CLASS 10 CBSE SCIENCE

Chapter 7: REPRODUCTION

REPRODUCTION
Definition
Reproduction is the biological process by which living organisms produce new individuals of
their own kind.
Examples
 Human beings give birth to babies.
 Mango tree produces seeds.
 Amoeba divides into two daughter cells.
Important Point
Reproduction is not essential for the survival of an individual, but it is essential for the
continuation of a species.

Importance of Reproduction
1. Ensures continuity of species.
2. Maintains the population of organisms.
3. Transfers hereditary information (DNA) from parents to offspring.
4. Produces variations which help organisms survive changing environmental conditions.
5. Variations provide the basis for evolution.

DNA Copying and Variation

During reproduction, the DNA of the parent organism is copied.
Why is DNA copied?
DNA contains genetic information that controls all body characteristics.
Before reproduction:
 DNA makes a copy of itself.
  Cell organelles are also duplicated.
 The parent cell divides into new cells.
Is DNA copying always perfect?
No.
Small mistakes occur during DNA copying, leading to variations.

Variation
Definition
Variation refers to the small differences among individuals of the same species.
Importance of Variation
 Helps organisms adapt to changing environments.
 Increases chances of survival.
 Forms the basis of evolution.
Example
Some bacteria may survive an antibiotic because of variation, while others die.

Modes of Reproduction
There are two main types:

1. Asexual Reproduction
 Only one parent is involved.
 No fusion of gametes.
 Offspring are genetically identical to the parent (clones), except for small DNA-copying
variations.
 Fast method of reproduction.
Examples:
 Amoeba
 Yeast
 Hydra
 Spirogyra
 Rhizopus
 Potato
2. Sexual Reproduction
 Two parents are involved.
 Male and female gametes fuse.
 Produces variation in offspring.
 Common in higher plants and animals.

Asexual Reproduction
Characteristics
 One parent
 No gamete formation
 No fertilisation
 Offspring resemble parent
 Rapid reproduction
 Common in unicellular organisms and some plants

Types of Asexual Reproduction

1. Binary Fission
Definition
A single parent cell divides into two equal daughter cells.
Occurs in:
 Amoeba
 Paramecium
 Leishmania

Steps
1. DNA duplicates.
2. Nucleus divides.
3. Cytoplasm divides.
4. Two identical daughter cells are formed.

Binary Fission in Different Organisms

Amoeba
Division occurs in any plane because of its irregular shape.
Paramecium
Division occurs across the short axis (transverse).
Leishmania
Division occurs along the long axis (longitudinal) because of the presence of a flagellum.

2. Multiple Fission
Definition
The parent nucleus divides repeatedly to form many nuclei before the cell divides.
Each nucleus develops into a new organism.
Occurs in:
 Plasmodium (malaria parasite)

Steps
1. Parent cell forms many nuclei.
2. Cytoplasm surrounds each nucleus.
3. Parent cell bursts.
4. Many daughter cells are released.

Difference Between Binary and Multiple

Fission
Binary Fission Multiple Fission

One parent forms two daughter One parent forms many

cells daughter cells

Single nuclear division Repeated nuclear divisions

Faster process Produces many offspring at once

Example: Amoeba Example: Plasmodium

3. Budding
Definition
A small outgrowth called a bud develops on the parent body.
The bud grows and separates to become a new individual.
Occurs in:
 Hydra
 Yeast

Budding in Hydra
Steps
1. Cells divide repeatedly.
2. A bud develops.
3. Bud grows.
4. Tentacles develop.
5. Bud detaches and becomes an independent Hydra.

Budding in Yeast
 Bud develops on the parent yeast cell.
 Nucleus divides.
 One nucleus enters the bud.
 Bud separates and forms a new yeast cell.

Difference Between Binary Fission and

Budding
Binary Fission Budding

Parent divides into two equal New organism develops as

cells a bud

Parent disappears after

Parent remains alive
division

Example: Amoeba Example: Hydra, Yeast

4. Fragmentation
Definition
Fragmentation is a type of asexual reproduction in which the parent organism breaks into two
or more fragments, and each fragment grows into a complete new individual. It occurs in simple
multicellular organisms with a simple body organisation.
Example
 Spirogyra (green filamentous alga)
Process
1. The filament of Spirogyra breaks into smaller pieces (fragments).
2. Each fragment undergoes cell division.
3. Every fragment develops into a new Spirogyra.
Important Point
Fragmentation is not possible in complex multicellular organisms because their bodies are
made of specialised tissues and organs.

5. Regeneration
Definition
Regeneration is the ability of an organism to regrow lost or damaged body parts. In some simple
organisms, each body fragment can develop into a complete new organism due to the presence of
specialised regenerative cells.
Examples
 Planaria
 Hydra
Process
1. The organism is cut into pieces.
2. Specialised cells divide rapidly.
3. These cells differentiate into various tissues and organs.
4. Each piece develops into a complete organism.
NCERT Important Note
Regeneration is not the normal method of reproduction. It is mainly a process of replacing
lost body parts. Simple organisms like Planaria can form new individuals through regeneration,
but higher organisms cannot.
Difference Between Fragmentation and
Regeneration
Fragmentation Regeneration

Parent body naturally Organism regrows from a cut or damaged body

breaks into fragments. part.

Normal mode of Mainly a repair mechanism; in some simple

reproduction. organisms it can produce new individuals.

Example: Spirogyra Example: Planaria, Hydra

Why Can't Complex Organisms Reproduce by

Regeneration?
Complex organisms have:
 Specialised tissues
 Organs
 Organ systems working together
If such organisms are cut into pieces, each piece cannot reorganise into a complete body.
Therefore, regeneration cannot produce a new individual in higher plants and animals.

6. Vegetative Propagation
Definition
Vegetative propagation is a type of asexual reproduction in plants in which new plants arise
from vegetative parts such as roots, stems, or leaves, instead of seeds.

Natural Vegetative Propagation

By Stem
Examples:
 Potato (eyes)
 Ginger
 Turmeric
 Sugarcane
By Leaf
Example:
 Bryophyllum (buds develop along leaf margins)

By Root
Examples:
 Sweet potato
 Dahlia

Artificial Vegetative Propagation

1. Cutting
A piece of stem is cut and planted in soil. It develops roots and forms a new plant.
Examples
 Rose
 Sugarcane
 Money plant
 Hibiscus

2. Layering
A branch is bent and covered with moist soil while still attached to the parent plant. Roots
develop, and the branch is later cut to form a new plant.
Examples
 Jasmine
 Bougainvillea
 Grapes

3. Grafting
The stem of one plant (scion) is joined to the rooted plant (stock). Both unite and grow as a
single plant.
Examples
 Mango
 Citrus
 Rose
Advantages of Vegetative Propagation
1. Produces genetically identical plants (clones).
2. Plants flower and fruit earlier than seed-grown plants.
3. Useful for seedless plants like banana and some oranges.
4. Helps preserve desirable characteristics.
5. Rapid and economical method for large-scale cultivation.
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Disadvantages of Vegetative Propagation

1. Very little genetic variation.
2. Diseases of the parent plant may spread to all offspring.
3. New plants may become overcrowded near the parent.
4. Less adaptability to environmental changes.

7. Spore Formation
Definition
Spore formation is a type of asexual reproduction in which tiny reproductive structures called
spores are produced inside a sporangium. Each spore can grow into a new organism under
favourable conditions.
Example
 Rhizopus (bread mould)
Process
1. A sporangium develops at the tip of the hypha.
2. Numerous spores are formed inside it.
3. The sporangium bursts when mature.
4. Spores are dispersed by air.
5. On reaching a moist surface, they germinate to form a new fungus.

Characteristics of Spores
 Microscopic
 Light in weight
 Thick protective wall
 Resistant to unfavourable conditions
 Germinate under suitable conditions
Difference Between Vegetative Propagation
and Spore Formation
Vegetative Propagation Spore Formation

New plants arise from roots, stems or New organisms arise from
leaves. spores.

Common in higher plants. Common in fungi.

Example: Potato, Bryophyllum Example: Rhizopus

Sexual Reproduction
Definition
Sexual reproduction is the process in which two parents (male and female) produce offspring
through the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation).
Examples
 Human beings
 Birds
 Fish
 Flowering plants

Characteristics of Sexual Reproduction

 Two parents are involved.
 Male and female gametes are formed.
 Fertilisation takes place.
 Offspring inherit characteristics from both parents.
 Produces genetic variation.
 Variation helps in adaptation and evolution.
Why is Sexual Reproduction Important?
1. Produces genetic variation among offspring.
2. Variations help organisms adapt to changing environments.
3. Increases the chances of survival of a species.
4. Provides the raw material for evolution.
5. Maintains continuity of life.
Difference Between Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction

One parent involved Two parents involved

Male and female gametes

No gametes formed
formed

No fertilisation Fertilisation occurs

Offspring are almost

Offspring show variations
identical

Faster process Comparatively slower

Puberty
Definition
Puberty is the stage of life when the body undergoes changes and becomes capable of
reproduction.
Age of Puberty
 Girls: Approximately 10–14 years
 Boys: Approximately 11–15 years
(The exact age varies from person to person.)

Changes During Puberty

In Boys
 Increase in height.
 Shoulders become broader.
  Muscles develop.
 Voice becomes deeper.
 Facial and body hair appear.
 Testes begin producing sperm.
 Sweat and sebaceous glands become more active.

In Girls
 Increase in height.
 Breasts develop.
 Hips broaden.
 Hair appears in the armpits and pubic region.
 Ovaries begin producing eggs (ova).
 Menstruation begins.
 Sweat and sebaceous glands become more active.

Role of Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands.
During puberty, hormones:
 Bring about physical changes.
 Stimulate the development of reproductive organs.
 Help in the production of gametes.

Human Reproductive System

The human reproductive system enables the production of gametes, fertilisation and the
development of offspring.
It consists of:
1. Male reproductive system
2. Female reproductive system

Male Reproductive System

Functions
 Produces sperm.
 Transports sperm.
 Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.
Parts and Functions
1. Testes
Function
 Produce sperm.
 Secrete the male sex hormone testosterone.

Why are the Testes Present Outside the Abdominal Cavity?

The testes are located in the scrotum, outside the abdominal cavity, because sperm production
requires a temperature about 2–3°C lower than normal body temperature.

2. Scrotum
 A pouch of skin that protects the testes.
 Maintains the required lower temperature for sperm production.

3. Vas Deferens (Sperm Duct)

 Carries sperms from the epididymis to the urethra.

4. Seminal Vesicles
 Add a nutritive fluid rich in fructose.
 Provides energy to sperms.

5. Prostate Gland
 Secretes an alkaline fluid.
 Protects sperms and helps them move.

6. Urethra
 Common passage for urine and semen.
 During ejaculation, semen passes through the urethra.

7. Penis
 Transfers semen into the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse.
Sperm
Structure of a Sperm
A sperm has three parts:
Head
 Contains the nucleus with genetic material.
Middle Piece
 Contains mitochondria.
 Supplies energy for movement.
Tail
 Helps the sperm swim.
Functions of Sperm
 Carries the father's genetic material.
 Fertilises the ovum.
 Forms the zygote after fertilisation.

Female Reproductive System

Functions
 Produces ova (eggs).
 Receives sperm.
 Site of fertilisation.
 Supports the growth and development of the embryo and foetus.
Parts and Functions
1. Ovaries
 A pair of female reproductive glands.
 Produce ova (eggs).
 Secrete the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

2. Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts)

 Carry the ovum from the ovary to the uterus.
 Fertilisation usually takes place here.
3. Uterus (Womb)
 Thick muscular organ.
 The fertilised egg implants in its wall.
 The embryo develops here.

4. Cervix
 Narrow opening between the uterus and the vagina.

5. Vagina
 Receives sperms during sexual intercourse.
 Acts as the birth canal during childbirth.

Difference Between Sperm and Ovum

Sperm Ovum

Male gamete Female gamete

Produced in testes Produced in ovaries

Very small and motile Larger and non-motile

Millions produced daily after Usually one ovum matures per

puberty menstrual cycle

1. Menstrual Cycle
Definition
The menstrual cycle is a series of changes that occur in the female reproductive system every
month to prepare the body for pregnancy.
Duration
 Average duration: 28 days
 It may vary from 21 to 35 days, which is normal.
A. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)
 If fertilisation does not occur, the thick lining of the uterus breaks down.
 Blood, mucus and the unfertilised egg are discharged through the vagina.
 This process is called menstruation or menstrual bleeding.

B. Ovulation (Around Day 14)

 A mature ovum is released from one ovary.

 This process is called ovulation.

Important Definitions
Menstruation
The monthly shedding of the uterine lining along with blood and the unfertilised egg.
Menarche
The first menstrual cycle in a girl's life.
Menopause
The permanent stopping of menstruation, usually between 45–50 years of age.

2. Fertilisation
Definition
Fertilisation is the fusion of the male gamete (sperm) and the female gamete (ovum) to form a
zygote.
Site of Fertilisation
Fallopian tube (oviduct)

Steps of Fertilisation
1. Millions of sperms enter the female reproductive tract.
2. One sperm fuses with the ovum.
3. A zygote is formed.
4. The zygote contains genetic material from both parents.
Zygote
Definition
The zygote is the first cell formed after fertilisation.
Characteristics
 Diploid (contains chromosomes from both parents)
 Undergoes repeated cell division
 Develops into an embryo

3. Development of Embryo
Cleavage
The zygote divides repeatedly by mitosis.
It forms:
Zygote → Embryo

Implantation
The embryo moves into the uterus.
It gets attached to the thick uterine lining.
This attachment is called implantation.

4. Placenta
Definition
The placenta is a temporary organ that develops between the mother and the embryo during
pregnancy.

Functions of Placenta
1. Supplies oxygen to the embryo.
2. Supplies nutrients.
3. Removes carbon dioxide.
4. Removes waste products.
5. Produces hormones that help maintain pregnancy.
Umbilical Cord
The embryo is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord.
Function
 Transfers oxygen and nutrients from mother to embryo.
 Carries waste products from the embryo to the mother.

5. Foetus
After about 8 weeks, the embryo develops into a foetus.
Foetus
 Head, arms and legs become visible.
 Internal organs continue to develop.
 Growth continues until birth.

Gestation Period
The time between fertilisation and birth.
In Humans
Approximately 9 months (about 40 weeks).

6. Contraception
Definition
Contraception means preventing pregnancy by avoiding fertilisation or implantation.

Need for Contraception

 Prevents unwanted pregnancy.
 Helps in family planning.
 Prevents frequent pregnancies.
 Some methods help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Methods of Contraception
A. Barrier Methods
These prevent sperm from reaching the ovum.
Examples
 Condom (male/female)
 Diaphragm
Advantages
 Prevent pregnancy.
 Help prevent STIs, including HIV.

B. Hormonal Methods
Examples
 Oral contraceptive pills
Action
 Prevent ovulation.
 Make fertilisation difficult.

C. Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs)

Examples
 Copper-T
 Loop
Action
 Inserted into the uterus.
 Prevent fertilisation and/or implantation.

D. Surgical Methods
Vasectomy (Male)
 The vas deferens is cut and tied.
 Sperms cannot enter the semen.
Tubectomy (Female)
 The fallopian tubes are cut and tied.
 The egg cannot meet the sperm.

Difference Between Vasectomy and

Tubectomy
Vasectomy Tubectomy

Done in males Done in females

Vas deferens cut Fallopian tubes cut

Prevents sperm Prevents meeting of sperm

transport and egg

7. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Definition
Diseases that spread mainly through sexual contact.

Examples
 HIV/AIDS
 Gonorrhoea
 Syphilis

Prevention
 Use condoms.
 Avoid sharing contaminated needles.
 Use screened blood for transfusion.
 Maintain good personal hygiene.
 Seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
HIV and AIDS
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
HIV attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight infections.

Reproductive Health
Definition
Reproductive health means maintaining the health of the reproductive system and making
informed, responsible decisions about reproduction.

Ways to Maintain Reproductive Health

 Eat a balanced diet.
 Maintain personal hygiene.
 Exercise regularly.
 Seek medical advice when needed.
 Avoid risky behaviours that increase the chance of STIs.