. Without sufficient Vitamin D, the body cannot utilize calcium effectively, which may lead to rickets in children and weak bones in adults.
Major sources of calcium include milk, curd, paneer, green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, soybeans, and certain types of fish.
Why are the other options incorrect?
• Iron deficiency causes anaemia.
• Vitamins is not the correct answer because the question specifically asks about calcium deficiency.
• Iodine deficiency causes goitre.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 9
23. Match the following:
Column-I (Vitamin) Column-II (Deficiency Disease)
1. Vitamin A a. Dim vision
2. Vitamin B₁ b. Scurvy
3. Vitamin C c. Beriberi
4. Vitamin D d. Rickets
Code:
Answer: B
This question requires matching different vitamins with the deficiency diseases caused by their lack. Vitamins are essential micronutrients required in very small amounts, but they play an important role in normal growth, development, immunity, and various body functions. A prolonged deficiency of any vitamin can lead to specific diseases.
The main function of Vitamin A is to maintain normal vision, healthy skin, and immunity. Its deficiency causes dim vision, especially night blindness. Severe deficiency may also damage the cornea and increase the risk of permanent vision loss. Therefore, Vitamin A → Dim vision (1-a) is correct.
Vitamin B₁ (Thiamine) is essential for releasing energy from food and for the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles. Its deficiency causes beriberi, which leads to muscle weakness, fatigue, difficulty in walking, and nervous disorders. Hence, Vitamin B₁ → Beriberi (2-c) is correct.
Vitamin C plays an important role in strengthening immunity, healing wounds, and maintaining healthy gums. Its deficiency causes scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, delayed wound healing, weakness, and skin problems. Therefore, Vitamin C → Scurvy (3-b) is correct.
Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Its deficiency causes rickets in children, making bones soft and bent. In adults, it may lead to osteomalacia. Thus, Vitamin D → Rickets (4-d) is correct.
The correct matching is:
Vitamin Deficiency Disease
1. Vitamin A a. Dim vision
2. Vitamin B₁ c. Beriberi
3. Vitamin C b. Scurvy
4. Vitamin D d. Rickets
Therefore, the correct code is 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d (Option B).
Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 9
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24. Match the following:
Column-I (Nutrient) Column-II (Main Function)
1. Carbohydrates a. Growth and repair of body tissues
2. Proteins b. Protection against diseases and regulation of body functions
3. Fats c. Provide energy
4. Vitamins d. Stored source of energy
Code:
Answer: A
This question tests the understanding of the main functions of different nutrients. Each nutrient performs a specific role in the body, and therefore all of them are essential components of a balanced diet.
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. Daily activities such as walking, running, studying, and even thinking depend mainly on the energy obtained from carbohydrates. Wheat, rice, maize, millet, potatoes, and sugar are their major sources. Therefore, Carbohydrates → Provide energy (1-c) is correct.
Proteins are known as body-building nutrients. They help in the formation of new cells, repair damaged tissues, and support the growth of children and adolescents. Pulses, milk, eggs, fish, meat, and soybeans are major sources of protein. Hence, Proteins → Growth and repair of body tissues (2-a) is correct.
Fats are a concentrated source of energy and also store excess energy for future use. They help protect internal organs and keep the body warm. Therefore, Fats → Stored source of energy (3-d) is correct.
Vitamins do not provide energy. Instead, they regulate various biological functions and help protect the body against diseases. Thus, Vitamins → Protection against diseases and regulation of body functions (4-b) is correct.
Therefore, the correct matching is 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b.
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Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 2–6
25. Consider the following statements:
1. Dietary fibre (roughage) does not provide energy to the body, yet it is an essential part of a balanced diet.
2. Water helps in digestion, absorption of nutrients, and removal of waste products from the body.
3. Deficiency of Vitamin D causes scurvy.
4. Iron deficiency may cause anaemia.
Choose the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
This question tests the understanding of different nutrients and the effects of their deficiencies.
Statement 1 is correct. Dietary fibre (roughage) does not provide energy or nutrients to the body, but it increases the bulk of food, keeps the digestive system healthy, and helps prevent constipation. It also supports the normal functioning of the large intestine.
Statement 2 is correct. Water is an essential component of the body. It helps in the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, transport of nutrients through the blood, regulation of body temperature, and removal of waste products through urine and sweat.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C, whereas Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, a condition in which children’s bones become soft and bent.
Statement 4 is correct. Iron is essential for the formation of haemoglobin. Its deficiency causes anaemia, reducing the body’s ability to transport oxygen and resulting in weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.
Therefore, only Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, so the correct answer is Option (A).
Source: NCERT Science Class 6 Chapter 1, Page No. 6–9