How do organisms reproduce?

NCERT Questions

Page 128

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

Answer:
DNA is the genetic material present in the nucleus of cells in all organisms. DNA carries the genetic
information from generation to generation. It is therefore possible for the organism to produce organism
of its own type due to DNA copying only. For the inheritance of traits of the parent, DNA copying is a
must. DNA copying also brings about variation, which forms the basis for the origin of new species, i.e.,
speciation.

2. Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?
Answer:
Sometimes for a species, the environmental conditions change so drastically that their survival becomes
difficult. For example, if the temperature of water increases suddenly, then most of the bacteria living in
that water would die. Only few variants that are resistant to heat would be able to survive. However, if
these variants were not there, then the entire species of bacteria would have been destroyed. Thus, the
variations help in the survival and are beneficial of the species. However, all variations are not necessarily
beneficial for the individual organisms.

Page 133

1. How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?

Answer:
In binary fission a single cell divides into two equal halves, e.g., Amoeba and bacteria while in multiple
fission, a single cell divides into many daughter cells simultaneously, e.g., Plasmodium.
In binary fission, the nucleus divides only once but in multiple fission, nucleus shows repeated divisions.
Cytoplasmic division takes place after each nuclear division in binary fission whereas in multiple fission
it is not so.

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

Answer:
Advantages of reproduction by spore formation:
Large numbers of spores can be obtained in one sporangium.
To avoid competition at one place. Spores are distributed easily to far-off places by air and water.
Spores are covered by thick walls that protect them from dehydration under unfavourable conditions.

3. Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give rise to new individuals through
regeneration?
Answer:
More complex organisms cannot give rise to new individuals through regeneration because complex
organisms have organ-system level of organization. Specialised cells are organised as tissues, and tissues
are organised into organs, which then have to be placed at definite positions in the body. The process of
dedifferentiation is not easy in the body of a complex organism.

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

Answer:
Vegetative propagation is practiced for growing some types of plants because of following advantages:
It is used for the development of a plant in which viable seeds are not formed or very few seeds are
produced.
It helps to produce plants in new areas where the germination of seed is failed to produce mature plant
due to change in environmental conditions and the soil.
It is more rapid, easier and cheaper method.

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

Answer:
DNA copying is an essential part of reproduction as it transfers genetic information from parents to
offspring. It is important for the maintenance of the body design features of an individual. The
reproducing cells produce a copy of their DNA through some bio-chemical reactions and result in the
formation of two copies of DNA. The copying of DNA always takes place along with the help additional
cellular structure. This process is then followed by division of a cell to form two cells. However DNA
copying is not error proof, errors while DNA copying give rise to variations.

Page 140

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

Answer
Transfer of pollen grains from the anther to stigma is called pollination. On the other hand, the fusion of
male and female gametes is called fertilisation. Pollination is a physical process in which movement of
pollen grains are attained by certain physical factors. Fertilisation is a biochemical process. An ovary is
the site of fertilisation and embryo is the product of fertilisation.

2. What is the role of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland?
Answer
The role of seminal vesicles:
Pair of glands produce seminal fluid which consists of fructose and prostaglandin.
Fructose provides energy for sperm migration.
The alkaline fluid of the seminal vesicle protects the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina.

The role of the prostate gland:

It is a single gland present in the front end of the urethra.
It provides motility to the sperms.

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

Answer
At the time of puberty secondary sexual characters, develop and sexual maturity takes place in both girls and
boys. The changes that seen in girls at the time of puberty are as follows:
i. Voice becomes thin
II. Menstruation begins
iii. Breasts enlarge
iv. Hips become rounded
v. Hair grows under the armpit and in the pubic area
vi. Sweat ad oil glands become overactive.
4. How does the embryo get nourishment inside the mother’s body?
Answer
The embryo grows inside the mother’s womb and gets nourishment from the mother’s blood through the
tissue called the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that connects the developing foetus to the
uterine cavity of the mother via the umbilical cord. It facilitates the uptake of nutrients and the exchange
of gases and waste products from the foetus to the mother. It also helps in regulating the body temperature
of the foetus.

5. If a woman is using copper-T, will it help in protecting her from sexually-transmitted diseases?
Answer
No. Copper-T is an Intrauterine Device (IUD) which is placed in the uterus to prevent implantation. It
cannot prevent sexually-transmitted diseases as it cannot stop fluid to fluid exchange in vagina.

Page 141

1. Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in

a. Amoeba b. Yeast c. Plasmodium d. Leishmania
Answer: (b) Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in yeast.

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
Answer: (c) Vas deferens is not a part of the female reproductive system in human beings.

3. The anther contains

a. Sepals b. Ovules c. Carpel d. Pollen grains
Answer: (d) The anther contains pollen grains.

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

Answer:
(i) In asexual reproduction, the offspring are almost identical to their parent because they have the same
genes as their parent. So, much genetic variation is not possible in asexual reproduction. This is a
disadvantage because it inhibits the further evolution of the organism.
(ii) In sexual reproduction the offspring, although similar to their parents, are not identical to them or to
one another. This is because the offspring receive some genes from the mother and some from the father.
Because of the mixing of genes of mother and father in various different combinations, all of the offspring
have genetic variations. In this way, sexual reproduction leads to a greater variety in population. This
means that a species (animal or plant) can adapt quickly to changes in its surroundings. This is because
there are always likely to be some individuals who are more suited to the changes than others, and these
individuals will survive and reproduce themselves.

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

Answer:
The functions of testes in humans are the following:
(i) Testes produce male gametes in the human males which are called sperms.
(ii) A hormone called testosterone is produced by the testes. Testosterone controls the development of
reproductive organs and secondary sexual characters.
6. Why does menstruation occur?
Answer:
If the ovum (or egg) does not get fertilized (due to non-availability of sperm in the female body) then the
thick and soft inner lining of the uterus is no longer needed and hence it breaks. So, the thick and soft
inner lining of the uterus along with the blood vessels and the dead ovum (or egg) comes out of the vagina
in the form of blood called menstruation. Menstruation occurs after the interval of every 28 days and the
time period between ovulation and menstruation is about 14 days.

7. Draw a labeled diagram of the longitudinal section of a flower.

Answer:

8. What are the different methods of contraception?

Answer:
The different methods of contraception are as follows :
(i) Barrier method: In this method, condom, diaphragm and cervical caps are used. These prevent the
entry of sperms in the female genital tract during sexual intercourse.
(ii) Chemical method: In this method a woman may use any of the two kinds of pills (oral and vaginal
pills). The oral pills are hormonal preparations which suppress the release of ovum in fallopian tube.
These are called oral contraceptives. The vaginal pills/ creams are spermicidal. The chemicals in these
spermicidal kill the sperms during their journey in the vaginal tract.
(iii) Intrauterine contraceptive devices: Intrauterine contraceptive devices such as copper-T are placed
safely in the uterus by a skilled doctor. It prevents implantation.
(iv) Surgical method: In this method, a small part of vas deferens of male and fallopian tube of female is
cut or tied by surgery. It is called vasectomy in males and tubectomy in females.

9. How are the modes for reproduction different in unicellular and multicellular organisms?
Answer: Reproduction in unicellular organisms occurs by the division of the whole cell. In unicellular
organisms, the modes of reproduction are often fission, budding, etc. whereas specialized reproductive
organs are present in multicellular organisms. Therefore, reproduction can take place by complex
reproductive methods like vegetative propagation, spore formation, etc. The mode of reproduction will be
sexual reproduction in more complex multicellular organisms like human beings and plants.

10. How does reproduction help in providing stability to populations of species?

Answer:
The introduction of variations during reproduction provides stability to the populations of various species
by preventing them from getting wiped out during adverse conditions. Reproduction also helps to
generate copies of individuals which are suited to a particular environment.
11. What could be the reasons for adopting contraceptive methods?
Answer:
The reasons for adopting contraceptive devices are as follow:

1. To control the birth rate and prevent the increase in population.

2. To reduce the adverse effects on mother’s body due to frequent pregnancy.
3. To provide safety from sexually transmitted diseases.