Important Questions for Class 12

Biology
Chapter 3 - Human Reproduction

Very Short Answer Questions 1 Mark

1. Failure of testes to descend into scrotal sacs leads to sterility. Why?

Ans: The high temperature of the abdomen kills the spermatogenic tissue of the
testes, so no sperm are formed.

2. Both vaccine and colostrum produce immunity. Name the type of

immunity produced by these.

Ans: Vaccine Active immunity Colostrum Passive immunity.

3. How many sperms will be produced from 10 primary spermatocytes and

how many eggs will be produced from 10 primary oocytes?

Ans: 40 sperms, 10 eggs.

4. The spermatogonial cell has 46 chromosomes in a human male. Give the

number of chromosomes in:

a) Primary spermatocyte
Ans: 46 in primary spermatocyte

b) Spermatid

Ans: 23 in spermatid.

5. In ovary, which structure transforms as corpus luteum and names the

hormone secreted by corpus luteum?
Ans: Follicular cells of empty Graafian follicle.
The hormone secreted by the Corpus luteum is Progesterone.
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6. “Each and every coitus does not result in fertilisation and pregnancy”.
Justify the statement.

Ans: The ovum and sperm should arrive at the ampullary – isthmic junction at
the same time.

7. Why are male testes located outside the abdominal cavity?

Ans: Because the scrotum provides a lower temperature than the typical body
temperature required for spermatogenesis, the male testes are situated outside the
abdominal cavity in the scrotum.

8. State the function of leydig cells.

Ans: The Leydig cells synthesise and secrete testicular hormones called
androgens.

9. Where do we find fimbriae?

Ans: Fimbriae are finger-like projections found in the edges of the infundibulum.

10. What is semen?

Ans: Semen is the combination of seminal plasma and sperms.

11. Define parturition.

Ans: The vigorous contraction of the uterus that results in the delivery of the
child at the end of pregnancy is called parturition.

12. Where does fertilization normally takes place in a human female.

Ans: Ampulla (fallopian tube).

13. Name the substance present in the sperm acrosome & which help in
sperms entry into egg.

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Ans: Acrosome contains enzymes e.g. hyaluronidase that helps in dissolving the
membrane of the ovum.

14. Name the layer of cells that forms the outer wall of blastocyst.

Ans: Trophoblast.

15. At what stage is the mammalian embryo implanted in uterus?

Ans: Blastocyst stage.

16. Despite the presence of So many sperms in the vicinity of an egg cell, only
one sperm enters the ovum. Why?
Ans: Because when sperm comes in contact with ovum (zona pellucida) &
induces changes in membrane to block entry of other sperms.

17. How many polar bodies are given out in production of one egg during
cogenesis?

Ans: Two polar bodies are given out in production of one egg during cogenesis.

Short Answer Questions 2 Marks

1. Give the function of

a) Corpus luteum
Ans: Corpus luteum: It secretes progesterone which prepares the endometrium
of the uterus for implantation and normal development of the fetus.

b) Endometrium

Ans: Endometrium: It undergoes cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle and
prepares itself for implantation of the blastocyst.

2. In the given figure, give the name and functions of parts labeled A and B.

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Ans: A = Trophoblast Gets attached to the endometrium and draws nutritive
material secreted by uterine endometrium gland.

B = Inner cell mass Differentiates as Embryo.

3. Given below is an incomplete flow chart showing the influence of

hormones on gametogenesis in male. Observe the flow chart carefully and
fill in the blank A, B, C and D.
Ans: A = Testosterone; B = Spermatogenesis C = Sertoli cells; D Spermiogenesis

4. Give reason for the following :

(a) The first half of the menstrual cycle is called the follicular phase as well
as the proliferative phase.
Ans: In the first half of the menstrual cycle, primary follicles transform into
Graafian follicles under FSH stimulation. Graafian follicles secrete estrogens
stimulating the enlargement of the Endometrium of the uterus.

(b) The second half of the menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase as well
as the secretory phase.

Ans: In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the Corpus luteum is fully formed
and secretes a large quantity of Progesterone.

5. What is meant by L.H. Surge? Write the role of L.H.

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Ans: The three phases of the menstrual cycle are–

Follicular phase, Ovulatory phase, and Luteal phase.

The ovulatory phase becomes most important in the terms of luteinizing hormone
(LH) surge. In the follicular phase, at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the
follicle is developed. This cycle begins with the menstrual period, the shedding
of the uterine lining and the shedding cleanses the lining of the uterus in
preparation for ovulation during the ovulatory phase.

6. Explain the significance of the condition in which the testes remain

suspended in the scrotum outside the abdomen.

Ans: The development of human sperm cells is not possible at body temperature.
Spermatogenesis and maintenance of the seminiferous tubules require a
temperature slightly lower than that of the body. Hence, the scrotum provides this
which lies outside the abdominal cavity.

7. Describe the structure of a sperm with a diagram.

Ans: The sperm of the human is of a microscopic structure with a head, middle
piece, and tail. The head comprises the haploid nucleus and an anterior acrosome
which contains the enzymes required for the fertilization of the egg. The middle
piece contains numerous mitochondria which are responsible to produce the
energy for the mobility of the tail of the sperm.

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8. Enlist any two functions of a female placenta.

Ans: The Placenta is the structural and functional unit between the developing
embryo and the mother which facilitates the supply of nutrients, oxygen to the
embryo and is also responsible for the removal of carbon dioxide and other
excretory products produced by the embryo. It also functions as an endocrine
tissue, producing a variety of hormones.

9. What is the number of chromosomes in the following cells? Primary

oocyte, secondary oocyte, ootid, and follicle.

Ans: The number of chromosomes in the cells is as follows:

Primary oocyte: 23 pairs. Secondary oocyte: 23. Ootid: 23. Follicle: 23 pairs.

10. What is corpus luteum? How does it function as an endocrine gland?

Ans: After ovulation, the graffian follicle ruptures & forms the corpus luteum.
The Corpus luteum functions as endocrine glands as they secrete progesterone &
estrogen in large quantities.

11. Where are leydig cells located? What do they secrete?

Ans: The location of Leydig cells or interstitial cells is in between the
seminiferous tubules. Leydig cells secrete the male sex hormone
TESTOSTERONE which promotes the development of accessory glands &
control male secondary sexual characters.

12. Draw a well labeled diagram of T.S. of ovary?

Ans:

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13. Why are testes of human males considered extra abdominal?

Ans: Testis in human males is called extra-abdominal because testis is located

outside the abdominal cavity in a pouch called the scrotum which provides a
temperature 2-3 oC lower than the body temperature necessary for
spermatogenesis.

14. Draw a diagram of the T.S. of seminiferous tubule of testis of an adult

human male & label any four parts in it.

Ans:

15. What is colostrum? What is its significance to a newborn baby?

Ans: The colostrum is the milk secreted from mammary glands just after birth
for 2 or 3 days. It is rich in proteins & low in fats. It also contains the antibody
IgA which provides immunity to newborn infants.

Long Answer Questions 3 Marks

1. Mention the name and role of hormones which are involved in regulation
of gamete formation in human male.

Ans: GnRH: Stimulates apophysis to secrete gonadotropins.

GSH: Stimulates Sertoli cells to secrete factors while helping in spermatogenesis.

ICSH: Stimulates interstitial cells to secrete testosterone.
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2. Three of the steps of neuroendocrine mechanism in respect of parturition
are mentioned below.

Write the missing steps in proper sequence.

a) Signals originate from fully developed foetus and placenta.

b)

c)

d) Oxytocin causes strong uterine contraction

e) Uterine contraction stimulates the further secretion of oxytocin.

f)

Ans: b) Foetal ejection reflex

c) The reflex triggers the release of oxytocin

f) Expulsion of the baby out through the birth canal.

3. The events of the menstrual cycle are represented below. Answer the
following questions.

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(i) State the levels of FSH, LH, and Progesterone simply by mentioning high
or low around the 13th and 14th day and 21st to 23rd day.

Ans: 13-14th day 21st -23rd day FSH - High Low

LH - High Low Progesterone -Low High

(ii) In which of the above-mentioned phases does the egg travel to the
fallopian tube?
Ans: End of the follicular or proliferative phase.

(iii) Why is there no menstruation after fertilization?

Ans: Menstruation does not occur during pregnancy upon fertilization due to
high levels of progesterone secreted by persisting Corpus luteum and Placenta.

4. (a) Read the graph given below. Correlate the ovarian events that take
place in the human female according to the level of the pituitary hormone
during the following day.

(i) 10th - 14th days

Ans: Gonadotropins and FSH increases

(ii) 14th -15th days

Ans: LH attains peak level but FSH decreases
(iii) 16th - 23th days
Ans: LH and FSH level decreases

(iv) 25th - 29th days (If the ovum is not fertilized)

Ans: LH remains low and FSH decreases.

(b) What are the uterine events that follow beyond the 29th day if the ovum
is not fertilizer?

Ans: After the 29th day there is a menstrual flow involving the discharge of blood
and cast off endometrium lining.

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5. T.S. of mammalian testis revealing seminiferous tubules show different
types of cell.

i) Name the two types of cells of germinal epithelium.

Ans: The germinal epithelium has two types of cells.

1. Spermatogonium. 2. Sertoli cells

(ii) Name of cells scattered in connective tissue and lying between

seminiferous tubules. Differentiate between them on the basis of their
functions.

Ans: Leydig cells or interstitial cells.

Functions:

Spermatogonium undergoes meiotic division leading to sperm formation.

Sertoli cell: Nourishes germ cells.
Leydig cell: Synthesise and Secrete hormone androgen.

6. What are the various male accessory glands? Give their function.

Ans: The male accessory glands is made up of paired seminal vesicles, a prostate
gland, and paired bulbourethral glands. These glands secrete seminal plasma rich
in fructose, calcium, and certain enzymes. Secretions of bulbourethral glands aid
in the lubrication of the penis.

7. Explain the menstrual cycle with a diagram.

Ans: The menstrual cycle has three phases: menstrual, proliferative, and
secretory.

a) Menstrual Phase: In females, the menstrual phase lasts for 3-5 days and
during this period the endometrial lining of the uterus is cast off and is slowly
passed out from the vagina as a mixture of blood.
b) Proliferative or Follicular Phase: Between the 6th and 16th day of the cycle,
it lasts 11 days. One ovarian follicle is converted to a Graafian follicle during this
phase, and the endometrial layer is regenerated, as well as the burst blood vessels
are repaired. Estrogen levels rise. It comes to an end with ovulation.
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c) Secretory Phase: It exists for 12 days and between 17-28 days. The Graafian
follicle gets converted to Corpus Luteum. The endometrium grows and thickens
further. Progesterone increases. It ends with the conversion of the corpus luteum
to corpus albican.

8. Differentiate between spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

Ans: Below given are the differences between spermatogenesis and oogenesis:-

Spermatogenesis Oogenesis
It occurs inside the testes. It occurs inside the ovary.

All the stages are completed inside the Majority stages occur inside the ovary
testes. but the last stages occur inside the
oviduct.

The germinal epithelial lining of the Oogonia develop from the germinal
seminiferous tubules gives rise to epithelium overlying the ovary.
spermatogonia.

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All spermatogonia give rise to Only a few Oogonia give rise to
spermatocytes. oocytes.

Primary spermatocytes divide by Primary oocyte undergoes meiosis I to

meiosis I to give rise to two secondary give rise to one secondary oocyte and a
spermatocytes. polar body.

Secondary spermatocytes divide by Secondary oocytes divide by meiosis II

meiosis II to give rise to two to form the ovum and the second polar
spermatids. body.

Each spermatid differentiates into No differentiation is required after

spermatozoan or sperm. meiosis II.

The sperms formed are motile. The ovum or egg is non-motile.

9. ‘A fertilized egg is the blueprint of future development’. Explain

Ans: The father's genetic information is carried by the sperm in the form of 23
chromosomes (including the male sex chromosome X or Y), whereas the
mother's genetic information is carried by the egg (including the female sex
chromosome X). Thus during fertilization, the fusion of the male and the female
gametes produces a new genetic combination that introduces variation in the
progeny. The zygote or the fertilized egg contains the genetic information which
accordingly controls the development of the embryo.

10. Briefly describe the stages of spermatogenesis in humans?

Ans: Spermatogenesis consists of two phases:-

I. FORMATION OF SPERMATIDS :- It further consists of 3 phases

1. Multiplication phase:- Sperm mother cells or Spermatogonia are produced by

the repeated division of undifferentiated germ cells.

2. Growth phase:- Spermatogonia increase in volume & is now called PRIMARY

SPERMATOCYTES.
3. Maturation phase: - primary spermatocyte undergoes meiosis I to produce
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small size haploid secondary spermatocyte divided by meiosis – II & forms
haploid Spermatids.

II. FORMATION OF SPERMS :- The transformation or differentiation of

spermatids into spermatozoa or sperm is called spermiogenesis & occurs under
the influence of FSH.

11. Describe the hormonal control of the human male reproductive system
with the help of a flow chart & highlight the inhibitory & stimulatory
directions in it?

Ans:

i) Spermatogenesis is initiated due to an increase in the secretion of Gonadotropin

releasing hormone from the hypothalamus at the age of puberty.

1. The increased levels of GnRH act on the anterior pituitary stimulate the
secretion of two gonadotropins i-e. luteinizing hormone (LH) & follicle-
stimulating hormone (FSH)

2. LH stimulates the Leydig cells to secrete testosterone

3. FSH acts on Sertoli cells & stimulates secretion of some factors that help in
spermatogenesis.

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12. A sperm has just fertilized a human egg in the fallopian tube. Trace the
events that the fertilized eggs will undergo upto implantation of the
blastocyst in the uterus.
Ans:

1. CLEAVAGE:- Fertilized egg starts dividing lay specific mitotic divisions

called cleavage. The zygotes undergo mitotic division in the isthmus of the
oviduct to form daughter cells, the cells formed as a result of cleavage called a
blastomere.

2. BLASTOCYST:- 3-4 days after fertilization, the morula twins into a large
mass of cells called blastocyst Outer peripheral cells enlarge & flatten further &
form trophoblast. Trophoblast cells secrete a fluid into the interior & form a
cavity called the blastocoel. The embryonic stage with blastocoel is called a
blastula.

13. Where oogenesis does take place. Describe the stages of this process?

Ans: The process of formation & maturation of the ovum is called oogenesis. It
takes place in the ovary & is initiated during the embryonic development of the
female fetus. It consists of 3 phases:--

1. Multiplication phase:- Oogonia is produced when primordial germ cells split

through meiosis. These oogonia divides lay repeated mitotic divisions forming
clusters. In each cluster, only one of them enters into the growth phase & is called
the primary oocyte.

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2. Growth phase:- Growth phase occurs only after attainment of puberty. It
involves – increases in the size of the oocyte to many folds & synthesis of you.

3. Maturation phase:- The first division is meiotic as a result two haploid (n) cells
are produced. In this division, cytokinesis is unequal, a large daughter cell with
almost all cytoplasm is called a secondary oocyte & a smaller me with less
cytoplasm is called a polar body. The secondary oocyte then undergoes a second
meiotic division to form an ovum & a second polar body.

Long Answer Questions 5 Marks

1.

Ans: (i) ’D’ Spermatids = undergo spermatogenesis

(ii) ‘A’= Spermatogonium; B = Primary spermatocyte

(iii) ‘B’ = Diploid 'E' = Haploid

(iv) ‘F’ = Sertoli cells - Nutrition to germ cells
(v) Mitosis in Cell ‘A’, Meiosis in cell ‘B’

2. Explain the development of human embryos with diagrams.

Ans: The Fusion of the sperm and the egg in humans results in the formation of
the diploid structure called a zygote. The zygote undergoes mitotic division as it
travels through the oviduct into the uterus to form 2,4,8,16 daughter cells which
are called blastomeres. The stage is called a morula. The Morula divides further
and differentiates into blastocysts. The outer layer of blastomeres called the

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trophoblast gets attached to the endometrial layer of the uterus.

The blastocysts are divided and encased by the uterine wall, which is referred to
as implantation. The embryo is formed by the inner layer of blastomeres in the
blastocysts.

3. What is menstruation? What are the specific actions of FSH, LH, estrogen
& progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

Ans: During the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle which starts on the 28th
day, the endometrial lining of the female genital tract breaks down due to lack of
progesterone As a result bleeding occurs. This monthly flow of blood is called
menstruation.
During menstrual cycles, the various changes occur in the ovary under the
influence of various hormones:-
1. Menstrual phase:- The levels of hormones LH, FSH estrogen & progesterone
is very less which results in the breakdown of the endometrial lining of the uterus.
2. Follicular phase:- In this phase, the levels of pituitary hormones FSH & LH
increase which causes ovarian hormone estrogen to release, FSH controls the
follicular phase, it stimulates the growth of follicles. Both FSH & LH reach their
peak level in the middle of the cycle (14th day)
3. OVULATORY PHASE:- The level of LH hormones reaching its peak (called
LH swing) induces the ruptures of mature Graffian follicle & thereby release of
ovum.
4. Luteal phase:- The LH & FSH hormones begin to decline. After ovulation,
the follicle ruptures & is transformed into the corpus Luteum which secretes large
quantities of progesterone.

4. A woman has conceived & implantation has occurred within her uterus.
Discuss the sequence of changes up to parturition which will take place
within her body under the influence of various hormones.

Ans: The following changes take place in the body of women after implantation:-

1. The trophoblast differentiates into two layers; the outer layer secretes enzymes
to dissolve the endometrium of the uterus.

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2. The inner layer grows out as finger-like projections called chorionic villi into
the uterine stroma. The chorionic villi & the uterine tissue become interdigitated
to form a structural & functional unit called the placenta.

3. Placenta secretes hormones like HCG, HPL, estrogen & progesterone that are
necessary to maintain pregnancy

4. The umbilical cord, the structure that connects the placenta with the fetus is
formed.

5. Simultaneously, inner cell mass differentiates into an outer layer called

ectoderm & an inner layer called endoderm. & a middle layer called mesoderm
appears between ectoderm & endoderm.

6. The primary germ layers give rise to all the tissues & organs of the adults e.g.
after one month the heart is formed & after the second month the digits & limbs
are formed.
7. By the end of the ninth month of pregnancy, the foetus is completely developed
& is ready for delivery.
8. During parturition, the ovary secretes a hormone called relaxin that facilitates
parturition which softens the connective tissue. Mild contraction called foetal
ejection reflex is induced. This triggers the release of oxytocin from the posterior
pituitary. Oxytocin induces stronger leads to the expulsion of the baby from the
uterus, through the birth canal.

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