Science Master Book (DBSE)
Unit: Life Processes
Nutrition in Living Organisms
Nutrition is the process by which living organisms obtain and utilize food for growth, repair and
maintenance of life processes. There are two modes of nutrition: Autotrophic Nutrition:
Organisms prepare their own food using simple inorganic raw materials (CO■ and H■O). Example:
green plants through photosynthesis. Heterotrophic Nutrition: Organisms depend on others for
food. Types: saprophytic (fungi), parasitic (plasmodium), holozoic (humans).
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants synthesize glucose using sunlight, carbon
dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a by-product. Equation: 6CO■ + 6H■O → C■H■■O■ +
6O■ Steps: Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll. Conversion of light energy to chemical energy
and splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Reduction of CO■ to carbohydrates. Factors
affecting photosynthesis: light, CO■ concentration, temperature, water availability.
Respiration in Living Organisms
Respiration is the biochemical process of breaking down glucose to release energy in the form of
ATP. Types: Aerobic Respiration: In presence of O■, complete breakdown of glucose into CO■ +
H■O. Energy yield: 36 ATP. Anaerobic Respiration: In absence of O■, partial breakdown
producing ethanol/lactic acid. Energy yield: 2 ATP. Equation: C■H■■O■ + O■ → CO■ + H■O +
Energy
Transport in Plants and Animals
Transport is the movement of substances like food, water, gases and wastes within the body. In
Plants: Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to leaves (unidirectional). Phloem
transports food prepared in leaves to all parts (bidirectional). In Animals: Human circulatory system
has heart, blood and blood vessels. Heart pumps oxygenated blood through arteries and receives
deoxygenated blood via veins. Double circulation ensures separation of oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood.
Excretion in Humans
Excretion is the process of removal of metabolic waste products from the body. Human Excretory
System: Includes kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra. Kidneys filter blood to remove urea,
uric acid, excess water and salts. Urine formation involves three steps: filtration, reabsorption,
secretion. In Plants: Waste products are stored in leaves, bark, or excreted as resins, latex, gums.
Question Bank (Life Processes)
1 Mark Questions: Name the energy currency of the cell. What is the role of stomata in
photosynthesis? Which blood vessels carry blood away from the heart? 3 Mark Questions:
Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Explain the structure and function of
nephron. 5 Mark Questions: Draw a labeled diagram of human heart and explain double
circulation. Explain the process of photosynthesis with a neat diagram.