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

Solution:

DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid is the genetic material that is present in the cells of all organisms. DNA
carries genetic information from one generation to the other, and this helps in producing organisms of its
own types. DNA copying is a must for inheriting the traits from parents. Any variations in DNA copying
will give rise to origin of new species.

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

Solution:

The reason why the variation is beneficial to the species rather than individuals is because sometimes
the climatic changes have a drastic effect on the species, which makes their survival difficult. For
examples, if the temperature of the water body increases, there might be certain species of
microorganisms which might die. This may result in disturbance in the environment. So, variation is
beneficial to species and not for the individuals.

Questions Page no: 128

1. How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?

Solution:

When a single cell divides into two equal halves, it is known as binary fission. Bacteria and amoeba are
examples of binary fission.
When a single cell divides into multiple daughter cells at the same time, it is known as multiple fission.
Algae and sporozoans are examples of multiple fission.

2. How will an organism be benefited if it reproduces through spores?

Solution:

Following are the ways through which an organism will be benefited if it reproduces through spores:

Number of spores produced in one sporangium would be large.

In order to avoid competition at one place, spores can be distributed to faraway places with the help of
air.

In order to prevent dehydration under unfavorable conditions, the spores are covered by thick walls.

3. Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give rise to new individuals through
regeneration?

Solution:

Organisms at higher complex levels cannot give rise to new individuals through regeneration because
they have organization of their organs system at different levels. All these organ systems are
interconnected and work in full coordination. They can regenerate a few of their lost body parts like skin,
blood, muscles, etc. but can’t give rise to new individuals.

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

Solution:

Following are the advantages of practising vegetative propagation for growing some types of plants:
Crops like orange, banana, pineapple do not have viable seeds, so vegetative propagation can be used.

It is a rapid, cheap and easier method to grow crops.

It can be used in places where seed germination fails.

A good quality of variety can be preserved.

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

Solution:

DNA copying is an essential part of the process of reproduction because it carries the genetic
information from the parents to offspring. A copy of DNA is produced through some chemical reactions
resulting in two copies of DNA. Along with the additional cellular structure, DNA copying also takes
place, which is then followed by cell division into two cells.

Questions Page No: 140

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

Solution:

Pollination is defined as the process of transfer of pollens from anther to stigma. The process takes place
with the help of pollinators like air, water and some insects.

Fertilization is defined as the fusion of male and female gametes. It takes place in the ovule and leads to
the formation of zygote.

2. What is the role of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland?
Solution:

Lubrication of sperms and providing of a fluid medium for the easy transportation of sperms takes place
with the help of secretions from the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. These secretions also
provide nutrients in the form of fructose, calcium and some enzymes.

3. What are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty?

Solution:

Following are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty:

Hair growth appears in genital area.

Hair growth in other areas like underarms, face, hands and legs.

The size of uterus and ovary increases.

The size of the breast increases followed by darkening of the nipple skin that is present at the tip of the
breast.

Beginning of menstrual cycle.

Appearance of pimples, as there is more oil secretion from the skin.

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

Solution:

The lining of the uterus thickens after fertilization. The blood flow is good so as to nourish the growing
embryo. Placenta is a special tissue which is embedded in the uterine wall and helps the embryo get the
nourishment from the mother’s tissue. Placenta has villi on the embryo side and blood space on the
mother’s side. This spacing provides a large area between the mother and the embryo and also for waste
removal.
5. If a woman is using a Copper-T, will it help in protecting her from sexually transmitted diseases?

Solution:

No, the usage of copper-T cannot stop the contact of body fluids. Hence, it cannot protect her from
getting sexually transmitted diseases.

Exercises Page no: 141

1. Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in

(a) Amoeba

(b) Yeast

(c) Plasmodium

(d) Leishmania

Solution:

(b) Yeast

Yeast is an example for asexual reproduction taking place through budding. A small protuberance is
produced on the parent cell that grows in full size forming a bud. In the parent cell, the daughter nucleus
splits and migrates to the daughter cell. By forming a constriction, the bud detaches from the mother’s
body at the base. This process of budding continues to form a chain of bud cells. The mother cell is
smaller than the daughter cell.

2. 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

Solution:

(c) Vas deferens

Vas deferens is a part of the male reproductive system. It is a long, muscular tube travelling from the
epididymis into the pelvic cavity. It is behind the bladder. Its function is to transport the mature sperm to
the urethra. It also carries urine to the outside of the body.

3. The anther contains

(a) Sepals

(b) Ovules
(c) Pistil

(d) Pollen grains

Solution:

(d) Pollen grains.

Pollen grains are the microscopic particles that occurs in the pollen giving rise to male gametophyte of a
seed plant.

4. What are the advantages of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?

Solution:

Following are the advantages of sexual reproduction:

The offspring has the characters of both the parents.

The survival of the species is ensured as there are more variations.

The offspring can easily adapt to environmental changes.

It also improves the health of humans.

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

Solution:

Following are the functions performed by the testis in human beings:

They also produce hormone called testosterone, which is responsible for secondary sexual characters in
boys.

6. Why does menstruation occur?

Solution:

Menstruation is the normal bleeding of the vaginal line, which starts at puberty and lasts till menopause.
During this period, the body prepares itself for pregnancy.

Every month an egg is released from one of the ovaries at the same time when the uterus prepares itself
for the fertilized egg. The inner lining of the uterus gets thickened and is supplied with a sufficient
amount of blood for the embryo. Since there is no interaction between the egg and the sperms, the
fertilization of egg doesn’t takes place. So when the egg doesn’t get fertilized, the uterus lining breaks
down slowly resulting in menstruation.