Identify the wrong statement. A. A vaccine is a biological preparation that contains active or weakend microbe. B. Polio is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. C. Cancer is caused due to abnormalities in DNA. D. Lifestyle habits can cause diseases like obesity. (a) A only (b) \(\mathrm{B}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\) (c) C only (d) \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{B}\)

At their very core, vaccines are one of the most significant triumphs in public health, designed to prevent diseases before they occur. A vaccine is a biological preparation that primes the immune system to fight a disease without causing the disease itself. A variety of vaccines exist, each tailored to combat different microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria.

When administered, vaccines introduce a weakened, inactive, or partial version of the pathogen, which is enough to stimulate the body's immune response but not strong enough to cause the illness. This exposure trains the immune system to recognize and combat the pathogen, providing immunity. It is this very principle that has allowed for the eradication of diseases, such as smallpox, and containment of many others, including measles and the flu.

The poliovirus is an infectious agent that has caused significant health problems throughout history but is now close to eradication, thanks to vaccines. It is a virus, not a bacterium, and it primarily spreads through the oral-fecal route or, less commonly, through contaminated water or food. The virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and may cause irreversible paralysis.

In response to the poliovirus, a vaccine was developed, which is available in two forms: inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). Global immunization efforts have drastically reduced polio's prevalence, showcasing the power of effective vaccines against viral diseases.

DNA abnormalities are at the heart of various medical conditions, most notably cancer. DNA, which carries our genetic information, can undergo mutations that disrupt normal cell function. These mutations can be inherited or acquired due to environmental exposures such as UV radiation, smoking, or certain chemicals.

When mutations occur in genes that are crucial for cell division and growth, such as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, they can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation – a hallmark of cancer. These cells can grow into tumors and potentially metastasize. Research in understanding and treating DNA abnormalities underlines many elements of modern medicine and genetics.

The term lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, refers to conditions primarily caused by daily habits and environmental factors rather than infectious agents. Core factors include poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. These lifestyle choices can lead to a range of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

To combat these conditions, public health initiatives often focus on promoting healthy lifestyle changes, illustrating the significant impact that diet and exercise can have on preventing and managing these diseases. The relationship between lifestyle and health underscores the importance of personal and societal choices in disease prevention.