BIOLOGY XI - FINAL BOARD EXAMINATION
FULL SOLVED MODEL PAPER (70 MARKS)
Chapters: Reproduction in Plants, Reproduction in Animals, Inheritance and Variation
SECTION A (18 Marks)
Q1 - Multiple Choice Questions (10 x 1 = 10)
1. Asexual reproduction occurs in Amoeba: (b) Amoeba
2. Binary fission occurs in: (b) Amoeba
3. Male reproductive part of flower is: (b) Stamen
4. Fertilization in humans is: (b) Internal
5. Budding occurs in: (b) Hydra
6. Mendel worked on: (b) Pea plant
7. Genotype means: (b) Genetic makeup
8. Example of oviparous animal: (c) Hen
9. Cross pollination occurs between: (c) Different plants
10. DNA is found in: (a) Nucleus
Q2 - Very Short Answer Questions (8 x 1 = 8) [1 Mark = 2 Points]
1. Define asexual reproduction.
• It is a process where offspring are produced by a single parent without the fusion of gametes.
• The offspring are genetically identical to the parent and are called clones.
2. What is pollination?
• Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the receptive stigma of a flower.
• It is essential for the process of sexual reproduction in flowering plants.
3. Define fertilization.
• Fertilization is the process of fusion of a haploid male gamete with a haploid female gamete.
• This fusion results in the formation of a diploid zygote (2n).
4. What is genotype?
• Genotype is the genetic constitution or gene complement of an organism for a particular trait.
• It is often represented by symbolic pairs like TT, Tt, or tt.
5. Define variation.
• Variation is the degree of difference between individuals of the same species or between parents and
offspring.
• It can be morphological, physiological, or cytological in nature.
6. What is budding?
• Budding is an asexual method where a small outgrowth or 'bud' forms on the parent body.
• The bud matures and eventually detaches to live as an independent organism (e.g., Yeast, Hydra).
7. What is DNA?
• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic material that carries hereditary information in living organisms.
• It is composed of two polynucleotide chains forming a double-helix structure.
8. Define oviparous animals.
• Animals that lay eggs with little or no embryonic development within the mother are called oviparous.
• Common examples include birds, reptiles, and most amphibians.
SECTION B (16 Marks) [2 Marks = 4 Points]
Q3. Define asexual reproduction with example.
• Asexual reproduction is the production of offspring from a single parent without gamete fusion.
• It leads to rapid multiplication of the species in favorable conditions.
• The offspring are genetically identical clones of the parent.
• Example: Fragmentation in Spirogyra where the filament breaks into pieces, each growing into a new plant.
Q4. What is pollination?
• It is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of a stamen to the stigma of a carpel.
• It is a prerequisite for fertilization because male gametes are non-motile in plants.
• It can be carried out by abiotic agents like wind and water.
• It can also be carried out by biotic agents like insects, birds, and bats.
Q5. Types of pollination.
• Autogamy: Self-pollination within the same flower of the same plant.
• Geitonogamy: Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma of another flower on the same plant.
• Xenogamy (Cross-pollination): Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma of a flower on a different plant.
• Each type has specific adaptations to ensure successful seed set.
Q6. Define fertilization.
• It is the biological process of fusion of a male gamete with a female gamete.
• In humans, it typically occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
• It restores the diploid number of chromosomes in the zygote.
• It initiates the development of the embryo and determines the sex of the offspring.
Q7. Genotype vs phenotype.
• Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism (the actual genes).
• Phenotype is the physical appearance or observable traits of an organism.
• Genotype remains constant throughout life, while phenotype can change with age or environment.
• Example: 'TT' is the genotype for the 'Tall' phenotype in pea plants.
Q8. Define variation.
• Variation refers to the differences found between individuals of the same species.
• It is the raw material for the process of evolution.
• Variations are caused by genetic recombination during meiosis (crossing over).
• They can also be caused by mutations or environmental factors.
Q9. Define vegetative propagation.
• It is a form of asexual reproduction where new plants are produced from vegetative parts like roots, stems,
or leaves.
• It is a natural method but can also be induced artificially (e.g., grafting).
• Example: Potato tubers have 'eyes' (nodes) from which new plants arise.
• This method is widely used in agriculture to maintain desired plant characteristics.
Q10. What is binary fission?
• Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction where a parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
• It involves the division of the nucleus (karyokinesis) followed by the cytoplasm (cytokinesis).
• It is the most common method of reproduction in unicellular organisms like Amoeba.
• Under favorable conditions, it allows for a very rapid population growth.
Q11. What is cross pollination?
• It is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the
same species.
• It is also known as Xenogamy.
• It introduces genetic diversity and stronger offspring through recombination.
• It usually requires an external agent or pollinator like wind or insects.
Q12. What is budding?
• Budding is an asexual process where a small outgrowth or 'bud' develops due to cell division at one site.
• The bud remains attached to the parent body until it is mature.
• Once mature, it detaches and leads an independent life.
• Common examples include Yeast (unicellular) and Hydra (multicellular).
Q13. Define inheritance.
• Inheritance is the transmission of genetic characters from parents to their offspring.
• It is the mechanism by which traits are passed from one generation to the next.
• It was first systematically studied by Gregor Johann Mendel.
• Characters are carried by genes located on the chromosomes.
Q14. What are oviparous animals?
• Oviparous animals are those that reproduce by laying eggs.
• The development of the embryo occurs outside the mother's body, usually inside the eggshell.
• The eggs contain a large amount of yolk to provide nutrition to the developing embryo.
• Examples include birds like Hens and reptiles like Crocodiles.
SECTION C (24 Marks) [3 Marks = 6 Points]
Q15. Explain vegetative propagation with examples.
• It is asexual reproduction using vegetative parts like roots, stems, or leaves.
• Natural propagation by roots: Sweet potato and Dahlia produce adventitious buds on roots.
• Natural propagation by stems: Runners (Grass), Rhizomes (Ginger), and Tubers (Potato).
• Natural propagation by leaves: Bryophyllum produces plantlets along its leaf margins.
• Artificial propagation: Cuttings (Rose), Grafting (Mango), and Tissue Culture.
• Significance: It allows for the rapid production of genetically identical plants and is used in horticulture.
Q16. Explain structure of flower.
• A flower is a modified shoot meant for sexual reproduction, consisting of four whorls.
• Calyx: The outermost whorl of sepals, usually green, protecting the flower in the bud stage.
• Corolla: The whorl of petals, often colored and scented to attract animal pollinators.
• Androecium: The male reproductive whorl consisting of stamens; each stamen has a filament and an
anther.
• Gynoecium: The female reproductive whorl consisting of carpels; each carpel has a stigma, style, and
ovary.
• Receptacle (Thalamus): The swollen tip of the flower stalk (pedicel) that bears all floral whorls.
Q17. Explain male reproductive system.
• The human male reproductive system consists of primary and secondary sex organs.
• Testes: A pair of primary sex organs located in the scrotum, responsible for sperm production and
testosterone.
• Duct System: Includes Rete testis, Vasa efferentia, Epididymis, and Vas deferens for sperm transport.
• Accessory Glands: Seminal vesicles, Prostate gland, and Cowper's glands provide seminal fluid.
• Urethra: A common passage for both urine and semen, passing through the penis.
• Penis: The external male copulatory organ used to transfer sperms into the female reproductive tract.
Q18. Explain female reproductive system.
• The female system consists of internal and external organs designed for gamete production and pregnancy.
• Ovaries: A pair of primary sex organs that produce ova (eggs) and hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone).
• Fallopian Tubes: Oviducts that collect the ovum after ovulation; the site where fertilization occurs.
• Uterus: A pear-shaped muscular organ where the embryo implants and develops into a fetus.
• Cervix and Vagina: The lower narrow part of the uterus and the birth canal, respectively.
• External Genitalia: Collectively known as the vulva, which includes the labia and clitoris.
Q19. Explain Mendel’s law of segregation.
• Also known as the "Law of Purity of Gametes," it is Mendel's first law of inheritance.
• It states that when a pair of alleles is brought together in a hybrid, they remain together without mixing.
• During gamete formation, these alleles segregate or separate from each other.
• As a result, each gamete receives only one allele from the pair.
• This law is universal and applies to all sexually reproducing diploid organisms.
• In a monohybrid cross (Tt), the alleles T and t separate so that 50% gametes have T and 50% have t.
Q20. Explain types of pollination.
• Autogamy: Pollen from anther to stigma of the same flower; ensures seed set without pollinators.
• Geitonogamy: Pollen from anther to stigma of another flower on the same plant; functionally cross-
pollination.
• Xenogamy: Pollen from one plant to another; leads to genetic variation and better adaptation.
• Anemophily: Pollination by wind, characterized by light, non-sticky pollen and feathery stigmas.
• Hydrophily: Pollination by water, occurring in aquatic plants like Vallisneria.
• Entomophily: Pollination by insects, where flowers are large, brightly colored, and produce nectar.
Q21. Explain binary fission in Amoeba.
• It is a simple asexual method where the parent cell divides into two daughter cells.
• First, the nucleus elongates and divides through a process called amitosis or mitosis.
• A constriction begins to form in the cell membrane at the center of the Amoeba.
• The constriction deepens, dividing the cytoplasm equally (cytokinesis).
• Each daughter cell receives one nucleus and approximately half of the organelles.
• The process results in two genetically identical, independent daughter Amoebae.
Q22. Explain fertilization in humans.
• It is the fusion of a mature sperm with a secondary oocyte to form a zygote.
• Occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube within 24 hours of ovulation.
• Sperms undergo capacitation (activation) in the female tract to become fertile.
• The sperm head releases enzymes (Acrosome reaction) to penetrate the Zona Pellucida layer of the egg.
• Once one sperm enters, cortical reactions prevent other sperms from entering (polyspermy block).
• The nuclei of the sperm and egg fuse, restoring the diploid chromosome number (46).
Q23. Difference between genotype and phenotype.
• Genotype refers to the internal genetic makeup; Phenotype refers to external physical traits.
• Genotype is determined at fertilization; Phenotype is influenced by both genes and environment.
• Individuals with different genotypes can have the same phenotype (e.g., TT and Tt are both tall).
• Genotype can only be determined through genetic testing or breeding; Phenotype is observable.
• Genotypes are represented by letters (AA, Aa); Phenotypes are described by words (Blue eyes, Tall).
• Phenotype is the expression of the genotype in a given environment.
Q24. Oviparous vs viviparous animals.
• Oviparous lay eggs; Viviparous give birth to live young ones.
• Embryo development occurs outside the body in Oviparous; inside the body in Viviparous.
• Nutrition is provided by yolk in eggs for Oviparous; by the mother via the placenta in Viviparous.
• Oviparous eggs are often protected by hard shells; Viviparous embryos are protected by the womb.
• Survival rate is generally lower for Oviparous offspring due to external predators.
• Examples: Hens and Snakes (Oviparous) vs. Humans and Dogs (Viviparous).
Q25. Explain variation with examples.
• Variations are the structural or functional differences between individuals of a population.
• Continuous Variations: Small, gradual changes like human height or skin color.
• Discontinuous Variations: Large, sudden changes like polydactyly (extra fingers) or blood groups.
• Somatic Variations: Occur in body cells and are not inherited (e.g., tanning or muscle building).
• Germinal Variations: Occur in reproductive cells and are passed to offspring (e.g., eye color).
• Example: The variation in petal colors in a field of flowers helps in attracting different pollinators.
Q26. Explain budding in Hydra.
• Hydra reproduces asexually by exogenous budding during favorable conditions.
• A small bulge appears on the side of the parent body due to repeated mitotic cell divisions.
• The bulge grows into a small 'bud', developing a mouth and tentacles at its tip.
• The gastrovascular cavity of the bud remains continuous with that of the parent.
• Once the bud is fully developed and capable of independent life, it constricts at the base.
• The mature bud detaches from the parent and settles on a substratum as a new individual.
SECTION D (12 Marks) [4 Marks = 8 Points]
Q27. Explain sexual reproduction in plants.
• It involves the fusion of male and female gametes to produce seeds.
• The flower is the reproductive organ where sporogenesis and fertilization occur.
• Microsporogenesis occurs in the anthers, producing pollen grains (male gametophytes).
• Megasporogenesis occurs in the ovules, producing embryo sacs (female gametophytes).
• Pollination is the necessary step to bring pollen grains to the stigma of the carpel.
• Pollen-pistil interaction leads to the growth of a pollen tube through the style.
• Double Fertilization occurs: one male gamete fuses with the egg, the other with polar nuclei.
• Post-fertilization, ovules develop into seeds and the ovary develops into a fruit.
Q28. Explain human reproductive system.
• Humans are sexually reproducing, viviparous, and unisexual (separate sexes).
• The male system produces sperms and testosterone in the testes located in the scrotum.
• The female system produces ova in the ovaries and supports pregnancy in the uterus.
• Gametes (sperms and eggs) are produced through the process of gametogenesis (meiosis).
• Fertilization occurs internally in the fallopian tube when a sperm meets an egg.
• The resulting zygote undergoes cleavage to form a blastocyst, which implants in the uterus.
• The placenta is formed to provide nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the developing fetus.
• After a gestation period of approximately 9 months, the baby is born through parturition.
Q29. Explain Mendel’s laws of inheritance.
• Law of Dominance: In a heterozygous pair, only one allele (dominant) expresses its trait.
• Law of Segregation: Alleles separate during gamete formation, ensuring gamete purity.
• Law of Independent Assortment: Factors for different traits distribute independently in gametes.
• These laws were derived from Mendel's experiments on Garden Pea (Pisum sativum).
• He studied seven pairs of contrasting characters (e.g., Tall vs. Dwarf).
• Mendel used mathematical ratios (3:1 for monohybrid, 9:3:3:1 for dihybrid) to explain results.
• These laws provided the first clear explanation of how traits are transmitted.
• They form the basis of modern genetics and animal/plant breeding programs.
Q30. Explain types of variation.
• Hereditary Variations: Differences passed from parents to offspring via genes.
• Environmental Variations: Changes caused by factors like light, temperature, and nutrition.
• Morphological Variations: Differences in outward appearance like height or hair texture.
• Physiological Variations: Differences in internal functions like metabolism or blood group.
• Cytological Variations: Differences in cell structure or chromosome number.
• Useful Variations: Those that provide a survival advantage in a changing environment.
• Neutral Variations: Changes that neither help nor harm the organism's survival.
• Variation is essential for natural selection to drive the process of evolution.
Q31. Explain fertilization in humans.
• It is the process of fusion of a haploid sperm with a haploid egg.
• Insemination: Release of semen into the female vagina during intercourse.
• Sperm Transport: Sperms swim through the cervix and uterus to reach the fallopian tubes.
• Capacitation: Sperms undergo physiological changes in the female tract to become active.
• Acrosome Reaction: Enzymes are released to digest the egg's protective layers (Corona Radiata).
• Sperm-Egg Fusion: The sperm membrane fuses with the egg membrane, and the sperm nucleus enters.
• Activation: The egg completes its second meiotic division after sperm entry.
• Amphimixis: The fusion of male and female pronuclei to form a diploid zygote.