Here are the answers:
a) Disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body or mind that impairs normal functioning and causes discomfort.
b) The two major categories of human diseases are:
1. Infectious diseases - caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
Examples: Malaria (caused by a protozoan parasite), Tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria)
2. Non-infectious diseases - not caused by pathogens. These include genetic diseases, cancer, heart diseases, mental illnesses etc.
Examples: Diabetes (caused due to malfunctioning of pancreas), Asthma (caused due to hypersensitivity of airways