NCERT Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 6 Life Process
1. Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the
oxygen requirements of multicellular organisms like humans?
Solution:
Multi-cellular organisms like humans have very
big bodies and require a lot of oxygen to diffuse into the body quickly in
order to meet the oxygen requirement. Diffusion is a slow process which will
take a lot of time to circulate oxygen to all the body cells. Because of its
slow nature, diffusion is insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of
multicellular organisms like humans.
2. What criteria do we use to decide whether
something is alive?
Solution:
Walking, breathing, growth and other visible
changes can be used to determine whether something is alive or dead. However,
some living things will have changes that are not visible to our eye; Hence,
the presence of the life process is a fundamental criterion to decide whether
something is alive.
3. What are outside raw materials used for by
an organism?
Solution:
The outside raw material is used by organisms
for food and oxygen. Raw materials’ requirement varies on the complexity of the
organism and the environment it is living.
4. What processes would you consider essential
for maintaining life?
Solution:
Life processes such as respiration, digestion,
excretion, circulation and transportation are essential for maintaining life.
Questions Page Number 101
1. What are the differences between
autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition?
Solution:
Autotrophic Nutrition |
Heterotrophic Nutrition |
Organism prepares its own food and is not
dependent on any other organism. |
An organism that does not prepare its own
food and is dependent on other organisms for food. |
Food is prepared from CO2, water,
and sunlight. |
Food cannot be prepared from CO2,
water, or sunlight. |
Chlorophyll is required for food
preparation. |
Chlorophyll is not required for food
preparation. |
Green plants and certain bacteria have
autotrophic modes of nutrition. |
All animals and fungi, most bacteria, have
heterotrophic modes of nutrition. |
2. Where do plants get each of the raw
materials required for photosynthesis?
Solution:
Plants require the following raw material for
photosynthesis:
- CO2 is obtained from the atmosphere
through stomata
- Water is absorbed by plant roots from the soil.
- Sunlight is an essential raw material for
photosynthesis
- Nutrients are obtained by soil by plant roots
3. What is the role of the acid in our
stomach?
Solution:
HCl present in the stomach dissolves food
particles and creates an acidic medium. In an acidic environment,
protein-digesting enzymes, pepsinogen, are converted into pepsin. HCl in the
stomach also acts as a protective barrier against many disease-causing
pathogens.
4. What is the function of digestive enzymes?
Solution:
Digestive enzymes break complex food molecules
into simpler ones. This will make the food absorption process easy and
effective. Absorbed food is transported to all parts of the body by the blood.
5. How is the small intestine designed to
absorb digested food?
Solution:
The small intestine has small projections
called microvilli, which increase the surface volume, making the absorption
more effective. Within the villi, there are numerous blood vessels that absorb
digested food and carry it to the bloodstream. Blood transports food to each
part of our body.
Questions Page Number 105
1. What advantage over an aquatic organism
does a terrestrial organism have with regard to obtaining oxygen for
respiration?
Solution:
Terrestrial organisms breathe by using atmospheric
oxygen, whereas aquatic organisms take oxygen dissolved in water. The oxygen
level is high in the atmosphere when compared to oxygen in the water. Hence,
terrestrial organisms need not breathe fast to obtain organisms, whereas
aquatic organisms need to breathe faster to get the required oxygen.
2. What are the different ways in which
glucose is oxidised to provide energy in various organisms?
Solution:
In the cytoplasm, Glucose is first broken down
into two 3 carbon compounds called pyruvate by the process known as Glycolysis.
Further breakdown takes place in different organisms by different processes.
3. How are oxygen and carbon dioxide
transported in human beings?
Solution:
Oxygen and Carbon dioxide are transported in
human beings via the bloodstream. Oxygen is carried to the cells, whereas
carbon dioxide is carried away from the cells. The exchange of gases takes
place between the alveoli of the lungs and the surrounding blood
capillaries. Oxygen is absorbed by the blood capillaries from the lungs’
alveoli by diffusion, while carbon dioxide is absorbed by the lungs’ alveoli
from the blood capillaries by diffusion.
4. How are the lungs designed in human beings
to maximise the area for the exchange of gases?
Solution:
- The lungs are an important part of the body. The
passage inside the lungs divides into smaller and smaller tubes, which
finally terminate in balloon-like structures called alveoli.
- The alveoli provide a surface where the exchange of
gases can take place. The walls of the alveoli usually contain an
extensive network of blood vessels. We know that when we breathe in, we
lift our ribs, flatten our diaphragm and the chest cavity becomes larger.
- Because of this action, the air is sucked into the
lungs and fills up the expanded alveoli.
- The blood brings the essential carbon dioxide from the
rest of the body and supplies it to the alveoli; the oxygen in the
alveolar air is taken up by the blood in the alveolar blood vessels to be
transported to all other cells of the body. During the normal breathing
cycle, when air is taken in and let out, the lungs always contain a
residual volume of air so that there is sufficient time for oxygen to be
absorbed and carbon dioxide to be released.
Questions Page Number 110
1. What are the components of the transport
system in human beings? What are the functions of these components?
Solution:
The heart, blood and blood vessels are the
main components of the transport system in human beings.
Functions of these components
Heart
The heart pumps oxygenated blood throughout
the body. It receives deoxygenated blood from the various body parts and sends
impure blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
Blood
Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, CO2, and
nitrogenous wastes.
Blood vessels
Blood vessels, arteries and veins carry blood
to all parts of the body.
2. Why is it necessary to separate oxygenated
and deoxygenated blood in mammals and birds?
Solution:
Mammals and birds are warm-blooded animals
which keep their body temperature constant irrespective of the environment they
live. This process requires a lot of oxygen for more cellular respiration so
that warm-blooded animals produce more energy to balance their body
temperature. Hence, it is very important for warm-blooded animals to separate
oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to keep their circulatory system efficient.
3. What are the components of the transport
system in highly organised plants?
Solution:
There are two types of conducting tissues in
highly organised plants that carry out the transport system 1) Xylem 2) Phloem.
Xylem conduct water and minerals from roots to the rest of the plant parts.
Similarly, Phloem transports food materials from the leaf to other parts of the
plant.
4. How are water and minerals transported in
plants?
Solution:
Xylem parts of the tracheids and vessels of
roots, stems and leaves are interconnected to form a continuous system of
water-conducting channels that reaches all parts of the plant. Transpiration
creates a suction pressure which forces water into the xylem cells of roots.
After this, there will be a steady movement of water from the root xylem to all
parts of the plant connected through conducting interconnected water-conducting
channels.
5. How is food transported in plants?
Solution:
Food is transported in plants by a special
organ called the phloem. Phloem transports food materials from leaves to
different parts of a plant. Transportation of food in phloem is achieved by the
expenditure of energy from ATP. This increases osmotic pressure in the tissue,
causing water to move. This pressure moves material in the Phloem to the
tissues with less pressure. This helps in the transportation of food materials
as per the needs. Example, Sucrose
Questions Page Number 112
1. Describe the structure and functioning of
nephrons.
Solution:
Nephrons are the filtration units of the
kidney, which are large in numbers. Some substances in the initial filtrate,
such as glucose, amino acids, salts and a major amount of water, are
selectively re-absorbed as the urine flows along the tube.
The main components of Nephrons are
Glomerulus
Bowman’s Capsule
Long Renal Tube
Structure of Nephron
Functioning of Nephron
- The blood enters the kidney through the renal artery,
which branches into many capillaries associated with the glomerulus.
- The water and solute are transferred to the nephron at
Bowman’s capsule.
- In the proximal tubule, substances such as amino acids,
glucose, and salts are selectively reabsorbed, and unwanted molecules are
added to the urine.
- The filtrate then moves down into the loop of Henle,
where more water is absorbed. From here, the filtrate moves upwards into
the distal tubule and finally to the collecting duct. The collecting duct
collects urine from many nephrons.
- The urine formed in each kidney enters a long tube
called the ureter. From the ureter, it gets transported to the urinary
bladder and then into the urethra.
2. What are the methods used by plants to get
rid of excretory products?
Solution:
Plants can get rid of excess water by
transpiration.
For other wastes, plants use the fact that
many of their tissues consist of dead cells and that they can even lose some
parts, such as leaves. Many plant waste products are stored in cellular
vacuoles. Waste products may be stored in leaves that fall off.
Other waste products are stored as resins and
gums, especially in old xylem. Plants also excrete some waste substances into
the soil around them.
3. How is the amount of urine produced
regulated?
Solution:
The amount of urine produced depends on the
amount of excess water and dissolved waste present in the body. Other factors
may be the environment and the ADH hormone, which regulates the production of urine.
Questions Page Number 113
1. The kidneys in human beings are a part of
the system for
(a) nutrition
(b) respiration
(c) excretion
(d) transportation
Solution:
The answer is (c) excretion
The excretory system of human beings (Fig.
6.13) includes a pair of kidneys, a pair of ureters, a urinary bladder and a
urethra. Kidneys are located in the abdomen, one on either side of the
backbone. Urine produced in the kidneys passes through the ureters into the
urinary bladder, where it is stored until it is released through the urethra.
2. The xylem in plants is responsible for
(a) transport of water
(b) transport of food
(c) transport of amino acids
(d) transport of oxygen
Solution:
In plants, the Xylem is responsible for the
transport of water. Hence, the answer is (a)
3. The autotrophic mode of nutrition requires
(a) carbon dioxide and water
(b) chlorophyll
(c) sunlight
(d) all of the above
Solution:
The autotrophic mode of nutrition requires
carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll and sunlight from the preparation of food.
Hence, the answer is (d) all of the above.
4. The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon
dioxide, water, and energy takes place in
(a) cytoplasm.
(b) mitochondria
(c) chloroplast
(d) nucleus
Solution:
The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon
dioxide, water and energy take place in mitochondria. Hence, the answer is (b)
mitochondria
5. How are fats digested in our bodies? Where
does this process take place?
Solution:
- The small intestine is the place for the complete
digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It receives the secretions
of the liver and pancreas for this purpose.
- The food coming from the stomach is usually acidic in
nature, and it has to be made alkaline so that pancreatic enzymes can act
on it. Bile juice produced in the liver accomplishes this process.
- Fats are usually present in the intestine in the form
of larger globules, which makes it difficult for enzymes to act on them.
The bile salts help in breaking down larger globules into smaller
globules. The pancreas helps in secreting pancreatic juice, which contains
enzymes like trypsin for digesting proteins and lipase for breaking down
emulsified fats.
- The walls of the small intestine contain glands, which
secrete intestinal juice. The enzymes present in it finally convert the
proteins to amino acids, complex carbohydrates into glucose and finally,
fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
6. What is the role of saliva in the digestion
of food?
Solution:
The food we intake is complex in nature; if it
is to be absorbed from the alimentary canal, then it has to be broken into
smaller molecules. This process is mainly done with the help of biological
catalysts called enzymes. The saliva contains an enzyme called salivary amylase
that breaks down starch, which is a complex molecule to give sugar. The food is
mixed thoroughly with saliva and moved around the mouth while chewing the
muscular tongue. Hence, saliva plays a pivotal role in the digestion and absorption
of food.
7. What are the necessary conditions for
autotrophic nutrition, and what are its byproducts?
Solution:
- The energy and carbon requirements of the autotrophic
organism are obtained by the process of photosynthesis.
- It is defined as the process by which autotrophs take
in substances from the outside surroundings and convert them into stored
forms of energy.
- This substance is taken in the form of carbon dioxide
and water, which are converted into carbohydrates in the presence of
sunlight and chlorophyll.
- The main purpose of carbohydrates is to provide energy
to the plant. The carbohydrates are not utilised immediately, but they are
stored in the form of starch, which serves as an internal energy reserve.
- The stored energy can be used as and when required by
the plant.
8. What are the differences between aerobic
and anaerobic respiration? Name some organisms that use the anaerobic mode of
respiration.
Solution:
Aerobic respiration
- The process takes place in the presence of free oxygen.
- The products of aerobic respiration are CO2,
water and energy.
- The first step of aerobic respiration (glycolysis)
takes place in the cytoplasm, while the next step takes place in
mitochondria.
- The process of aerobic respiration takes place in all
higher organisms.
- In this process, complete oxidation of glucose takes
place.
Anaerobic respiration
- The process takes place in the absence of free oxygen.
- The products of anaerobic respiration are ethyl
alcohol, CO2 and a little energy.
- Even in anaerobic respiration, the first step takes
place in the cytoplasm, while the next step takes place in mitochondria.
- In this process, the glucose molecules are incompletely
broken down.
- The process of anaerobic respiration takes place in
lower organisms like yeast, some species of bacteria and parasites like
tapeworms.
9. How are the alveoli designed to maximise
the exchange of gases?
Solution:
- The lung is an important part of the body. The passage
inside the lungs divides into smaller and smaller tubes, which finally
terminate in balloon-like structures called alveoli.
- The alveoli provide a surface where the exchange of
gases can take place. The walls of the alveoli usually contain an
extensive network of blood vessels. We know that when we breathe in, we
lift our ribs, flatten our diaphragm and the chest cavity becomes larger.
- Because of this action, the air is sucked into the
lungs and fills up the expanded alveoli.
- The blood brings the essential carbon dioxide from the
rest of the body and supplies it to the alveoli; the oxygen in the
alveolar air is taken up by the blood in the alveolar blood vessels to be
transported to all other cells of the body. During the normal breathing
cycle, when air is taken in and let out, the lungs always contain a residual
volume of air so that there is sufficient time for oxygen to be absorbed
and carbon dioxide to be released.
10. What would be the consequences of a
deficiency of haemoglobin in our bodies?
Solution:
Haemoglobin is a protein responsible for the
transportation of oxygen to the body cells for cellular respiration. A
deficiency of Haemoglobin can affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of RBCs. This
lead to a lack of oxygen in our body cells. Haemoglobin deficiency leads to a
disease called anaemia.
11. Describe the double circulation of blood
in human beings. Why is it necessary?
Solution:
Double circulation means, in a single cycle,
blood goes twice in the heart. The process helps in separating oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood to maintain a constant body temperature.
The double circulatory system of blood
includes
- Pulmonary circulation
- Systemic circulation.
Pulmonary circulation
The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood
into the lungs, where it is oxygenated. The oxygenated blood is brought back to
the left atrium, and from there, it is pumped into the left ventricle. Finally,
blood goes into the aorta for systemic circulation.
Systemic circulation
The oxygenated blood is pumped to various
parts of the body from the left ventricle. The deoxygenated blood from
different parts of the body passes through the vena cava to reach the right
atrium. The right atrium transfers the blood into the right ventricle.
12. What are the differences between the
transport of materials in the xylem and phloem?
Solution:
Transport of Materials in Xylem |
Transport of Materials in Phloem |
Xylem tissue helps in the transport of water
and minerals. |
Phloem tissue helps in the transport of
food. |
Water is transported upwards from roots to
all other plant parts. |
Food is transported in both upward and
downward directions. |
13. Compare the functioning of alveoli in the
lungs and nephrons in the kidneys with respect to their structure and
functioning.
Solution:
Alveoli |
Nephrons |
Structure |
Structure |
(i) Alveoli are tiny balloon-like structures
present inside the lungs. |
(i) Nephrons are tubular structures present
inside the kidneys. |
(ii) The walls of the alveoli are one cell
thick, and it contains an extensive network of blood capillaries. |
(ii) Nephrons are made of glomerulus,
Bowman’s capsule, and a long renal tube. |
Function |
Function |
(i) The exchange of O2 and
CO2 takes place between the blood of the capillaries that
surround the alveoli and the gases present in the alveoli. |
(i) The blood enters the kidneys through the
renal artery. The blood is entered here, and the nitrogenous waste in the
form of urine is collected by the collecting duct. |
(ii) Alveoli are the site of gaseous
exchange. |
(ii) Nephrons are the basic filtration unit. |
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