CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

CHAPTER 3 – HUMAN REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS YEAR’S QUESTIONS AND THEIR EXPLANATION

SYLLABUS
Male and female reproductive systems; microscopic anatomy of testis and ovary; gametogenesis -spermatogenesis
and oogenesis; menstrual cycle; fertilisation, embryo development upto blastocyst formation, implantation;
pregnancy and placenta formation (elementary idea); parturition (elementary idea); lactation (elementary idea).
IMPORTANT TOPICS FOR CHAPTER 3
Male n female reproductive system (Seminiferous tubules, Fallopian tubes, Uterus wall), Spermatogenesis and
Oogenesis with flow chart and calculation at different stages, Structure of sperm and Ovum, Menstrual Cycle-
Phases and hormones involved, Embryogenesis-Morula, Blastula, implantation, parturition.
YEAR 2010
1. Draw a labelled sectional view of seminiferous tubule of a human male.
Ans -

2. When and where are primary oocytes formed in a human female? Trace the development of these oocytes
till ovulation (in menstrual cycle). How do gonadotropins influence this developmental process?
Ans – Oogenesis
 The process of formation of a mature female gamete or ova in the ovary is known asoogenesis.
 Germ cells of female foetus divide to produce oogonia which later grow into ovarianfollicles.
 Oogonia start dividing and enter into prophase-I of the meiotic division and get temporarily arrested at that stage,
called primary oocytes. Primary oocytes are enclosedby a layer of granulosa cells, the follicle cells, and known as
primary follicle.
 The primary follicles get surrounded by more layers of granulosa cells and a thecal layer known as secondary
follicles.
 The secondary follicle soon transforms into a tertiary follicle which is characterised by a fluid-filled cavity called
antrum.
 Primary oocyte undergoes first meiotic division and produces two haploid cells: a large haploid secondary oocyte
and a small first polar body. Secondary oocyte moves into thefallopian tube.
 When a sperm enters its cytoplasm, secondary oocyte completes meiosis-II.
 The secondary oocyte undergoes the second meiotic division and produces a mature ovum and a second polar
body. Polar bodies have no function and eventually degenerate. Mature follicle or Graafian follicle ruptures to

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

release the ovum from the ovary by the process called ovulation.
Effect of gonadotropins:
 The primary follicles in the ovary grow and become a fully mature Graafian follicle.
 The endometrium of the uterus is regenerated due to the secretion of LH and FSH from anterior pituitary and
ovarian hormone, estrogen. It lasts for about 14 days.
 Rapid secretion of LH (LH surge) induces rupture of Graafian follicle and thereby leading to ovulation (release of
ovum).
3. (i) Explain the events taking place at the time of fertilization of an ovum in a humanfemale.
(ii) Trace the development of the zygote upto its implantation in the uterus.
(iii) Name and draw a labelled sectional view of the embryonic stage that gets implanted.
Ans – (i) Fertilisation
 The process of fusion of a sperm (male gamete) with an ovum (female gamete) is called fertilization.
 During coitus, semen is released by the penis into the vagina (insemination).
 The motile sperms swim rapidly, through the cervix, enter into the uterus and reach the ampullary–isthmic
junction of the oviduct.
 A sperm comes in contact with the zona pellucida layer of the ovum and induces changes in the membrane to
block the entry of additional sperms.
 The enzymes of the acrosome of sperm help to dissolve zona pellucida and plasma membrane of the ovum and
sperm head is allowed to enter into the cytoplasm of theovum, i.e., secondary oocyte.
 Ultimately, diploid zygote is produced by the fusion of a sperm and an ovum.
(ii) Implantation
 Zygote divides rapidly by mitotic division called cleavage and as a result 2, 4, 8, 16 daughter cells are produced
which are termed as blastomeres.
 Embryo with 8–16 blastomeres is called a morula.
 The morula changes into a large mass of cells called blastocyst which passes further intothe uterus.
 Blastomeres in the blastocyst are arranged into an outer layer called trophoblast and an inner group of cells
attached to trophoblast called inner cell mass.

 The trophoblast layer gets attached to the cells of the endometrium and the inner cell mass gives rise to the
embryo.
 The cells of endometrium divide rapidly and cover the blastocyst.
 So, the blastocyst gets embedded in the endometrium of the uterus called implantationleading to pregnancy.
(iv) The embryonic stage that gets implanted is called blastocyst.

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

4. (a) Give a schematic representation showing the events of spermatogenesis in human male.
(b) Describe the structure of a human sperm.
Ans – (a)

(b) Structure of a sperm (Spermatozoa)

(i) It consists of four parts: head, neck, middle piece and

tail.
(ii) Head: It is the enlarged end of a sperm, containing the large haploid nucleus, i.e., condensed chromatin body
and is capped by acrosome, the acrosome contains hydrolytic enzymes that help in dissolving membranes of the
ovum for fertilisation.
(iii) Neck: It contains proximal centriole towards the nucleus which is necessary for the first cleavage division of
zygote and the
distal centriole that is connected to the tail filament.
(iv) Middle piece: It contains a number of mitochondria that provide energy for the movement of the tail that
facilitatesperm motility essential for fertilization
(v) Tail: It consists of an axial filament surrounded by the plasma membrane. It helps the sperms to swim in a fluid
medium.
(vi) A human male ejaculates about 200-300 million sperms during a coitus. Seminal plasma along with the
sperms constitute the semen.
5. (a) Draw a diagrammatic labelled sectional view of a seminiferous tubule of a human.
(b) Describe in sequence the process of spermatogenesis in humans.
Ans - (a)

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

(b) Spermatogenesis
(i) The male germ cells of seminiferous tubules divide mitotically to produce diploidspermatogonia.
(ii) Spermatogonia grow and increase in size and forms primary spermatocyte (2n).
(iii) The primary spermatocytes undergo the first meiotic division and produces two haploid secondary
spermatocytes (n).
(iv) Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes the second meiotic division and produces four-equal haploid
spermatids.
(v) The spermatids are transformed into spermatozoa (sperms) by the process ofspermiogenesis.
(vi) A sperm’s head gets attached to Sertoli cells to draw nourishment and finally released from the seminiferous
tubules by the process called spermiation.
6. Differentiate between major structural changes in the human ovary during the follicular and luteal phase
of the menstrual cycle.
Ans –

7. Describe the post-zygotic events loading to implantation and placenta formation in humans. Mention any
two functions of placenta.
Ans - (i) Post-zygotic events upto implantation and placenta formation
(ii) During coitus, semen is released by the penis into the vagina (insemination).
(iii) The motile sperms swim rapidly, through the cervix, enter into the uterus and reach the ampullary–isthmic
junction of the oviduct.
(iv) A sperm comes in contact with the zona pellucida layer of the ovum and induces changes in the membrane to
block the entry of additional sperms.
(v) The enzymes of the acrosome of sperm help to dissolve zona pellucida and plasma membrane of the ovum and
sperm head is allowed to enter into the cytoplasm of the ovum, i.e., secondary oocyte.
(vi) Ultimately diploid zygote is produced by the fusion of a sperm and an ovum.
Implantation
(i) Zygote divides rapidly by mitotic division called cleavage and as a result 2, 4, 8, 16 daughter cells are produced
which are termed as blastomeres.
(ii) Embryo with 8–16 blastomeres is called a morula.
(iii) The morula changes into a large mass of cells called blastocyst which passes further intothe uterus.
(iv) Blastomeres in the blastocyst are arranged into an outer layer called trophoblast and an inner group of cells
attached to trophoblast called inner cell mass.
(v) The trophoblast layer gets attached to the cells of the endometrium and the inner cell mass gives rise to the
embryo.
(vi) The cells of endometrium divide rapidly and cover the blastocyst.
(vii) So, the blastocyst gets embedded in the endometrium of the uterus called implantationleading to pregnancy.
Functions of Placenta
(i) Embryo get nutrients, oxygen and removes CO2 and waste materials through placenta.
(ii) An umbilical cord connects placenta with the embryo that helps in the transport of Substances to and from the
embryo.
(iii) Placenta also acts as an endocrine tissue and produces several hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogens, progesterons that are essential to maintain pregnancy.

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

YEAR 2011
8. (a) Draw a labelled diagram of the human female reproductive system.
(b) Enumerate the events in the ovary of a human female during:
(i) Follicular phase
(ii) Luteal phase of menstrual cycle.
Ans – (a)

(i) In the follicular phase, following events occur:

1. The primary follicles in the ovary grow to form a fully mature Graafian follicle.
2. The endometrium of uterus regenerates through proliferation.
3. The secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) gradually increases.
(ii) In the luteal phase, following events occur:
1. The parts of Graafian follicle remaining after the rupture, transform as the corpusluteum.
2. The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone.
9. (a) Write the specific location and the functions of the following cells in human males:
(i) Leydig cells
(ii) Sertoli cells
(iii) Primary spermatocyte.
(b) Explain the role of any two accessory glands in human male reproductive system.
Ans – (a)

b) The two accessory glands are:

(i) Prostate gland: It surrounds the urethra and produces a milky secretion which
forms a considerable part of semen. This secretion contains citric acid, lipids and enzymes. The secretion nourishes
and activates the spermatozoa to swim.
(ii) Seminal vesicles: These secrete mucous and a watery alkaline fluid that contains fructose which provides
energy to the sperms.
10. Mention the function of trophoblast in human embryo.
Ans - Trophoblast is the outer layer of blastocyt which helps the attachment of blastocyst to the endometrium of the
uterus.
11. (a) Describe the stages of oogenesis in human females.
(b) Draw a labelled diagram of a human ovum released after ovulation.
Ans - (a) Oogenesis consists of the following three phases:

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology
+
(i) Multiplication phase: Oogenesis is initiated during the embryonic development stage when a couple of million
gamete mother cells (oogonia) are formed within each foetal ovary. No more oogonia are formed and added after
birth. These cells start division and enter into prophase-I of the meiotic division. They get temporarily arrested at
this stage and are called primary oocytes.
(ii) Growth phase: Each primary oocyte then gets surrounded by a layer of granulosa cells. This structure is
called the primary follicle. A large number of these follicles degenerate during the phase from birth to puberty. The
primary follicles get surrounded by more layers of granulosa cells and a new theca to form secondary follicles.
(iii) Maturation phase: In the first maturation phase, the secondary follicle soon transforms into a tertiary
follicle. The primary oocyte within the tertiary follicle grows in size and completes its first meiotic division to
form a large haploid secondary oocyte and a
tiny first polar body. The tertiary follicle changes into a mature follicle—the Graafian follicle—which ruptures to
release the secondary oocyte (ovum) from the ovary by a process called ovulation. The second maturation phase
occurs after fertilisation when the meiotic division of the secondary oocyte is complete. This second meiotic
divisionresults in the formation of a second polar body and a haploid ovum (ootid).
(b)

12. (a) When and where does spermatogenesis occur in a human male?
(b) Draw a diagram of a mature human male gamete. Label the following parts:Acrosome, nucleus, middle
piece and tail.
(c) Mention the functions of acrosome and middle piece.
Ans – (a) Spermatogenesis occurs at puberty in testes.(b)

(c) Acrosome: Acrosome contains hydrolytic enzymes that help in dissolving membranes of the ovum for
fertilisation.
Middle piece: It contains a number of mitochondria that provide energy for the movement of the tail and provides
motility to sperm.
YEAR 2012
13. Write the location and function of the Sertoli cells in humans.
Ans – Sertoli cells are present in seminiferous tubules. They provide nutrition to the germ cellsor sperms.

14. The following is the illustration of the sequence of ovarian events (a – i) in a humanfemale.
(i) Identify the figure that illustrates ovulation and mention the stage of oogenesis itrepresents.

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

(ii) Name the ovarian hormone and the pituitary hormone that have caused the above mentioned event.
(iii) Explain the changes that occur in the uterus simultaneously in anticipation.
(iv) Write the difference between ‘c’ and ‘h’.
(v) Draw a labelled sketch of the structure of a human ovum prior to fertilisation.
Ans –
(i) f; secondary oocyte.
(ii) Estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH)
(iii) Endometrium proliferate (glands become cork-screw shaped) highly vascularised, high regeneration anticipating
implantation of the fertilised ovum.
(iv) c—developing follicle; h—regressing corpus luteum.(v)

15. When do the oogenesis and the spermatogenesis initiate in human females and malesrespectively?
Ans – Oogenesis in human females initiate at the foetal/embryonic stage. Spermatogenesis in human males starts at
puberty.
16. Mention the difference between spermiogenesis and spermiation.
Ans - Spermiogenesis: It is the transformation of spermatids into spermatozoa or sperms. Spermiation: It is the
release of sperms from seminiferous tubules.
17. Where is acrosome present in humans? Write its function.
Ans – On the sperm head. It has enzymes to dissolve the follicles of ovum. /It facilitates entry of sperm nucleus for
fertilization. /It helps the sperm enter into the cytoplasm of the ovum. (Any one)
18. (a) Where do the signals for parturition originate from in humans?
(b) Why is it important to feed the newborn babies on colostrum?
Ans – (a) From the fully developed foetus/placenta/foetal ejection reflex (Any one)
(b) Contains antibodies (IgA), to (passively) immunise the baby.
19. Give reasons for the following:
(a) The human testes are located outside the abdominal cavity.
(b) Some organisms like honey-bees are called parthenogenetic animals.
Ans – (a) To maintain the temperature (2-2.5°C) lower than the normal internal body temperature, is essential for
spermatogenesis.
(b) They (drones/males) develop from unfertilised eggs.
20. The following is the illustration of the sequence of ovarian events “a” to “i” in a humanfemale:
(a) Identify the figure that illustrates corpus luteum and name the pituitary hormonethat influences its

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

formation.
(b) Specify the endocrine function of corpus luteum. How does it influence the uterus?Why is it essential?
(c) What is the difference between “d” and “e”?
(d) Draw a neat labelled sketch of Graafian follicle.
Ans – (a) Corpus luteum is illustrated by ‘g’ and the hormone influencing its formation is luteininsing hormone
(LH).
(b) Produces the hormone progesterone, causes proliferation of the endometrium which gets highly vascularised. It
is essential for the implantation of the fertilisedovum and maintains the same during pregnancy.
(c) “d” is the developing tertiary follicle. “e” is the Graafian follicle.
(d)

21. How is the entry of only one sperm and not many ensured into an ovum during fertilisation in humans?
Ans – During fertilisation the sperm induces changes in the zona pellucida layer of the ovum that block the entry of
additional sperms ensuring that only one sperm can fertilise an ovum.
22. Identify the figure given below and the part labelled “A”.

Ans – The figure is of blastula/blastocyst. ‘A’—Trophoblast.

YEAR 2013
23. When and where do chorionic villi appear in humans? State their function.
Ans – Chorionic villi appear after implantation on the trophoblast. It becomes interdigitated with uterine tissue to
form the placenta and increases the surface area for exchange of materials between the mother and the embryo.
24. Draw a diagram of the microscopic structure of human sperm.
Label the following
parts in it and write their functions.
(a) Acrosome
(b) Nucleus
(c) Middle piece
Ans – (a) Acrosome: Contains hydrolytic enzymes that help indissolving membranes of the ovum for fertilisation.
(b) Nucleus: Carries genetic material of male.
(c) Middle piece: Contains a number of mitochondria that provide energy for the movement of the tail that
facilitatesperm motility.
25. (a) Draw a diagrammatic sectional view of the female reproductive system of human and label the parts
(i) where the secondary oocytes develop

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

(ii) which helps in collection of ovum after ovulation

(iii) where fertilisation occurs
(iv) where implantation of embryo occurs.
(b) Explain the role of pituitary and the ovarian hormones in menstrual cycle in human females.
Ans – (a)

(b) Pituitary hormone:

(i) FSH stimulates maturation of follicle.
(ii) Rapid secretion of LH (LH surge) induces rupture of Graafian follicle, thereby leading to ovulation (release of
ovum).
Ovarian hormone:
(i) Estrogen stimulates follicular development.
(ii) Progesterone produced by corpus luteum helps to maintain endometrium.
In the absence of fertilisation corpus luteum degenerates and the endometriumdisintegrates leading to menstruation.
26. (a) Draw a diagram of the structure of a human ovum surrounded by corona radiata.Label the following
parts:
(i) Ovum
(ii) Plasma membrane
(iii) Zona pellucida
(b) State the function of zona pellucida.
Ans – (a)

(b) Zona pellucida allows the entry of one sperm into the cytoplasm of the ovum andthen undergoes changes
to prevent entry of additional sperms.
27. (a) Describe the events of spermatogenesis with the help of a schematic representation.
(b) Write two differences between spermatogenesis andoogenesis.
Ans – (a) Schematic representation of spermatogensis(b)

28. Explain the steps in the formation of an ovum from an oogonium in humans.
Ans – (a) Oogenesis consists of the following three phases:
(i) Multiplication phase: Oogenesis is initiated during the embryonic development stagewhen a couple of
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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

(ii) million gamete mother cells (oogonia) are formed within each foetal ovary. No more oogonia are formed and
added
after birth. These cells start division and enter into prophase-I of the meiotic
division. They get temporarily arrested at thisstage and are called primary oocytes.
(iii) Growth phase: Each primary oocyte then getssurrounded by a layer of granulosa cells.
This structure is called the primary follicle. A large number of these follicles degenerate during the phase from birth
to puberty. The primary follicles get surrounded by more layers of granulosa cells and a new theca to form
secondary follicles.
(iv) Maturation phase: In the first maturation phase, the secondary follicle soon transforms into a tertiary
follicle. The primary oocyte within the tertiary follicle grows in size and completes its first meiotic division to form
a large haploid secondary oocyte and a
tiny first polar body. The tertiary follicle changes into a mature follicle—the Graafian follicle—which ruptures to
release the secondary oocyte (ovum) from the ovary by a process called ovulation. The second maturation phase
occurs after fertilisation when the meiotic division of the secondary oocyte is complete. This second meiotic
divisionresults in the formation of a second polar body and a haploid ovum (ootid).
29. (a) Draw a diagrammatic sectional view of a human seminiferous tubule, and label Sertoli cells, primary
spermatocyte, spermatogonium and spermatozoa in it.
(b) Explain the hormonal regulation of the process of spermatogenesis in humans.
Ans – (a)

(b) GnRH is secreted by the hypothalamus. The increased levels of GnRH stimulate the anterior pituitary which then
secretes the FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
and LH (luteinising hormone). FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to secrete some factors which help in spermiogenesis.
LH acts on the Leydig cells and causes the secretionof testosterone from the testes.
YEAR 2014
30. Name and explain the role of inner and middle walls of the human uterus.
Ans – The inner wall of the uterus is called endometrium. It supports foetal growth and helps in placenta formation
after implantation.
The middle wall of the uterus is called myometrium. It exhibits strong contraction duringdelivery of baby.
31. (a) How is ‘oogenesis’ markedly different from ‘spermatogenesis’ with respect to thegrowth till puberty in
the humans?
(b) Draw a sectional view of human ovary and label the different follicular stages, ovum and corpus
luteum.
Ans – (a) Oogenesis is initiated at the embryonic stage whereas spermatogenesis begins onlyat puberty.
(b)

32. Explain the ovarian and uterine events that occur during a menstrual cycle in a humanfemale, under the
influence of Pituitary and Ovarian hormones respectively.
Ans – Release of gonodotropins (FSH and LH) from pituitary, during follicular phase or 5-14 days of menstrual
cycle leads to growth of primary follicle to Graafian follicle (GF.) in theovary. Estrogen from growing follicle helps
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proliferation of uterine endometrium or its repair. High level of LH at middle 14th day of the menstrual cycle leads
to rapture of GF causing release of ovum. This is called ovulation. The remaining cells of GF transform into Corpus
Luteum (CL) under the influence of LH. CL secretes progesterone that maintains endometrium in preparation for
pregnancy. Level of FSH and LH fall due
to rise of progesterone and estrogen (25th day of the cycle), leading to degeneration of CL. Level of progesteron
falls, leading to disintegration of uterine endometrium and menstruation starts (0-5 day of the cycle).
33. Why are the human testes located outside the abdominal cavity? Name the pouch inwhich they are
present.
Ans – The human testes need lower temperature, = 2 – 2.5°C less than the body temperature, for the formation of
sperms which is provided outside the body.Testes are present in scrotal sac or Scrotum.
34. (a) Where does fertilisation occur in humans? Explain the events that occur during thisprocess.
Ans – Fertilisation occurs in ampullary isthmic junction in fallopian tube. The sperms come in contact with zona
pellucida and induce changes in the membrane. This blocks the entry of other sperms and ensures only one
sperm fertilises the ovum. This, it prevents polyspermy. The secretion of acrosome helps the sperm to enter
the cytoplasm. Entry of sperm induces completion of second meiotic division forming ovum and 2nd polar
body. The haploid nucleus of sperm and that of ovum fuses to form a diploid zygote. This completes the
process of fertilisation.
35. Write the location and functions of the following in human testes:
(a) Sertoli cells (b) Leydig cells
Ans – (a) Location: lines inside the Seminiferous tubules.
Functions: provide nutrition to the germ cells sperms.
(b) Location: Outside seminiferous tubules in interstitial. Functions: Synthesize or secrete male hormones or
androgens.
36. Write the effect of the high concentration of L.H. on a mature Graafian follicle.
Ans – The mature Graafian follicle ruptures to release the secondary oocyte or ovum from the ovary by the process
of ovulation.
YEAR 2015
37. Describe the roles of pituitary and ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle in ahuman female.
Ans – Pituitary hormones :
(When levels of FSH is high) FSH, induces follicular growth, secretion of estrogen by follicles, (when LH surge is
there in the mid of the cycle) lutinising hormones/LH, along with FSH leads to ovulation , and then formation of
corpus luteum
Ovarian hormone:
Estrogen , repair/proliferation of endometrium, Progesterone,maintains endometrium for implantation ( Low level of
progesterone leads to menstrual flow)
YEAR 2016
38. (a) Explain the menstrual phase in a human female. State the levels of ovarian andpituitary hormones
during this phase.
(b) Why is follicular phase in the menstrual cycle also referred as proliferative phase ?Explain.
(c) Explain the events that occur in a graafian follicle at the time of ovulation andthereafter.
(d) Draw a graafian follicle and label antrum and secondary oocyte.
Ans – (a) Menstrual phase occurs when released ovum not fertilised , break down of endometrial lining (of the
uterus) and its blood vessel form the liquid that comes out through the vagina , lasts for 3 to 5 days. Level of
ovarian and pituitary hormones fall // graphicallyrepresented
(b) Primary follicle grows into graafian follicle under the influence of LH & FSH , regeneration of endometrium
(under the influence of estrogen)
(c) Graafian follicle ruptures to release the ovum (secondary oocyte) , remaining parts of the Graafian follicle
transform into corpus luteum
(d)

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

YEAR 2017
39. (a) Explain the following phases in the menstrual cycle of a human female :
(i) Menstrual phase
(ii) Follicular phase
(iii) Luteal phase
(b) A proper understanding of menstrual cycle can help immensely in family planning.Do you agree with
the statement ? Provide reasons for your answer.
Ans –
(a) (i) Menstrual phase - first 3-5 days of the cycle where menstrual flow occurs due to break down of endometrial
lining of uterus, if the released ovum is not fertilised
(ii) Follicular phase - from 5th to 14th day of the cycle where the primary follicles grow to become a fully mature
Graafian follicle , endometrium of uterus regenerates , Graafian follicle ruptures to release ova (ovulation on
14th day)
(iii) Luteal Phase - During 15th to 28th day remaining parts of graafian follicle transform into corpus luteum ,
secretion of progesterone (essential for maintenance of endometrium)
All these phases are under the influence of varying concentrations of pituitary andOvarian hormone
(b) Yes , can take appropriate precautions between 10th to 17th day of the menstrual cycle when the chances of
fertilisation are high
YEAR 2018
40. Draw a diagram of a mature human sperm. Label any three parts and write their functions.
Ans –
Plasma membrane - Envelope of the sperm
Acrosome - Filled with enzyme that help fertilization of ovum
Mitochondria - Energy source for swimming
Middle Piece - Possess mitochondria which is the energy source forswimming
Tail - For movement of sperm
Nucleus - Containing chromosomal material.
41. (a) Explain menstrual cycle in human females.
(b) How can the scientific understanding of the menstrual cycle of human females help as a contraceptive
measure ?
Ans – (a) - Menstrual Phase - Menstrual flow occurs / due to breakdown of endometrial lining of uterus , when
fertilization does not occur
- Follicular Phase - Primary follicles grow into mature graafian follicles and endometrium regenerates through
proliferation , changes induced by pituitary and ovarian hormones
- Ovulatory Phase - LH surge , induces rupture of graafian follicle and release of secondary oocyte / ovum during
middle of cycle (i.e. 14th day)
- Luteal phase - Ruptured graafian follicle transforms into corpus luteum whichsecrete large amount of progesteron
, essential for maintaining
Endometrium
(b) Because ovulation occurs during mid cycle chances of fertilisation are very high so , couples should
abstain from coitus between day 10 - 17
YEAR 2019
42. Draw a labelled diagram to show interrelationship of four accessory ducts in a humanmale reproductive
system.
Ans –

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

43. Draw a sectional view of the human ovary showing the different stages of developingfollicles, corpus
luteum and ovulation.
Ans –

44. Construct a flow chart exhibiting sequential events of oogenesis.

Ans –

45. Draw a diagrammatic sectional view of a seminiferous tubule (enlarged) in humans and label its parts.
Ans –

46. (a) Mention the events that lead to the development of placenta during pregnancy in human females.
(b) Explain the role of placenta during pregnancy including its action as an endocrine organ.
Ans - (a) After implantation, finger like projections appear on the trophoblast called chorionic villi, which are
surrounded by the uterine tissue and maternal blood , chorionic villi interdigitate with uterine tissue to form the

structural and functional unit between developing embryo and maternal body called placenta
(b) Role of Placenta
Supply oxygen and nutrients
Removes carbon-di-oxide and excretory products
Secretes hormones - estrogen / progesterone / hCG / hPL (Any two)
YEAR 2020
47. Study the given diagram:

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 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

A is an embryonic stage that gets transformed into B, which in turn gets implanted in the endometrium in
human females.
(a) Identify A, B and its parts C and D.
(b) State the fate of C and D in the course of embryonic development in humans.
Ans. (a) A - Morula ; B - Blastocyst ; C - Inner cell mass / Stem cells , D - Trophoblast
(b) C. (Inner cell mass) forms embryo / differentiates into germ layers (ectoderm / mesoderm / endoderm) , D.
Trophoblast helps in attachment of embryo / to endometrium / forms chorionic villi / forms placenta
48. (a) Draw the sectional view of a seminiferous tubule of human. Label its any six parts.
(b) Name the pituitary hormones involved in the process of spermatogenesis. State theirfunctions.
Ans – (a)

(b) Pituitary hormones: Luteinising hormone (LH) , follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (LH) Acts at the Leydig
cells and stimulates synthesis and secretion of androgens
(FSH) Acts on sertoli cells and stimulates secretion of some factors which help in theprocess of spermiogenesis.
49. List the three hormones produced in women only during pregnancy. What happens tothe levels of
estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy?
Ans – - Human chorionic gonadotropin / hCG ,
- Human placental lactogen / hPL ,
- Relaxin ,
(The level of progesterone & estrogen) increases
50. (a) Draw a sectional view of a human ovary and label primary follicle, tertiary follicle,Graafian follicle
and corpus luteum in it.
(b) Name the gonadotropins and explain their role in oogenesis and the release of ova.
Ans – (a)

(b) LH , FSH
Both LH and FSH increase during follicular phase and stimulate follicular development , secretion of estrogen by the
growing follicles, LH surge ( rapid secretion of LH) during mid cycle / 14th day induces rupture of graffian follicle,
and release of ova / secondary oocyte
51. List the four different human male accessory ducts.
Ans – rete testis , vasa efferentia , epididymis , vas deferens
IMPORTANT SCIENTISTS, SCIENTIFIC NAMES, ABBREVIATIONS & IMP. FACTS
Spermiation: It is the process by which mature spermatids are released from Sertoli cells into the seminiferous
tubule lumen prior to their passage to the epididymis.
Insemination: Transfer of sperms into the female genital tract.
Implantation: Blastocyst’s attachment to the uterine wall.
Shayar Singh, PGT – Biology Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khargone
CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

Gestation: Embryonic development.

Parturition: Delivery of baby.
Spermiogenesis: The spermatids are transformed into spermatozoa (sperms) by this process.
Spermatogenesis: The process by which the immature male germ cells (spermatogonia) produce sperms.
* The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during menstrual cycle while the myometrium exhibits strong
contraction during delivery of the baby.
* The human male ejaculates about 200 to 300 million sperms during a coitus of which, for normal fertility, at least
60 per cent sperms must have normal shape and size and at least 40 per cent of them must show vigorous motility.
Semen = Seminal Plasma + Sperms
* At puberty only 60,000-80,000 primary follicles are left in each ovary.
GnRH: Gonadotropin releasing hormone, LH: Luteinising hormone, FSH: Follicle stimulating hormone
hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin, hPL: human placental lactogen
hCG, hPL and relaxin are produced in women only during pregnancy.
MIND MAPS & IMPORTANT DIAGRAMS

Shayar Singh, PGT – Biology Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khargone

 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

Fig: Male Pelvis showing Reproductive System Fig: Male Reproductive System

Fig: Seminiferous Tubules Fig: Female Pelvis showing Reproductive System

Shayar Singh, PGT – Biology Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khargone

 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

Fig: Female Reproductive System Fig: Mammary Gland

Sequence of milk conduction in mammary glands: Mammary alveoli → mammary tubules → mammary duct
→ mammary ampulla → lactiferous duct.

Fig: Spermatogenesis Fig: Sperm

Fig: Oogenesis Fig: Ovum surrounded by few sperms

3 membranes on ovum: Plasma membrane, Zona pellucida, Corona radiata

Fig: Sectional view of a seminiferous tubule(enlarged) Fig: Structure of ovary

Shayar Singh, PGT – Biology Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khargone

 CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

MENSTRUAL CYCLE (REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE)

Phases Days Main events
1. Menstrual phase 1-5th day Menstrual flow (bleeding).
o Primary follicles → Graafian follicles.
2. Follicular (Proliferative) phase 5-13th day
o Proliferation of ruptured uterine endometrium.

3. Ovulatory phase 14th day LH surge → rupture of Graafian follicle → ovulation.

Corpus luteum forms → progesterone → endometrium
4. Secretory (Luteal) phase 15-28th day
maximum vascular, thick and soft

Fig: Menstrual Cycle

FERTILIZATION AND IMPLANTATION

Zygote → cleavage → morula (8-16 blastomeres) → blastocyst → embryo

Fig: Transport of ovum, Fertilisation, passage of growing embryo through fallopian tube & Implantation
Shayar Singh, PGT – Biology Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khargone
CBSE Previous 10 Years’ Questions Answers Chapter 3 Class XII Biology

Fig: Blastocyst
A. Inner cell mass: Becomes embryo. B. Trophoblast: Gives nourishment to inner cell mass. Also, it is attached
to endometrium.

Fig: The Human foetus within the uterus

PARTURITION: Signals from foetus & placenta → mild uterine contractions (fetal ejection
reflex) → oxytocin from pituitary → stronger uterine muscle contractions → further secretion of oxytocin
→ Parturition (giving birth).

Shayar Singh, PGT – Biology Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khargone