NCERT Solution for Class 10

Science
Chapter 7 - How do Organisms reproduce?

1. What is the importance of DNA copying in reproduction?

Ans: The genetic material present in the chromosomes is DNA (Deoxyribonucleic
acid) which is present in the nucleus of a cell. The genes are carried by DNA which is
responsible for all the physiological processes of an individual. Two copies of DNA
are inherited by a child, one from the mother and the other from the father. This is the
reason why offspring look almost like their parents. So, DNA copying during
reproduction is a crucial phenomenon through which characters are passed over
generations. During reproduction, the copying of DNA is very accurate. Thus, the
copying of DNA is very important during reproduction. In sexually reproducing
organisms, copying of DNA also produces variations, hence, a better survival
advantage is given from species to species.

2. Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?
Ans: Variations are sometimes beneficial to the species as the environmental
conditions change considerably and their survival becomes difficult. For example,
Suddenly, if the temperature of the water is increased then most of the bacteria living
in that water would die. Only a few would be able to survive and those few variants are
resistant to heat. However, the whole population of bacteria would be destroyed in the
Class X Science www.vedantu.com 1
absence of these variants. Thus, variants help the survival of the species. However, For
individual organisms, all variations are not necessarily beneficial.

3. How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?

Ans: A single cell divides into two equal cells in binary fission. Amoeba and Bacteria
Division by binary fission occurs in Amoeba and bacteria.

Binary fission in Amoeba

The division of one cell into many daughter cells simultaneously takes place in multiple
fission. Amoeba and
Plasmodium divides by multiple fission.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 2

4. How will an organism be benefited if it reproduces through spores?
Ans: Dormant and hard structures produced by some organisms are spores. They are
produced in order to tide over unfavorable conditions. Thus, it becomes easy for the
spores to escalate around and promote pollination.

5. Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give rise to new
individuals through regeneration?
Ans: Simple organisms capable of producing new individuals through the process of
regeneration are Hydra and Planaria. The new organisms from its body parts are called
regeneration. This can be utilized by some organisms by the method of reproduction
as their whole body is made up of fewer and the same kinds of cells in which any part
of their body is often formed by growth and development.

However, the Organ-system level of organization is shown by complex organisms. As

an interconnected unit work is done by systems of the body of all the organisms.
Regeneration can be done by their lost body parts such as skin, muscles, blood, etc.
However, It is impossible to give rise to new individuals through regeneration as a
complete organ cannot be formed by a specific cell or tissue. Therefore, Complete
regeneration of an entire new organism is not possible.

Organisms such as lizards and starfish can regenerate broken parts of the body through
the process of regeneration.

6. Why is vegetative propagation practiced for growing some types of plants?

Ans: Asexual reproduction administered by vegetative parts of the plant (leaf, stem,
roots) is known as vegetative propagation. This kind of propagation is self-sustaining
and occurs without the presence of seeds. It has many advantages such as:
1. Dispersion of plants with no viable seeds like orchids, bananas, etc.
2. Propagation of a specific superior sort of a plant because the plants produced are
going to be genetically just like the parent plant.
3. A quicker method of propagation to acquire a large number of plants in a much lesser
time.
4. Introduction and propagation of plants in newer areas where seeds might not
germinate due to unfavorable environmental or soil conditions.

7. Why is DNA copying an essential part of the process of reproduction?

Ans: Copying of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a crucial part of reproduction as
genetic information is passed from parents to offspring. The body design of an

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 3

individual is determined. A copy of their DNA is produced by the reproducing cells
through chemical reactions and thus it results in two copies of DNA. With the creation
of additional cellular structures, the copying of DNA takes place. This process is then
followed by the division of a cell to make two cells.

8. How is the process of pollination different from fertilization?

Ans:
Pollination Fertilization
The process of transfer of pollen from Fertilization takes place after pollination.
another to the stigma of a flower is called It is thus the fusion of the male and
pollination. female gametes.
Pollination is administered with the Fertilization takes place inside the ovule
assistance of pollinating agents such as and results in the formation of a zygote.
air, water, birds, or insects.

9. What is the role of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland?
Ans: From the seminal vesicles and prostate glands, the secretions lubricate the sperms
and for the easy transport of sperms, it provides a fluid medium. They also provide
nutrition to the flowing sperm in the form of fructose, calcium, and some enzymes to
allow the sperm to survive for a few days until they can fertilize the egg.

10. What are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty?
Ans: Secondary sexual characteristics in girls:
▪ Breast size increases and the skin of the nipples present at the tips of the breasts gets
darkened.
▪ The appearance of hair within the genital area.
▪ Presence of hair in other areas of skin like underarms, face, hands, and legs.
▪ The size of the uterus and ovary increases.
▪ The onset of the menstrual cycle.
▪ There is the appearance of pimples because of more secretion of oil from the skin.
▪ Widening of the hips

11. How does the embryo get nourishment inside the mother’s body?
Ans: The development of the embryo occurs inside the mother’s body for about nine
months or 280 days. The embryo surrounded by the outer tissue inside the uterus
develops finger-like projections called villi. The uterine tissue and maternal blood

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 4

surround the villi. A large surface area is provided by them for the exchange of oxygen
and nutrients. A special tissue called Placenta is embedded in the uterine wall. Oxygen
and other nutrients are provided to the embryo from the mother’s blood via the
placenta. The embryo also produces waste materials which get removed through the
placenta.

12. If a woman is using a copper−T, will it help in protecting her from sexually
transmitted diseases?
Ans: No, a copper-T will not provide for sexually transmitted diseases, as it does not
prevent the entry of semen. The implantation of the embryo is only prevented in the
uterus.

13. Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in

(a) Amoeba.
(b) Yeast.
(c) Plasmodium.
(d) Leishmania.
Ans: (b) In yeast, asexual reproduction takes place through budding.

14. Which of the following is not a part of the female reproductive system in
human beings?
(a) Ovary
(b) Uterus
(c) Vas deferens
(d) Fallopian tube
Ans: (c) Vas deferens is a part of the male reproductive system not a part of the female
reproductive system in human beings.

15. The anther contains

(a) sepals.
(b) ovules.
(c) carpel.
(d) pollen grains.
Ans: (d) The anther contains pollen grains.

16. What are the advantages of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?
Ans: Advantages of sexual reproduction:
(i) More variations are seen in sexual reproduction. Thus, it ensures the survival of

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 5

species. The characteristics of both the parents are seen in the newly formed
individuals.
(ii) With comparison to asexual mode, variations are more viable in the sexual mode
because in asexual reproduction the function of DNA has to be inside the inherited
cellular apparatus.
(iii) In the case of sexual reproduction, progeny produced are less than those produced
by asexual reproduction.

17. What are the functions performed by the testis in human beings?
Ans: In man, the reproductive organ called the testes is present outside the abdomen
within a loose pouch called the scrotum.
Functions of testes:
(i) Produce sperms
(ii) A hormone called testosterone is secreted which is responsible for secondary sexual
characteristics in boys.

18. Why does menstruation occur?

Ans: After puberty is reached in females, it produces a mature egg cell every month
during a process called the menstrual cycle.
(i) A mature egg is released by an ovary during this period.
(ii) A new menstrual cycle begins if the egg does not get fertilized and the uterine lining
is shed.
(iii) In general, a menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days.

19. Draw a labeled diagram of the longitudinal section of a flower.

Ans:

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 6

20. What are the different methods of contraception?
Ans: A method to prevent pregnancy is called Contraception. The contraceptive means
are often broadly divided into the subsequent types:
(i) Natural method → The chances of meeting sperm and ovum are avoided in this
method. The sexual act is avoided in this method from day 10th to 17th of the menstrual
cycle as, during this period, ovulation can take place, and therefore, the possibility of
fertilization is very high.

(ii) Barrier method → In this method, the fertilized ovum and sperm are prevented
with the assistance of barriers. For both males and females, barriers are available.
Condoms are barriers made from thin rubber that are used to cover the vagina in
females and the penis in males

(ii) Oral contraceptives → This method involves tablets or drugs which have to be
taken orally. These contain small doses of hormones that prevent the discharge of eggs
and thus fertilization cannot occur.

(iv) Implants and surgical methods → Contraceptive devices such as loop or

Copper-T are placed within the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Several surgical methods
can be adapted to inhibit the transfer of gametes. In order to prevent the transfer of
sperms, the blocking of vas deferens is required which is known as vasectomy.
Similarly, the egg will not reach the uterus by blocking the fallopian tubes of the
females known as Tubectomy.

21. How are the modes for reproduction different in unicellular and multicellular
organisms?
Ans: Reproduction in unicellular organisms occurs by the division of the whole cell.
In unicellular organisms, the modes of reproduction are often fission, budding, etc.
whereas specialized reproductive organs are present in multicellular organisms.
Therefore, reproduction can take place by complex reproductive methods like
vegetative propagation, spore formation, etc. The mode of the reproduction will be
sexual reproduction in more complex multicellular organisms like human beings and
plants.

22. How does reproduction help in providing stability to populations of species?

Ans: Living organisms reproduce for the continuation of a specific species. Stability is
being provided to the population of species by producing a new individual that
resembles the parents. Therefore, stability is provided by reproduction to populations

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 7

of species. In addition, due to the presence of variants, the species is also better
equipped to handle environmental changes and at the end of the day.

23. What could be the reasons for adopting contraceptive methods?

Ans: Contraceptive methods are adopted due to the subsequent reasons:
(i) For the prevention of unwanted pregnancies.
(ii) To manage population, rise or birth rate.
(iii) For the prevention of the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 8