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ScienTutor CBSE Boards Prep Series (Biology) LIFE PROCESSES
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What are Life Processes?
Life processes are the basic vital activities that keep an organism alive and functioning.
Major Life Processes
1. Nutrition
2. Respiration
3. Transportation
4. Excretion
All life processes are interconnected and energy-dependent.
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1. Nutrition
Definition: Nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain food and utilise it for energy,
growth, repair, and maintenance.
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Modes of Nutrition
A. Autotrophic Nutrition
• Organisms prepare their own food
• Example: Green plants
Photosynthesis: It is the process by which green plants prepare food using CO₂, water, sunlight,
and chlorophyll.
Chemical Equation of Photosynthesis:
Raw Materials Required for Photosynthesis:
Raw Material Source
CO₂ Atmosphere (via stomata)
Water Soil (via roots)
Sunlight Sun
Chlorophyll Chloroplasts
Steps of Photosynthesis
1. Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll
2. Conversion of light energy to chemical energy
3. Splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen (photolysis)
4. Reduction of CO₂ to carbohydrates
Stomata regulate gas exchange and water loss (transpiration).
B. Heterotrophic Nutrition
Organisms depend on others for food.
Types
1. Holozoic – ingestion, digestion, absorption (Humans)
2. Saprophytic – feed on dead matter (Fungi)
3. Parasitic – harming the host for its nutrition (Cuscuta)
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Nutrition in Human Beings
Digestive System Organs
Mouth → Oesophagus → Stomach → Small intestine → Large intestine → Anus
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Step-wise Digestion
1. Mouth
• Teeth: mechanical digestion
• Saliva contains salivary amylase → converts starch to maltose
• Tongue helps in mixing and swallowing
2. Oesophagus
• Peristalsis (a wavy movement) pushes food forward into the stomach
3. Stomach
• Gastric juice contains:
• HCl → kills bacteria, acidic medium
• Pepsin → proteins → peptides
• Mucus → protects stomach lining
4. Small Intestine (Most Important Part)
• Receives:
• Bile (from liver) – emulsifies fats (breaks down fat globules into lipid
droplets)
• Pancreatic juice – amylase, trypsin, lipase
• Intestinal juice completes digestion
Nutrient Final Product
Carbohydrates Glucose
Proteins Amino acids
Fats Fatty acids + Glycerol
Villi present in Small Intestine increases the surface area of absorption.
5. Large Intestine
• Absorbs water
• Forms faeces (undigested food) which are stored in ‘Rectum’ and excreted through ‘Anus’
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2. Respiration
Definition: Respiration is the process of breaking down food to release energy.
Types of Respiration
Aerobic Anaerobic
Uses oxygen No oxygen
More energy is produced Less energy is produced
CO₂ + H₂O are the products of Alcohol or Lactic acid are the
Aerobic respiration products of Anaerobic respiration
Respiration in Humans
Breathing vs Respiration
• Breathing → physical process
• Respiration → biochemical process
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Respiratory System
Nostrils → Nasal cavity → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli
Alveoli
• Thin walls
• Large surface area
• Rich blood supply
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Mechanism of Breathing
• Inhalation: diaphragm flattens, ribs move up
• Exhalation: diaphragm relaxes
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3. Transportation
Transportation in Humans
Blood Components
Component Function
RBC Transport oxygen
WBC Immunity
Platelets Clotting
Plasma Transport nutrients
Heart
• Four chambers: 2 atria + 2 ventricles
• Double circulation:
• Pulmonary circulation
• Systemic circulation
Why double circulation?
→ Ensures efficient oxygen supply.
→ Complete separation of the deoxygenated blood from the oxygenated blood.
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Transportation in Plants
Xylem: • Transports water and minerals
• Unidirectional
Phloem: • Transports food
• Bidirectional
Transpiration pull helps in upward movement of water.
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4. Excretion
Definition
Excretion is the process of removal of metabolic wastes.
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Excretion in Humans
Excretory System
Kidneys → Ureters → Urinary bladder → Urethra
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Nephron – Structural & Functional Unit
Parts: • Bowman’s capsule
• Glomerulus
• Tubules (Proximal Convoluted Tubule & Distal Convoluted Tubule)
Steps in Urine Formation
1. Filtration
2. Reabsorption
3. Secretion
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Excretion in Plants
• Gases via stomata
• Resins, gums
• Stored in leaves/bark