Read the passage carefully and answer the Questions.

The term vitamin was coined from the word vital +amine since the earlier identified compounds had amino groups. Later work showed that most of them didn't contain amino groups, so the letter "e" was dropped and ther term vitamin is used these days.

Vitamins are classified into two groups depending upon their solubility in water or fat. Fat soluble vitamins are soluble in fat and oils but insoluble in water. They are stored in liver and adipose (fat storing) tissues.

Water-soluble vitamins are soluble in water. They must be supplied regularly in the diet as they are readily excreated in urine. 

What is Xerophthalmia disease?

Hardening of cornea of eye.

The correct answer is Option (4) → Hardening of cornea of eye.

Concept Used:

Xerophthalmia is a disease caused by Vitamin A deficiency, leading to dryness and keratinization (hardening) of the eye tissues.

Explanation:

Option 1: Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is not related to Xerophthalmia. It may occur due to general illness or nutritional deficiencies but is not the defining symptom of this disease.

Option 2: RBC deficient in haemoglobin

This condition refers to anaemia, typically caused by iron deficiency, not Xerophthalmia.

Option 3: Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums are a symptom of scurvy, which is caused by Vitamin C deficiency, not Xerophthalmia.

Option 4: Hardening of cornea of eye

Xerophthalmia is caused by Vitamin A deficiency and results in dryness and hardening of the cornea, which may eventually lead to blindness if untreated.