HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?

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

DNA is a macromolecule present in the chromosome. Genes are segments of the DNA. DNA has the
information to create proteins which lead to body design of the organism. If a similar individual has to be
reproduced, the DNA should replicate to make an exact copy of itself.

2. Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?

If a population of reproducing organisms were suited to a particular niche and if the niche were drastically
altered, the population could be wiped out. However, if some variations were to be present in a few
individuals in these populations, there would be some chance for them to survive. Thus, if there were a
population of bacteria living in temperate waters, and if the water temperature were to be increased by
global warming, most of these bacteria would die, but the few variants resistant to heat would survive and
grow further. Variation is thus useful for the survival of species over time.

3. How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?

Binary Fission Multiple Fission

A single parent cell divides into two A single parent cell produces multiple daughter
daughter cells cells

Two Multiple

Daughter cells are usually of equal size Daughter cells may differ in size and genetic
and genetic composition makeup

Single division of the parent cell Multiple rounds of division and covered by cyst.

Amoeba, Paramecium, Leishmania Plasmodium

Allows for rapid reproduction and Strategy to produce multiple offspring

population growth simultaneously under favourable conditions

4. How will an organism be benefitted if it reproduces through spores?

The thread-like structures on the bread mold are the hyphae of the bread mould (Rhizopus). The tiny blob-
on-a-stick structures are involved in reproduction. The blobs are sporangia, which contain cells, or spores,
that can eventually develop into new Rhizopus individuals.
Advantages-The spores are covered by thick walls that protect them until they come into contact with
another moist surface and can begin to grow. Spores can spread far and wide in the air as they are lighter.

5. Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give rise to new individuals through
regeneration?
a) Organisms cannot depend on being accidentally cut to reproduce.
b) Highly Specialized Tissues and Organs: In complex organisms, tissues and specialized cells form
different organs that perform specific functions. These organs are organized at various levels, and
their intricate structures cannot be regenerated easily.
c) Division of Labor: Complex organisms exhibit a division of labour among their cells and organs.
Each cell type has a specific role, and their coordinated functioning is essential for survival.
d) Regeneration relies on specialized cells, which may not be present in complex organisms.
e) Interconnected Organ Systems: Complex organisms have interconnected organ systems that work
together to maintain homeostasis and carry out vital functions. Regeneration can give rise to smaller
body parts (such as blood, skin, and muscles) but cannot recreate the entire organism due to the
intricate coordination required.

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

The use of vegetative parts of the plants, such as leaves, stems, and roots to produce new plants
instead of using reproductive parts like seed is vegetative propagation.
a) Plants raised by vegetative propagation can bear flowers and fruits earlier than those produced from
seeds.
b) Such methods also make possible the propagation of plants such as banana, orange, rose and jasmine
that have lost the capacity to produce seeds.
c) Another advantage of vegetative propagation is that all plants produced are genetically similar
enough to the parent plant to have all its characteristics.

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

The chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell contain information for inheritance of features from parents to
next generation in the form of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) molecules. The DNA in the cell nucleus is the
information source for making proteins. If the information is changed, different proteins will be made.
Different proteins will eventually lead to altered body designs. Therefore, a basic event in reproduction is
the creation of a DNA copy. Cells use chemical reactions to build copies of their DNA.

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

Pollination Fertilization
The transfer of pollen from an The fusion of male and female
anther to a stigma. gametes to form a zygote.
External, involving the movement Internal, involving the fusion of
of pollen. genetic material.
Wind, water, animals, insects, or None, occurs internally after
self-movement. pollination.
Can occur within the same flower
(self-pollination) or between
different flowers (cross- Occurs within the ovary after
pollination). successful pollination.
Results in the formation of a
Pollen reaches the stigma, no seed, which contains the
guarantee of seed formation. embryo of a new plant.
9. What is the role of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland?

The sperms formed are delivered through the vas deferens which unites with a tube coming from the urinary
bladder. The urethra thus forms a common passage for both the sperms and urine. Along the path of the vas
deferens, glands like the prostate and the seminal vesicles add their secretions so that the sperms are now in
a fluid which makes their transport easier and this fluid also provides nutrition.

10. What are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty?
a) Thick hair grows in new parts of the body such as armpits and the genital area between the thighs.
b) The skin frequently becomes oily begins to develop pimples.
c) One begins to be conscious and aware of both one’s own body and those of others.
d) Breast size begins to increase, with darkening of the skin of the nipples at the tips of the breasts.
e) Menstruation starts.

11. How does the embryo get nourishment inside the mother’s body?

The embryo gets nutrition from the mother’s blood with the help of a special tissue called placenta. This is a
disc which is embedded in the uterine wall. It contains villi on the embryo’s side of the tissue. On the
mother’s side are blood spaces, which surround the villi. This provides a large surface area for glucose and
oxygen to pass from the mother to the embryo. The developing embryo will also generate waste substances
which can be removed by transferring them into the mother’s blood through the placenta.
12. If a woman is using a copper -T, will it help in protecting her from sexually transmitted diseases?
Copper- T is a contraceptive method. Copper-T are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Hence, if a
woman is using copper-T, will not help in protecting her from sexually transmitted diseases.

13. What are the advantages of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?
a) More variations are created and diversity in gene pool.
b) The offspring has the characters of both the parents.
c) The survival of the species is ensured as there are more variations.
d) The offspring can easily adapt to environmental changes.
e) It also improves the health of humans.

14. What are the functions performed by the testis in human beings?

a) The formation of germ-cells or sperms takes place in the testes.

b) It secretes testosterone which brings about changes in appearance seen in boys at the time of puberty.
15. Why does menstruation occur?

The ovary in females releases one egg every and the uterus also prepares itself every month to receive a
fertilised egg. Thus, its lining becomes thick and spongy. This would be required for nourishing the embryo
if fertilisation had taken place. If the egg is not fertilised, it lives for about one day. This lining is not needed
any longer. So, the lining slowly breaks and comes out through the vagina as blood and mucous. This cycle
takes place roughly every month and is known as menstruation. It usually lasts for about two to eight days.
Menstruation starts with puberty and lasts till menopause.

16. Draw a labelled diagram of the longitudinal section of a flower.

17. What are the different methods of contraception?

Birth control, or contraception, is the use of devices or practices that work “against conception”; that is, they
prevent the union of sperm and egg.
a) Barrier method: In this method, the meeting of sperms and ovum is avoided by using a barrier. These
barriers are available for males as well as for females. Condoms for both male and female,
diaphragm or cervical caps for females.
b) Oral contraceptives: In this method, pills are taken orally. These pills contain hormones that prevents
ovulation so that fertilization doesn’t takes place.
c) IUCD: Intra Uterine Contraceptive devices like copper-T or a loop is used to prevent implantation.
d) Surgical method: If the vas deferens in the male is blocked (Vasectomy), sperm transfer will be
prevented. If the fallopian tube in the female is blocked (Tubectomy), the egg will not be able to
reach the uterus. In both cases fertilisation will not take place.
e) Natural Method: To avoid sexual intercourse around the time when ovulation occurs which is around
12-16 days after the menstruation begins in females in a 28 days cycle.

18. How are the modes for reproduction different in unicellular and multicellular organisms?

Reproduction in unicellular organisms Reproduction in multicellular organisms

1. Asexual reproduction is commonly seen. 1. Sexual and asexual (vegetative propagation) reproduction
They simply divide cell-by-cell. both are observed.
2. Does not involve fusion of gametes. 2. gametic fusion is seen.
3. Division occurs through binary fission,
3. Division occurs through cycles of meiosis.
budding etc.
4. Reproductive system is absent. 4.A well developed reproductive system is present.
19. How does reproduction help in providing stability to populations of species?

Reproduction is the process by which organisms increase their populations. The rates of birth and death in a
given population will determine its size.
Reproduction helps in providing stability to populations of species by-
a) Ensuring the continuation of species over generations.
b) Replacing older individuals with new ones.
c) Introducing genetic diversity through sexual reproduction.
d) Equipping populations with varied traits that enhance adaptability and survival in changing
environments.

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

Following are the reasons for adopting contraceptive methods:

a. To control population
b. To avoid unplanned pregnancy
c. To avoid transfer of sexually transmitted diseases
d. To keep gap between the children
e. Physical and mental health of mothers