CHAPIEB- 6

LIFE PROCESSES
LIFE PROCESS ..
The maintenance of living organisms must go on even at ~he co?d111o?s· when 1_hey are not
physically active. Even when we sit idJe nnd during sleeping. this !~~ntenance Job through
cells funci ioning has to go on. The life process includes 1he ac11vu1es performed by the
different organs to maintain 1he body.

Some of the life processes in 1he living beings are described below:

► NutrftJon ..
The process of obtaining energy 1hrough consumption of food is called as nutrition.

► Respiration . . . .
The process of acquiring oxygen 1hrough breathmg nnd make 11 available 1_0 cells for
the process of breaking down of organic substances into simpler compounds ts called as
respiration.

► Transportation
Transportation is the process by which the food and oxygen is carried from one organ
to other organs in 1he body.

► Excretion
II is the process by which the metabolic waste by-products are removed from the
different organs and released out from the body.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 95

Question 1: Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multi-

ceUular organisms like humans?
Answer : Multicellu lar organism~ such as humans possess complex body designs. They have
specialised cells and tissues for performing various necessary functions of the body such as
in1ake of food and oxygen. Unlike unicellular organisms, multicellular cells are not in direct
contact with the outside environment. Therefore, diffusion cannol meet their oxygen
requirements.
Question 2: What crftcrfa do we use to decide whether something Is alive?
Answer : Any visible movement such a~ walking, breathing, or growing is generally used to
decide whether something is alive or nor. However, a living organism can also have
movements. which are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, the presence of life processes is
a fundamental criterion that can be used to decide whether something is alive or nor.

Question 3: What are outside raw materials used for by an organism?

Answer : An organism uses outside raw materials rrnostly in the form of food and oxygen. The
raw materials required by an organism can be quite varied depending on the complexity of the
organism and its environment.
Question 4: What processes would you consider essential for maintaJning life?
Answer : Life processes such as nutrition, respiratio n, transportation, excretion, etc. are
essentiaJ for maintaining life.
 NUTRITION

The process by which an organism talces food and utilizes it is called nutrition.

NEED OF NUTRITION by the nutrients.

Organisms need energy to perfonn various activities. The energy is supplie d
ls are provided
Organisms need various raw materials for growth and repair. These raw materia
by nutrients.

NUTRIENTS
ydrates, pro1eins
Materials which provide nutrition 10 organisms are called nutrients. Carboh
and vitamins are
and fats are !be main nu trients and are called macronutrients. Minera ls
required in smaJJ amounts and hence are called micronutrients.

TYPES OF NVTRJTJON: s its own

• Antotrophk Nutrition: The mode of nu trition in which an organism prepare
follow 1he
food is called autotropbic nu trition. Green plants and blue-green algae
autolrophic mode of nutrition.
food from
• Heterotrophic Nutrition: Tbe mode of nutrition in which an organism talces
green plants
anothe r organism is called heterotropbic nutrition. Organisms; other !ban
and blue-green algae follow heterot rophic mode of nutrition.

AUTOTROPHIC NUTRITION
ic materials.
Autotropbic organisms are able to produc e organic maner from simple inorgan
They consequently crea1e their own food- but require a source of energy to do
this.
► Pbotoautotropbs harvest energy from light 10 produce organic
maner.
► Oiemo autotro phs use energy from inorganic reactions in the
environ ment to drive the
creatio n of organic matter.

TYpes Of Nutrition
I 1
AUTOTROPHS HETEROTROPHS
(autos : self ; trophos : feed) Obtains energy throu gh
Use simpl e inorganic substances intake & digestion of
and either light energy organic substances
(photosynthesis) or chemical (anim al/ plant tisssue)
energy (chem osynt hesis) to
synthesise food. f,t
.. -- ~
~ f
 TRITION
lE T ER O T R O PH IC N U al s. Th es e or ga ni sm ,; ea t organic ma11er in
ot her
is ty pi ca l of an im
fet er ot ro p hi c nu tri tri on nt er s) o r de ad (as sc av enge
rs ) .
zymes
ei th e r ali ve (a s hu dead materials usin g en
rg an is m s- ga ni sm s. TI 1e y di ge st
s are th e de ca y or
.up ro tro ph ic o rg an is m ng i an d m an y ba ct er ia ar e sapr ot rophes
.
all y. Fu
111 1 th ey se cr et e ex te rn in g or ga ni sm s wi th ou t kiUing Lhem
.
) fe ed on liv
·arasites (b io tr op hs d
in to tw o ty pe s. viz . saprophytic nu trilio n a,i
ca n be fu rth er di vi de d
le te ro tro ph ic nu t ritio n ve
o lo zo ic nu tritio n. tic nu tri tio n; th e or ga ni sm se cr ete s the dige sti
o Sa pr op hytic Nutr
itJon : In sa pr op hy ll to be ingested. Th e dig es t~
w hil e ii is sti I
e food is diges ted m po se rs fo llo w saprophy
11c
j uic es on th e fo od . Th ga nis m . Al l th e de co I
by th e or
fo od is th en in ge ste d s; al so follow this mode of nutri
tion. I
lik e ho us ef lie body of
nu tri tio n . So m e ins ec ts
;
ic nu tri tio n; th e d ige sti on ha ppens inside the I
ho lo zo mode of I
Holozoic Nutrition: In in! les ted . M os t of the animals follow this
0
r the food is I
th e or ga ni sm , i.e . af te
I
nu tritio n. I
or ga ni sm s I
I I
I I
I he te ro tro ph ic
I
I
au to tro ph ic I
I
I • I

ch em oa ut ot ro ph ic
(e.g ., n itr og~m
cy cl e ba ct er ia ) sa pr ot roph i?
(some ba cteria .
fu ng i)

ph otoa ut ot ro ph ic
(g re en pl a_nt s. pa ras iti c .
so m e pr ot ts ts. (so m e ba ct~ ria,
pu rp le s~lfu r ho lo zo lc fungi, prot 1sts.
ba ct er ia) (m ost an im al s, an im al s. pl an ts)
. orou s ~•an ts.
ca rn1v e pr ot st s)
c;o m
 PLA NT NUTRITION
foo d in the presence of sunlight. Sunlight
Green plants prepare their own food. They make
raw materials and chloroplast is the site
provides energy. carbo n dioxide and wate r are the
where food is made.

, -- - - lnllotescenee

Host Slem - - -,. .-1

lloolt - - - -"'11r::i

green plants prepare food is called

PHOTOSYNTHESIS: The process by which
y is converted into chemical energy and
photosyn thesis. During this process; the solar energ
sires of pho1osyn 1hesis. The gree n portion
carbohydrates are formed. Green leaves are the main
conlains chlorophyll. The whole process of
of the planl contains a pigmenl chlor oplast; whic h
photosynthesis can be shown by following equarion:

= -
6 CO2 + 6 H~O
ur:.,,,:::w .RPI ama l

" \ I ;/ Photosynthesis
-o---- -
.• ::;en off into

convfl'ted v= =

I(\
/
•doredfood
lnot hn .........
oft he ~-
•turnc Iodine
dark blue
w.
~ ~ C.l 111ullal'4t /
.[Link]
th,r oot, • enta-s through tha
ffOl'nataof the leff U
STEPS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS:
water molecule.
• Sunlight activates chlorophyll; which leads to splitting of
 • The hydrogen; released by splitting of water molecule is utilized for reduction of
carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates.
• Oxygen is the byproduct of photosynthesis.
• Carbohydrate is subsequently converted into starch and is stored in leaves and other
storage parts.
• The splitting of water molecules is part of the light reaction.
• Other steps nre part of the dark reaction during photosynthesis.

HOW DO RAW MATERIALS FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS BECOME AVAILABLE TO

THE PLANT?
• Water comes from soil; through the xylem tissue in roots and stems.
• Carbon dioxide comes in the leaves through stomata.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS:
• Photosynthesis is the main way through which the solar energy is made available for
different living beings.
• Green plants are the main producers of food in the ecosystem. All other organisms
directly or indirectly depend on green plants for food.
• The process of photosynthesis also helps in maintaining the balance of carbon dioxide
and oxygen in the air.

Sunlight strikes chlorophyll molecules

in leaves and is captured .

Water and carbon dioxide are taken

from the environment. Glucose is
formed and oxygen is released.
ANIMAL NUTRITION
Heterotrophic Nutrition: When an organism talces food from another organism, it is called
heterotrophic nutrition. Different heterotrophic organisms follow different methods to talce and
utilize food. Based on this, heterotrophic nutrition can be divided into two types:
• Saprophytic Nutrition: In saprophytic nutrition, the digestion of food talces place
before ingestion of food. This type of nutrition is [Link] seen in fungi and some other
microorganis~. The organism secretes digestive enzymes on the food and then ingests
the simple substances. Saprophytes feed on dead materials and thus help in
decomposition dead remains of plants and animals.
Preoa ed bv: M. S. n a Swn 11v. T(lT( Mnrhs) ,iop _ , _
 • Holowic Nutrition: In holozoic nutnu:11, _u•~du•~;·~·dy of Lhe organism. Holozmc
ingestion of food. Tbus, digestion ~ak~s p ~e ms~;estion absorption, assimilation and
nutrition happens in five steps, viz. iogesuon, '
eges1ion.
HETEROTROPHIC , ,
_L _f __...!--
l-
1.---~.
[ Holozoic Nu! rition] [ Saprophytisrn]

• The organism fee d bV

Ingesting solid
t
• Saprophytes.
• Feed on dead and
[ Parasit ism ]
--♦ --
• Obtains nutrients
from living
organic matter which decaying matter. organisms
is then digested and • Include bacteria • The parasite
absorbed into their and fungi which obtains nutrients
bodies. digest the food by living on or in

plants '4
• Eg. human, animals
and insectivorou s
extemally before
the nutrients are
absorbed. - -·"
-
the body of the
host.
• Eg. fleas, lice and
tapeworms

STEPS OF HOLOZOIC NUTRITION

• Ingestion: The process of taking in the food is called ingestion.
• Digestion: The process of breaking complex food substances into simple molecules is
called digestion. Simple molecules: thus obtained; can be absorbed by the body.
• Absorption: The process of absorption of digested food is called absorption.
• Assimilation: The process of utilization of digested food; for energy and for growth and
repair is called assimilation.
• Egestion: The process of removing undigested food from the body is called egestion.

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NUTRITION IN AMOEBA:

Holozoic nutrition in Amoeba

c@
eThe food Is enclosed
o~ ' e 8
Amoeba Pseudopodia
surround the food . In a food vaa,ole
senses food.
(food + water).

Enzymes from the

cytoplasm ■re
oQ
Food Is dlpsted and
soluble materials . .
-~ Undlpsted
waste ls
secreted Into the absorbed and
aulmlllttd (used up). expelled.
food vacuole,

mode of nutrition. The cell n-cmbrane

Amoeba is a unicellular animal which follows holozoic
eba surrounds a food particle with
of amoeba keeps on protruding into pseudopodia. Amo
contains the food particle and waler.
pseudopod ia and makes a food vacuole. The food vacuole
digestion takes place. After that,
Digestive enzymes are secreted in the food vacuole and
the food vacuole move s near the cell
digested food is absorbed from the food vacuole. Finally,
membrane nn<i undigested food is expelled out.

NUT RITION IN HUMAN BEINGS lex digestive syste m. The human

Human beings are complex animals; which have a comp
and some accessory gland s. The
digestive system is composed of an alimentary canal
us, stomach, small intestine. large
alimentary canal is divided into several parts, viz. oesophag
reas are the [Link] glands which
intestine, rectum and anus. Salivary gland, liver and panc
lie outside the alimentary canal.

STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

e. SuUvary glands are also prese nt in
Mouth or Buccal Cavity: The mouth has teeth and tongu
ive the sense of taste. Tongue helps
~he ~ uth. The tongue has gustato~ receptors which perce
Ill turnmg over the food, so that sahva can
be properly mixed in it.
les so that swallowing of food
Teeth help ~ breaking down the food into smaller partic
s. The incisor teeth are used for
bec~mes easier. There are f?ur types of teeth in human beingthe food and for cracking hard
g
cuttmg the food . The cunme teeth are used for tearin
food. The molars are used for fine
su?iil~nces. The premolars are used for coarse grinding of
gnndmg of food.
ery which makes it easy to swallow
Salivary gl~ s secrete sali~a. Saliva makes t_he food slipp
or ptyalin. Salivary amylase digests
the food. Suhva uls~ ~ontums the enzyme sahvnry amylase
starch and convens 11 mto sucrose.

Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy. TGT<Maths) Page - 7 -

numan Digestive
System pharynx
oral cavity
aanvar y~ parotid
glands 1ublingual tongue
submandlbular

eaophagua ~~

diaphragm--:a;;..;. atomach
liver- --
pancreas
gallbladder - - - pancreatic duct
duodenum - --t-ir' common bile duct
tranaverse colon ----1rr~~
~ ~~ MJ~ -- - small Intestine
••cendlng colon deacendlng colon
cecum algmold colon
appendix rectum
anua anal canal

Stomach: Stomach is a bag-like organ. Highly muscular walls of the stomach help in churning
the_ food . The walls o~ stomach secrete hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid kills the germs
which may he present m food. Moreover, it makes the medium inside stomach as acidic. The
acidic medium is necessary for gastric enzymes to work. The enzyme pepsin; secreted in
stomach; does partial digestion of protein. The mucus; secreted by the walls of the stomach
saves the irmer lining of stomach from getting damaged from hydrochloric acid.

Small Intestine: It is a highly coiled tube-like structure. The small intestine is longer than the
large intestine but its lumen is smaller than that of the large intestine. The small intestine is
divided into three parts, viz. duodenum, jejunum and ileum.

Liver. Liver is the largest organ in the human body. Liver manufactures bile; which gets stored
in gall bladder. From the gall bladder, bile is released as and when required.

Pancreas: Pancreas is situated below the stomach. It secretes pancreatic juice which contains
many digestive enzymes.
Bile and pancreatic juice go to the duodenum through a hepato-pancreatic duel. Bile breaks
down fat into smaller particles. This process is called emulsification of fat. After that, the
enzyme lipase digests fat into fatty acids and glycerol. Trypsin and cbymotrypsin are enzymes
which digest protein into amino acids. Complex carbohydra tes are digested into glucose. The
major part of digestion takes place in the duodenum. . . . .
No digestion takes. place in jejunum. The inner wall in the ileum 1s. pr~Jected 1_nto oumerous
finger-like structures; called villi. Villi increase the surface area ms1de the d~um so that
optimum absorption can take place. Moreover, villi also red~ce the. lumen of th~ ileum so that
food can stay for longer duration in it: for optimum absorption. Digested food IS absorbed by
villi.

Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy, TGT(Maths) Page - 8 -

Large Intestine: Large intestine is smaUer than small intestine. Undigested food goes into the
large intestine. Some water and salt are absorbed by the walls of the large intestine. After 1ha1,
the undigested food goes to the rectum; from where ii is expelled out through the anus.

Flow chart of human digestive system

[EJ---.1M
o~I- Duccal cavity j ---1 I! M,arynx

ICardiac Stomach I Pyloric Stomach I I O esophagus I

l Duodenum
l 'Small intestine Large intestine

I \ B I[Rcc1tm~JIJ
ll Bile
I 11
Pancreas

Health asjlccts of lhc alimentary canal

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 101

Question 1: What [Link] the differences between autotrophk nutrition and beterotrophic
nutrition?
Answer :
Autotrophic nutrition Heterotrophic nutrition
l. Food is synthesised from simple 1. Food is obtained directly or indirectly
inorganic raw materials such as CO2 from uutolrophs. This food is broken
and water. down with the help of enzymes.
2. Presence of green pigment 2. No pigment is required in this type of
(chlorophyll) is necessary. nutrition.
3. Food is generally prepared during 3. Food can be prepared al all limes.
dav time.
4. AU green plants and some bacteria 4. All animals and fungi have this type
have this type of nutrition. of nutrition.

Question 2: Where do plants get each of the raw materials required for photosynthesis?
Answer : The following raw materials are required for photosynthesis:
► The raw material CO2 enters from the atmosphere through stomata.
► Water is absorbed from the soil by the plant root s.
► Sunlight, an important component 10 manufacture food, is absorbed by the chlorophyll
and other green parts of the plants.

Question 3: What is the role of the acid in our stomach?

Answer : Following are the roles of acid in our stomach:
1. The hydrochloric acid present in our stomach dissolves bits of food and creates an aciruc
medium. In this acidic medium, enzyme pepsinogen is converted to pepsin, which is a
protein-digesting enzyme.

Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy, TGTCMaths) Page - 9 -

RESPIRATION . . .
The process by which a living being utilizes the food to g_et e~[Link] 1s called respiration.
Respiration is an oxidation reaction in which carbohydrate L'i ?,udized ~o produce energy.
Mitochondrion is the site of respiration and the energy released 1s stored 10 the form of ATP
(Adenosine triphosphate). ATP is stored in mitochondria and is released as per need.

STEPS OF RESPIRATION:
• Breaking down glucose into pyruvate: This step happens in the cytoplasm. Glucose
molecule is broken down into pyruvic acid. Glucose molecule is composed of 6 carbon
atoms, while pyruvic acid is composed of 3 carbon atoms.
• Fate of Pyruvic Acid: Further breaking down of pyruvic acid talces place in
mitochondria and the molecules formed depend on the type of respiration in a particular
organism. Respiration is of two types, viz. aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.

TYPES OF RESPIRATION:
• Aerobic Respiration: This type of respiration happens in the presence of oxygen.
Pyruvic acid is converted into carbon dioxide. Energy is released and water molecule is
aJso fonned at the end of this process.
• Anae~bi~ ~es~iratlon: This trpe of respiration happens in the absence of oxygen.
Pyruvic _acid 1s either con~erted ~nto_ e~yl ~ oho! or lactic acid. Ethyl alcohol is usually
formed ~ case of _anaerobic resp1rat10n m 1D1crobes; like yeast or bacteria. Lactic acid is
formed m some mtcrobes as well as in the muscle cells.

Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy. TGT(Maths) Page - 10 -

Trachea: This is composed of rings of cartilage. Cartilaginous rings prevent the collapse of
trachea in the absence of air.

Bronchi: A pair o f bronchi comes out from the trachea; with one bro nchus going to each lung.

Bronchioles: A bronchus divides into branches and sub-branches; inside the lung.

Alveoli: These are air-sacs al the end of bronchioles. Alveolus is composed of a very thin
membrane and is the place where blood capillaries open. This is alveolus; where oxygen mixes
with the blood and carbon dioxide exits from the blood. The exchange of gases; in alveoli;
takes place due to pressure differential.

Pharynx

Larynx
Trachea Bronchioles
Lungs ---''--......::::~

Bronchi ~ - r : ~--+- Alveoli

..___ _.,._ Diaphragm

Breathing Mechanism: The breathing mechanism of lungs is controlled by the diaphragm and
the intercostalis muscles. Diaphragm is a membrane which separates the thoracic chamber
from the abdominal cavity. When diaphragm moves down, the lungs expand and air is inhaled.
When diaphragm moves up. the lungs contract and air is exhaled.

lNTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 105

[Link] 1: What advantage over an aquatic organism does a terrestrial organism have
with regard to obtaining oxygen for respiration?
Answer : Terrestrial organisms take up oxygen from the atmosphere whereas aquatic animals
need to utilize oxygen present in the water. Air contains more 02 as compared 10 water. Since
the content of 02 .in air is high. the terrestrial animals do not have to breathe faster to get more
oxygen. Therefore, unlike aquatic aaimals, terrestrial aainlllls do not have to show various
adaptations for better gaseous exchange.

Question 2: What are the dill'erent ways in which glucose is oxidized to provide energy in
various organisms?
Answer : Glucose is first broken down in the cell cytoplasm into a three carbon molecule
called pyruvate. Pyruvate is further broken down by different ways to provide energy.
Prepared by: M. S . KumarSwamy, TGT(Malhs) Page - 12 -
 Lactic acid + Energy
Absence or low
Ex: Bacteria
amount ofoxygen
anaerobic respirato
and fennentation) Ethanol+ CO,+ Energy
Glucose ➔Pyruvate Ex: Yeast •
(3 carbon compound)
t-Em.'fgy

Presence ofOxygen _ _ .,.1co1 1-J~O 1- Energy

(aerobic respiration) Ex: Plants and animals
_.....
C6H1206
....... + .....,,
602 -~~->
.....,,...
6C02 ..,,., +
c-1loft ~
6H20
WIW
+ 38ATP
(,._It-,,,,)
(stoN<I-,,,,)
__.,.. L .
C6H1206 -2'!.'e_ir~~-> 2 actic + 2ATP
,..._. ,._,.,.,., Acids c---1o-,,,,>
(ttoNd -,,,,) Un humans)
Pain in Leg Muscles on Running: When someone runs too fast. he may experience a
throbbing pain in the leg muscles. This happeffi because of anaerobic respiration taking place
in the muscles. During running, the energy demand from the muscle ceUs increases. This is
compensated by anaerobic respiration and lactic acid is formed in the process. The deposit ion
of lactic acid causes 1he pain Lhe leg muscles. l11e pain subsides after taking rest for some lime.

.Exchange of Gases: For aerobic respiration; organisms need a continuous supply of oxygen,
and carbon dioxide produced during the process needs to be removed from the body. Different
organisms use different methods for intake of oxygen and expulsion of carbon dfoxide.
Diffusion is the method which is utilized by uniceUular and some simple organisms for this
purpose. ln plants also, diffusion is utilized for exchange of gases. In complex animals,
respiratory system does the job of exchange of gases. Gills are the respiratory organs for fishes.
Fishes take in oxygen; which is dissolved in water; through gills. Since availnbility of oxygen
is less in the aquatic environment so the breathing rate of aquatic orgunisms is faster. Insects
have u system of spiracles and tracheae which is used for taking in oxygen.

Terrestrial organisms have developed lungs for exchange of gases. Availability of oxygen is
not a problem in the terrestrial environment so breathing rate is slower compared to what it is
in fishes.

HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM:

The human respiratory system is composed of a pair of lungs. These are attached to a system of
tubes which open on the outside thro ugh the nostrils. Following are the main structures in the
human respiratory system:

Nostrils: There lwo nostrils which converge to form a nasal passage. l11e inner lining of the
nostrils is lined by hairs and remains wel due to mucus secretio n. The mucus and the hairs help
in filtering the dust particles out from inhaled air. Further, air is warmed up when ii enters the
nasal passage.

Pharynx: It is n tube like structure which continues after the nasal passage.

Larynx: This part comes after the pharynx. This L'i also [Link] the voice box.
Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy, TGT(Maths) Page· 11 -
 be illustrated as follows.
The breakdow n of glucose by different pathways can
Abll nct d Ol)'OII,
(Y. . .) ► E1hlnol+Co»
+Energy
Lade d oxygen
GII Ml Ole ---- _. Ladlcec:id
(kaf t>on +Energy
molecule)
~!!!~!.-5!!.~ ~~ Co,•wa•
{In mlloc:hood'111) +Energy

(Br uk down of glUCOM by various pathways)

pyruvate occurs in the absence of oxygen
In yeast and human muscle cells. the breakdown of
occurs in the presence of oxygen.
whereas in mitochondria, the breakdown of pyruvate
ported in hum an beings?
Question 3: How Is oxygen and carb on dioxide trans
cule to all the body cells for cellular
Answ er : Haemoglobin trans ports oxygen mole
blood gets all ached 10 four 02 molecules
respiration. The haemoglobin pigment present in the
aemoglobin and the blood becomes
that are obtained from breathing. It thus forms oxyh
to all the body cells by the heart. After
oxygenated. This oxygenated blood is then distributed
CO2 which is the end product of cellular
giving away 02 10 the body cells. blood takes away
respiration. Now the blood becomes de-oxygenated.
. CO2 is mainly traasported in the
Since haemoglo bin pigment has less affiruty for CO2
to lung alveoli and takes 02 in return.
dissolved form. This de-oxygenated blood gives CO2

Alveolus
[Link]

8/oodftow•- ...i ~

an bein gs to maximize the area for

Question 4 : How are the lungs designed In hum
exchange or gases?
Answ er : The exchange of gases takes place betw
een the blood of the capillaries that surround
alveoli are the site for exchange of gases.
the alveoli and the gases prese nt in the alveoli. Thus.
of inhalation as ribs are lifted up and
The lungs gel filled up with air during the process
lungs fills the numerous alveoli present
diaphragm is nauened. The air that is rushed inside the
in the lungs .
rous alveoli increase the surface area
Each lung contains 300-350 million alveoli. These nume
more efficient.
for gaseous exchange making the process of respiration

Page - 13 -
Prepared by: M . S. KumarSwarny. TGTCMaths)
TRANSPORTATION IN ANIMALS

Circu_latory System: The circulatory system is responsible for transport of various substances
in human beings. It is composed o f lhe heart, arteries, veins and blood capillaries. Blood plays
the role of the carrier o f substances .

HEART
Heart is a muscular organ; which is composed of cardiac muscles. It is so small that it can fit
inside and adult 's fist. The bean is a pumping organ which pumps the blood. The human heart
is composed of four c hambers. viz. right auricle. right ventricle. left auric le and left ventricle.

Systole: Cunll1lCtion of cardiac muscles is called systole.

Diastole: Relaxation of cardiac muscles is called diastole.

Arteries: These are thick-walle d blood vesseh which carry oxygenate d blood from the heart to
different o rgans. Pulmonary arteries are exceptions because they carry deoxygenated blood
fro m the heart to lungs; where o xygenation of blood takes place .

Veins: These are thin-walled blood vessels which carry deoxygena ted blood from d ifferent
organs to the heart. Pulmonary veins are exceptions because they carry oxygenate d blood from
lungs 10 the heart. Valves are present in veins to prevent backflow of blood.

Capillaries: These are the blood vessels which have single-celle d walls.

Blood: Blood is a connective tissue which plays the ro le o f the carrier for various substances in
the body. Blood is co mposed of plasma, blood cells and platelets.

Blood Plasma: Blood plasma is a pale coloured liquid which is mostly composed of water.
Blood plasma forms the matrix of blood.

Blood Cell,: There are two types of blood cells, viz. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and White
Blood [Link] (WBCs).

Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs): Tbese are of red colour because of the presence o f
haemoglobin which is a pigment. HaeIOOglobin readily combines with oxygen and carbon
dioxide. The transport o f oxygen happens through haemoglobin. So me part of carbon dio xide
is also transported through haemoglob in.

White Blood Corpuscles (WBCs): These are of pale white colour. They play important role in
the immunity.

Platelets: Platelets are responsible for blood coagulatio n. Blood coagulatio n is a defense
mechanism which prevents excess loss o f blood: in case o f an injury.

Lymph: Lymph is similar to blood but RBCs are absent in lymph. Lymph is formed from the
fl~ :,vhich leaks from blood capillaries and goes to the intercellula r spaces in the tissues. This
fluid is collected through lymph vessels and finally returns to the blood capillaries. Lymph also
plays an important role in the immune system

Double Circulation: lo the human heart. blood passes thro ugh the heart t wice in one cardiac
cycle. This type o f circulation is ca lled double circulatio n. One complete heart beat in which all
s of tbe beun contracr and relax ooce is ca1led cacdiac cxcle Tbe heart beats atc,n
 72 times per minute in a normal adult. In one cardiac cycle, the heart pumps ou1 70 mL blood
and 1hus abou1 4900 mL blood in a minute. Double circulation ensures complete segregation of
oxygenated and deoxygenaled blood which is necessary for oplimum energy production in
warm-blooded animals.
arteries to hc:nd

superior vcna cava

- - aorta
f--- - pulmonary arlery (left branch)

pulmonary artery (righl branch) - -iii

I----:;;,,.. left pulmonary veins
righl pulmonary veins -c:::::----1
~ - lei\ atiium
semi - lwmr valve in the:
pulmonary artery

right atrio vetricular valve left atrio vetricular value

left ventricle:
inferior vena cava

/r,lemal slr11cl11re of heart

Circulation. or Blood through the ~art:
Systemic Vein -+ Sinus Veoosus -+ Right Auricle -+ Right Ventricle ... Pulmonary Artery -+
Lungs -+ Pulmonary Vein ... Left Auricle ... Left Ventricle -+ Tnmchus Arteriosus-+ Systemic
Circulation

Superior Vena Cava

(venous blood from Alveoli
upper body)
in Lungs
(arterial blood to
head & amns)

Aorta
Inferior Vena Cava (arterial blood
(venous blood from to abdomen,
lower body) pelvis, & legs)
TRANSPORTATION IN PLANTS
Plant.s have specialized vascular tissues for transportation of substances. There are two types of
vascular tissues in plants, viz. xylem and phloem.

Xylem: Xyl.e m is responsible fur [Link] uf waler [Link] [Link]. 11 is composed of

trachieds, xylem vessels. xylem parenchyma and xylem fibre. Trachieds and xylem vessels are
the conducting elements. The xylem makes a continuous tube in plants which runs from roots
to s tem and right up to the veins of leaves.

Phloem: Phloem is responsible for transportation of food. Phloem is composed of sieve tubes.
companion cells. phloem parenchyma and bast fibres. Sieve tubes are the conducting elements
in phloem.

Ascent of Sap
The upward mo vement of water and minerals from roots to different plant parts is called ascent
of sap. Many factors are at play in ascent of sap and it takes place in many steps. They are
explained as follo ws:
Transpiration creates
transptratlon pull

Adhesion cohesion makes

Root pressure column or water molecules
pushes water
to stem

Osmosis pushes Capillary action results In rise up

water to water at the base or stem
root hairs

Root ~ure: The walls of cells of root hairs are very thin. Water: from soil; enters the root
hairs because of osmosis. Root pressure is responsible for movement of water up to Lhe base of
the stem.

Caplllary Action: A very fine tube is called capillary. Water; or any liquid; rises in the
capillary because of physical forces and this phenomenon is called capillary action. Water; in
stem; rises up to some height because of capillary action.

Adhesion-cohesion of Water [Link]: Water molecules make a co ntinuous column in the

xylem because of fo rces of adhesion and cohesion among the molecules.

Transpiration PuU: Loss of wate r vapour through sto mata and lenlicels; in plants: is called
transpiratio n. Transpiration through stomata creates vacuum which creates a suction; called
transpiration pull The transpiration pull sucks the water column from the xylem tubes and thus
water is able to rise to great heights in even the tallest plants.

Transport of Food: Transport of food in plants happens because of utilization of energy.

Thus, unlike the transport through xylem; it is a form of active transport. Moreover, the now of
substances through phloem takes place in bolh directions. ie. it is a two-way traffic in phloem.
(CRETION
:moval of harmful waste from the body is called excretion. Many wastes are produced during
trious metabolic activities. These need to be removed in time because their accumulation in
1e body can be hannful and even lethal for an organism.

~VMAN EXCRETORY SYSTEM

n,ehuman excretory system is composed of a pair of kidneys. A tube; called ureter; comes out
of each kidney and goes to the urinary bladder. Urine is collected in the urinary bladder, from
where it is expelled out through urethra as and when required.

Kidney: Kidney is a bean-shaped organ which lies near the venebral column in the abdominal
cavity. The kidney is composed of many Adrenal gland
filtering units: called nephrons. Nephron
is called the functional unit of kidney. Inferior
venacava
Renalvdn
Nephron: lt is composed of a tangled Petris
mess of tubes and a filtering part: called
g\omeru\us. G\omeru\us is a network of Medulla - -+-1
b\ood capillaries to which renal artery is
attached. The artery which takes blood
to the g\omeru\us is called afferent ~ - Dorsal aorta
arterm\e and the one receivmg blood
from the glomerulus is called efferent
arteriole. G\omerulus is enclosed in a
capsule like portion: called Bowman's
capsule. The Bowman's capsule extends
into a fine tube which is highly coiled.
Tubes from various nephrons converge ,.,._._ _ Urethra
into collecting duct; which finally goes
to the ureter.
BowmM'a cape4lle
Glomerulua
Q Prolimal tubule
Arteriole -

: :_ __ ......__.......-! ~
hom glomerulua -- i·=
r From
•iott.
nepwon
Collecting
duct

O LOOl)ottten1e
wteh caplUary
MtWOfk
Filtration In Glomemlus: Filtration happens because of very high pressure inside the
glomerulus. The lumen of efferent arteriole is smaller than that of afferent arteriole. Due to
this, the blood entering the glomerulus experiences very high pressure and due to lhis, the
waste products are filtered out through the thin membrane of capillaries in the glomerulus. The
filtered blood is sent to tbe systemic c irculation through efferent arteriole and the filtrate goes
to the Bowman's capsule. That is how urine is formed inside the kidneys. Reabsorption of
water and some other filtrates talces place in the tubular part of the nephron. This increases the
concentration of urine. The human urine is mainly composed of water and urea.

EXCRETION IN PLANTS

Plants have no special organs for removal of wastes. The waste products of respiration and
photosynthesis are used as raw materials for each other. Oxygen gas produced as a by-product
of photosynthesis is used up during respiration and carbon dioxide produced during respiration
is used up during photosynthesis.

Excretion is carried out in the plants in the following ways:

► The gaseous wastes, oxygen. carbon dioxide and water vapour are removed through
stomata of leaves and lenticels of stemc;.
► Some waste products collect in the leaves and bark of trees. When the leaves and bark
are shed , the wastes are eliminated.
► Some waste products are rendered harmless and then stored in the plant body as solid
bodies. Raphides, tannins, resins, gum. rubher and essential oils are some such wa.~tes.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 112

Question 1: Describe the structure and functioning or nepbrons.

Answer : Nephrons are the basic filtering units of kidneys. Each kidney possesses large
number of nephrons, approximately I- I .5 million. The main components of the nephron are
glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, and a long [Link] tubule.

Bowman'• CIIP94~ G~ue O Proximal tubule

==- ''~ . . '~r;~. .

[Link]
from glomerulue

Brwich of
..-11111111,,.· ~
~ l
r I
I
r• =
From
renal vein f, r another
' nephron
- Collec:tlng
duct

G Loopottt■nte
with capll■ry
[Link]