With reference to HIV/AIDS, consider the following statements: 1. It is caused by a virus. 2. It can be transmitted from an infected mother to an infant through milk. 3. It can be transmitted by sharing syringes used for injecting drugs. 4. It can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is (d). Explanation Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Understanding the specific modes of transmission is essential for disease control and prevention. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: HIV is caused by a virus classified under the family Retroviridae. It infects vital cells in the human immune system, leading to progressive failure of the immune system. - Statement 2 is Correct: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant. This vertical transmission can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding, as the virus is present in breast milk. - Statement 3 is Correct: The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment is a highly efficient mode of transmission. - Statement 4 is Correct: HIV is transmitted through exchange of certain body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected individual is a primary route of infection. Key Takeaway: HIV is a viral disease transmitted via specific body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is not transmitted through casual contact, air, water, or insect bites.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 4: Reaching the age of adolescence

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With reference to HIV/AIDS, consider the following statements:

It is caused by a virus.
It can be transmitted from an infected mother to an infant through milk.
It can be transmitted by sharing syringes used for injecting drugs.
It can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Understanding the specific modes of transmission is essential for disease control and prevention.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: HIV is caused by a virus classified under the family Retroviridae. It infects vital cells in the human immune system, leading to progressive failure of the immune system.
Statement 2 is Correct: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant. This vertical transmission can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding, as the virus is present in breast milk.
Statement 3 is Correct: The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment is a highly efficient mode of transmission.
Statement 4 is Correct: HIV is transmitted through exchange of certain body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected individual is a primary route of infection.

Key Takeaway: HIV is a viral disease transmitted via specific body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is not transmitted through casual contact, air, water, or insect bites.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Reaching the age of adolescence

With reference to the role of hormones in the life history of insects and frogs, consider the following statements: 1. The change from larva to adult is called metamorphosis. 2. In frogs, metamorphosis is controlled by the hormone insulin. 3. Thyroxine production requires the presence of iodine in the water. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the nutritional needs of adolescents: 1. A balanced diet consists exclusively of proteins and vitamins. 2. Iron is essential for adolescents because it builds blood. 3. Chips and packed snacks have high energy but limited nutritional value compared to regular meals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Pituitary gland: 1. It is located at the base of the brain. 2. It secretes insulin necessary for sugar metabolism. 3. It functions independently and does not influence other endocrine glands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the onset of menstruation, consider the following statements: 1. The first menstrual flow which begins at puberty is termed menarche. 2. Menstruation occurs once in about 10 to 15 days. 3. At 45 to 50 years of age, the menstrual cycle stops, which is termed menopause. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the development of the body during adolescence: 1. All parts of the body grow at the same rate during adolescence. 2. Sometimes arms and legs may look oversized and out of proportion initially. 3. Height depends on genes, but nutrition helps bones and muscles grow adequately. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: HIV is caused by a virus classified under the family Retroviridae. It infects vital cells in the human immune system, leading to progressive failure of the immune system.
Statement 2 is Correct: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant. This vertical transmission can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding, as the virus is present in breast milk.
Statement 3 is Correct: The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment is a highly efficient mode of transmission.
Statement 4 is Correct: HIV is transmitted through exchange of certain body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected individual is a primary route of infection.