CLASS X BIOLOGY – QUESTION BANK HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE

HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE

1. Define reproduction
It is a biological process by which new individuals of the same species are produced by the existing
organisms.

2. Reproduction is a fundamental process essential for all living organisms. Why ?

- Though reproduction is not an essential life process for an individual, it is very necessary for the
perpetuation of the species.
-Increase in the population of a species is possible only by reproduction.
-Favourable variations from parents to offspring are passed on by reproduction.

3. Define species
A group of similar organisms which can naturally interbreed is called Species.

4. What are variations ? Why variations are important in living organisms ?

-Variations are differences found in morphological, physiological and other traits of individuals
belonging to the same organism, race or family.
-Importance
1. Pre -adaptation -Variation functions as pre -adaptation to environmental changes like increase or
decrease in temperature, drought, antibiotic resistance, pesticide resistance etc.
2. Individuality- As variation provides individuality we recognize each other.
3. Evolution-Provides raw material for evolution or formation of new species.
4.Variations increase the survival chance of a species

5. How do variations arise ?

They develop due to (i) faulty DNA replication (ii) Crossing over (iii) Chance separation of
chromosome during separation (iv) Chance combination during fertilisation (v) Mutation

6. Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?
If a population of reproducing organisms were suited to a particular niche and if the niche were
drastically altered, the population could be wiped out.
-However, if some variations were to be present in a few individuals in these populations, there would
be some chance for them to survive.

7. What is DNA copying? Explain its role/ significance in the reproduction process.
Duplication / creating a copy of cellular DNA by DNA synthesis mechanism before a cell divides is
called DNA copying .
Importance :
1. DNA is the information source to create proteins → lead to body design of the organism
2. Ensures the proper distribution of the genetic information among the gametes produced in
reproduction.
3. DNA copying is a biochemical process; inaccuracies lead to variations → generation of new
traits in species
4. The consistency of DNA copying during reproduction is important for the maintenance of
body design features that allow the organism to use that particular niche

8. List the sequence of events that lead to the division of a parent cell into daughter cells .
DNA copying → creation of an additional cellular apparatus →DNA copies separate, each with its
own cellular apparatus → cell divides to give rise to two cells.

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9. Explain the role of reproduction in maintaining the stability of species.

-Populations of organisms live in well-defined places called niches in the ecosystem using their
ability to reproduce.
-Reproduction involves DNA copying which is the source of information for making proteins
thereby controlling body design.
- These body designs allow the organism to use a particular niche for the stability of the
population of a species
- (Minor) variations may also lead to the stability of the species

10. Name the group of organisms which resort to fission as a mode of asexual reproduction.
How does it take place?
-found in unicellular organisms
-cell division, or fission, leads to the creation of new individuals.
Binary fission- Amoeba Multiple fission- Malarial parasite- Plasmodium.

11. Distinguish between binary fission and multiple fission.

12. Name the pathogen which causes Kala-Azar. How is the body structure of this microbe
different from amoeba ?
-Leishmania.
-It has a whip-like structure [ flagellum]at one end of the cell.

13. How is binary fission process different in Amoeba and Leishmania ?

In Amoeba, the splitting of the two cells during division can take place in any plane, but in
Leishmania binary fission occurs in a definite orientation in relation to flagella.

14. How does fragmentation occur in spirogyra ?

-The parent body simply breaks up into smaller pieces upon maturation
-Each fragment grows into new individual
[ Fragmentation - occurs in multi-cellular organisms with relatively simple body organization eg
Spirogyra]

15. Multi-cellular organisms need to use more complex ways of reproduction. Why?
-In multi-cellular organisms specialized cells are organised as tissues, and tissues are organised into
organs, which then have to be placed at definite positions in the body.
-In such a carefully organised situation, cell-by-cell division would be impractical.
- Reproduction is carried out by the reproductive organs only.

16. What is budding? Name two organisms that use this asexual mode of reproduction
-In budding, one or more outgrowths called buds are formed on the parental body due to repeated cell
division.

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-Each bud enlarges, develops the parental characters (mature), and separates from the parent body
to lead an independent life.
-Example: Hydra, yeast

17. Explain the steps involved in budding in Hydra.

Step 1: A mature parent gives rise to a small bud from any part of the body except tentacle and
mouth
Step 2: The small bud grows
Step 3: The bud after growth and maturation detaches itself from mother Hydra fixes itself on
substratum.
Step 4: The young Hydra feeds and grows.

18. How does regeneration act as a mode of asexual reproduction? What is “development” with
regard to regeneration ?
-In this process many fully differentiated organisms have the ability to give rise to new individual
organisms from their body parts.
-Examples- Hydra and Planaria
-Regeneration is carried out by specialised cells
-The cellular changes take place in an organised sequence to form new individual during regeneration
is referred to as development.

19. Explain the stages of regeneration in Planaria/Hydra.

Stages of regeneration: Body of a Hydra/Planaria cut into pieces by any means →Specialized cells in
each piece proliferate→ large numbers of cells →differentiation of cells→ formation of various cell
types and tissues from the cellular mass→ development of new organism

20. How is binary fission different from budding ?

a) Type of Division
Binary Fission: Binary fission is a type of fission.
Budding: Budding is a type of vegetative propagation.
b) Parent Organism
Binary Fission: Parent organism is divided into two daughter organisms. Thus, no parent can be
identified after the division.
Budding: The bud is developed from the parent organism. After detaching of the new organism from
the parent, the parent organism remains the same.
c) Symmetric/Asymmetric Division
Binary Fission: Binary fission is a symmetric division.
Budding: Budding is an asymmetric division.
d) Presence
Binary Fission: Binary fission is mostly found in bacteria and archaea.
Budding: Budding is found in parasites, fungi, plants and metazoans like animals.

21. What is vegetative propagation ?

Reproduction in which new plants arise from the vegetative parts [root, stem and leaves] of the plant
under appropriate conditions is called vegetative propagation or reproduction.

22. Describe the advantages of vegetative propagation.

1. Offspring are genetically similar to parent plant
2. Plants raised by vegetative propagation can bear flowers and fruits earlier than those produced
from seeds.

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3. Plants that have lost the capacity to produce seeds such as banana, orange, rose and jasmine can
be propagated by this method
4. Artificial vegetative propagation methods such as layering or grafting to grow many plants like
sugarcane, roses, or grapes for agricultural purposes.

23. Explain spore formation as a mode of asexual reproduction.

-In bread mold (Rhizopus), the hyphae on the bread produce upright structures that have sporangia
at the tips [blob-on-a-stick structures]. The stalk is called a sporangiophore
-The sporangia contain cells, or spores, that can eventually develop into new Rhizopus individuals
(Fig. 8.6).
-On the return of favourable conditions, the sporangium bursts and liberate the spores.

24. How is an organism benefitted if it reproduces through spores ? [ what are the advantages
of spore formation?]
1.The spores are covered by thick walls that protect them until they come into contact with
another moist surface and can begin to grow.
2. Spores are produced in large numbers to compensate the loss during transport
3. Being small they can disperse long distances by air.

25. Specify the mode of vegetative reproduction in Bryophyllum.

Buds produced in the notches along the leaf margin of Bryophyllum fall on the soil and develop into
new plants.

26. Compare the mode of reproduction in unicellular and multicellular organisms.

Unicellular organism Multicellular organism

1. Usually reproduce asexually Usually reproduce sexually
2. No specialized parts/organs for Specialized cells / tissues / organs are meant
reproduction for reproduction.
3. Variations occur rarely during Chances of variation are more
reproduction
4. Usually uniparental i.e. single cell acts as Usually parental- involve male and female
parent cell parents[ except in bisexual organisms]
5. Gametes are not produced and no Two types of haploid gametes are produced
reduction in chromosome number

27. Compare asexual and sexual mode of reproduction. S

Asexual reproduction Sexual reproduction
1. Sex organs are not involved Sex organs are involved
2. No gametes are formed Male and female gametes are formed
3. There is no fusion of gametes Fusion of gametes called fertilization occurs
4. Involves a single organism Involves one [bisexual] or two [unisexual]
organisms
5. It requires only mitotic divisions It requires meiotic division for gamete formation
followed by mitotic divisions.
6. Offsprings are identical to the parent Offsprings show a combination of characteristics
of the parents or ancestors...i.e. variations are
present.
7. It’s a simple and fast process. It’s a complex and slow process.

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28. Explain the significance of sexual reproduction.

1. Variations that arise during DNA copying mechanism are useful for ensuring the survival of
species in a population
2. It incorporates a process of combining DNA from two different individuals
3. Promotes diversity among offsprings
4. Fusion of gametes from two individuals during sexual reproduction results in re-establishment
of chromosome number and DNA content in new generation
5. Increases genetic variation-raw material for evolution and plays a role of origin of new species.

29. How is specific chromosome number maintained in a sexually reproducing organism?

The diploid gamete mother cells in the reproductive organs undergo meiotic division and produce
haploid gametes. Thus, gametes contain only half the amount of DNA. When gametes fuse during
fertilization in the full number of chromosomes is re-established. Two haploid gametes fuse to form a
diploid zygote.

30. Name the organ in angiosperms which contain the reproductive parts
Flower

31. Explain the functions of different parts of a bisexual flower.

-Different parts of a flower – sepals, petals, stamens and carpels.
1.Petals - Petals of insect pollinated flowers are brightly coloured and scented to attract bees and
butterflies for pollination
2.Sepals - Sepals in the calyx cup protect the flower in the bud stage
3.Stamens- the male reproductive part and it produces pollen grains that are yellowish in colour.
Pollen grains contain male gametes
4.Carpel- the female reproductive part

32. List the parts of carpel. Specify the role of each part.
1) Terminal Stigma-Provides a suitable platform for the landing and germination of pollen
grains.
2) Middle Style- Provides the path through which the pollen tube grows and reaches ovary.
3) Bottom Ovary -Contains ovules that has the female gamete. Ovary develops into fruit after
swollen fertilisation.

33. Differentiate between unisexual and bisexual flowers with examples

-Unisexual flowers contain only one sex organ-stamen or carpel .e.g. papaya, watermelon
- Bisexual flowers contain both stamens and carpels e.g. Hibiscus, mustard

34. Distinguish between self-pollination and cross pollination

Transfer of pollen grains from anthers to the stigma of the same flower // from anthers of one
flower to stigma of another flower on the same plant is called self-pollination.
Transfer of pollen grains from flower of one plant to flower of other plant is called cross pollination.

35. List the common biotic and abiotic agents of pollination

-Biotic – insects, birds, bats, humans
-Abiotic- wind and water

36. Summarise the events during sexual reproduction in flowering plants.

1) Production of flowers and maturation of sex organs.
2) Production of germ cells
3) Release of pollen grains from anther followed by pollination

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Post-pollination events:
4) Germination of pollen grains on stigma followed by the growth of pollen tube through the
style.
5) Entry of pollen tube into the ovule followed by release of male germ cells
6) Fertilization: The male germ-cell fuses with the female gamete present in the ovule to form
zygote.

Post-fertilisation events. [ changes in flower after fertilisation]

7) Zygote→ divides several times to form →an embryo within the ovule.
8) Ovary grows → ripens into fruit.
9) Ovules develop a tough coat → convert into seed.
10) Stigma, style and stamens dry up and fall.

37. What are the advantages of seed formation in plants ?

1. Dormant embryo and tough seed coat are best suited to pass through unfavourable seasons
2. Easily dispersed to long distances as they are usually small and light
3. As seeds remain dormant, so edible seeds can be stored for further use.

38. What is seed germination?

The seed contains the future plant or embryo which develops into a seedling under appropriate
growth conditions. This process is known as germination.

39. Distinguish between pollination and fertilisation.

POLLINATION FERTILISATION
Transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of Fusion of male and female gamete to form a
the same/another flower of same/another plant zygote
Gametes are not involved Gametes are involved
Pollination is a physical/mechanical process Fertilization is a biochemical process
It may or may not bring variations in species Since it involves the fusion of two different
gametes ,it always brings variations in offsprings
Pollination occur on the surface of the stigma Fertilization occur inside the female reproductive
system [except in external fertilization]
It occurs only in phanerogams[seed bearing It occurs in all sexually reproducing organisms
plants]

40. What is puberty ?

The period during adolescence when reproductive maturity begins to appear is called puberty

41. List the common bodily changes observed in boys and girls at the onset of puberty.
1. Growth of hair in arm pits and genital area between the thighs
2. Genital area- Becomes darker.
3. Body hair-Thinner hair on legs, arms and face.
4. Skin-Becomes oily, appearance of pimples mainly on face
5. Awareness of body- Children become conscious and aware of their own bodies as well as those of
others.
42. What are secondary sexual characteristics ? How are they different in boys and girls ?
Bodily changes that appear at the onset of puberty which provides more physical appearance to the
gender are called secondary sexual characteristics .

Girls- The changes occur in response to hormone oestrogen.

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(i)Increase of breast size (ii) darkening of skin nipples (iii) beginning of menstruation
(iv) broadening of pelvis (v) fat deposition on face, buttocks and thigh.

Boys- The changes occur in response to hormone testosterone.

(i) slow growth of thick hair on face (moustaches, beard) (ii) cracking of voice (iii) enlargement of
testes, scrotum, and penis. (iv) Erection of penis either in day dreams or at night.

43. Describe the various parts of male reproductive system. Specify the function of each part.
The male reproductive system consists of portions
1. which produce the germ-cells
2. that delivers the germ-cells to the site of fertilization.

PART FUNCTION
Testis Produce sperms[male germ cells], secrete testosterone
Scrotum Muscular pouch outside the abdominal cavity that provides a lower
temperature essential for sperm formation in testis.
Vas deferens Sperms are delivered through the vas deferens which unites with
a tube coming from the urinary bladder
Seminal vesicles Add secretions so that the sperms are now in a fluid which makes their
and prostate gland transport easier and provides nutrition to sperms

44. Human testis is considered as “extra-abdominal” or scrotal testis. Why ?

Testes are located outside the abdominal cavity enclosed in a muscular pouch-scrotum because sperm
formation requires a lower temperature than the normal body temperature.

45. List two functions of testosterone.

-Regulate the formation of sperms,
-Brings about changes in appearance seen in boys at the time of puberty.

46. What are male germ cells otherwise known as? How are they structurally adapted to reach
the female gamete?
-Sperms
- The sperms are tiny bodies that consist of mainly genetic material and a long tail that helps them to
move towards the female germ-cell.

47. Describe the various parts of female reproductive system. Specify the function of each part.

PART FUNCTION When a girl is born,

Ovary 1. Produce female germ-cells or eggs, the ovaries already
2. Secrete estrogen and other female sex hormones. contain thousands of
[Progesterone] immature eggs.
Oviduct 1. Site of fertilization [pathway for sperms to travel and
reach egg] On reaching puberty,
[fallopian some of these start
tube] 2. Carry the zygote to uterus for implantation.
maturing.
Uterus Site of implantation of embryo for development.
Vagina [uterus 1. Sperms enter through the vaginal passage One egg is produced
opens into the during sexual intercourse. every month by one
vagina through 2. Serves as a birth canal of the ovaries
the cervix.]

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48. “The uterus prepares itself every month to receive and nurture the growing embryo.”
Explain how this preparation happens and justify the need for this.
1) Lining becomes thick and spongy required for -successful implantation & nourishing the embryo
2) The lining is richly supplied with blood to nourish the growing embryo.

49. Compare the features of an egg cell and sperm.

50. What is placenta? What is its role?

Placenta is a special tissue, embedded in the uterine wall that develops a temporary connection
between maternal and foetal blood
-Functions
a. Nutrition of embryo- Amino acids, glucose etc pass from maternal to foetal blood through
placenta
b. Respiration of embryo- Oxygen of maternal blood and carbon dioxide of foetal blood
diffuse through placenta into foetal and maternal blood respectively.
c. Excretory role-Nitrogenous wastes of foetus pass to maternal body through placenta.

51. How is the placenta designed to perform its function during pregnancy?
Placenta contains villi on the embryo’s side of the tissue. On the mother’s side are blood spaces,
which surround the villi. This provides a large surface area for glucose and oxygen to pass from the
mother to the embryo

52. What happens when the egg is not fertilised?

1. Menstruation occurs and lasts for 2-8 days
2. -Unfertilized egg, along with the
-Ruptured thick uterine lining, discharged through vagina as menstrual flow.
-50-100 ml of blood and
-Some mucous

53. Define the terms “Implantation” and “Gestation”.

The embedding of a fertilized mammalian egg [embryo], into the wall of the uterus to establish
pregnancy is called implantation.
The period of development of foetus inside the uterus till birth is called gestation. [280 days or 40
weeks

54. What is reproductive health ?

- Reproductive health means a total well-being in all aspects of reproduction, i.e., physical, emotional,
behavioural and social. -World health organization

55. What are STD’s? how can they be prevented ?

Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual intercourse are collectively called
sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

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Preventive measure:
(i) Avoid sex with unknown partners/multiple partners.
(ii) Always use condoms during coitus.
(iii) In case of doubt, go to a qualified doctor for early detection and get complete treatment if
diagnosed with disease
56. What are contraceptives ? Explain the need for using contraceptives.
(or)
“Adopting contraceptives is needed to ensure the reproductive health of an individual.”
Justify

-Methods/devices which prevent unwanted pregnancies are called contraceptives.

- Reasons for adopting contraceptive methods
1. Protection from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV-AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis
2. Restricting the number of children -to avoid financial constraints.
3. Sufficient gap between successive births. [Frequent and unwanted pregnancies can be
avoided]
4.Pregnancy will make major demands on the body and mind of the woman and if she is not
ready for it, her health will be adversely affected.
5.Population can be controlled to improve the standard of living.
6.Enjoying a good reproductive health.

57. (a)List the different types of contraceptives with examples.

(b)Explain the principle behind each method of contraceptive.

Contraceptive Example Principle

Barrier method Condoms, Ovum and sperms are prevented from physically
cervical caps. meeting with the help of barriers
Oral pills Saheli They prevent ovulation and fertilization
Intra uterine devices( IUDs) Cu-T Make the cervix hostile for sperms
Surgical methods Vasectomy, blocks gamete transport and thereby prevents
Tubectomy conception

58. Cite some examples for barrier type of contraceptives used by males and females.
-Condoms are barriers made of thin rubber/ latex sheath that are used to cover the penis in the male.
-Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults - made of rubber that is inserted into the female reproductive
tract to cover the cervix during intercourse.

59. In what form oral contraceptives are taken?

oral administration of small doses of hormone combinations in the form of tablets by females are
popularly called pills.

60. How are IUDs used as contraceptives?

These devices are inserted by doctors or expert nurses in the uterus through vagina. E.g.- loop, copper-
T

61. If a woman is using copper-T, will it help in protecting her front sexually Transmitted
diseases?
No, it will not protect the woman from sexually transmitted diseases as fluid to fluid contact occurs
in the vagina.

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62. Differentiate between vasectomy and tubectomy contraceptives.

-In males ‘vasectomy ’is done where, a small part of the vas deferens is removed or tied up through a
small incision on the scrotum.

-In female, ‘tubectomy’ is done where; a small part of the fallopian tube is removed or tied up through
a small incision in the abdomen or through vagina

63. What are the disadvantages of surgical method?

1. Surgery itself can cause infections and other problems if not performed properly.
2. It is used for removing unwanted pregnancies.
3. It is misused by people in illegal sex-selective abortion of female foeticides.

64. Prenatal sex determination has been prohibited by law. Why?

1.To avoid reckless female foeticides
2.To maintain child sex ratio in our society [ this rate is decreasing at an alarming rate due to
reckless female foeticides]
3.Maintain the female-male sex ration for a healthy society.
[The rates of birth and death in a given population will determine its size.]

65. The marriageable are of male and female is 21 years and 18 years respectively, the rule is
made by government, although the sexual maturation take place in them earlier. Why?

Sexual maturation is a gradual process. It occurs while the general body growth is still going on. So
sexual maturation does not mean that body and mind is ready for sexual acts and bringing up
children. Adverse effects of early marriage

Teen age couples cannot bring up their children. (ii) Reproduction may affect the health of mother as
well as child. (iii) May bring deformity in children. (iv)Young couple cannot pursue studies, nor can
they have a career.

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