HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Q.No Question Marks

Multiple Choice Question

Q.39 Two statements are given below - one labelled Assertion (A) and the other 1
labelled Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Only one sperm can fertilise an ovum.

Reasoning (R): During fertilisation, a sperm comes in contact with zona pellucida
layer of the ovum.

Which of the following is correct?

A. Both A and R are true, and R is a correct explanation of A.

B. Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Q.40 Organisms possessing identical sex chromosomes are referred to as the 1

homogametic sex. Organisms with different sex chromosomes are known as the
heterogametic sex.

Which of the following is CORRECT about humans?

A. Both males and females are homogametic.

B. Both males and females are heterogametic.
C. Males are homogametic while females are heterogametic.
D. Males are heterogametic while females are homogametic.

Q.41 Which of these cells of the human male reproductive system is haploid? 1

A. Spermatid
B. Sertoli cell
C. Leydig cell
D. Spermatogonium

Q.42 Globozoospermia is a condition where sperms have a characteristic round head 1

lacking the acrosome.

Which of the following functions will a sperm NOT be able to do because of the
above condition?

A. Enter the cervix

B. Penetrate the ovum
 C. Leave the ejaculatory duct
D. Swim to the Fallopian tube

Q.43 Which of these statements about the female reproductive system is FALSE? 1

A. Menarche marks the initiation of oogenesis.

B. The germ layers start forming after implantation.
C. The oocyte completes meiosis after the entry of sperm.
D. Ovulation and menstruation stop permanently after menopause.

Q.44 Which of these hormones would be detected in both a pregnant female and a 1
female who is not pregnant?

A. Relaxin
B. Prolactin
C. Progesterone
D. Human chorionic gonadotropin

Q.45 Which of the following statements describes the difference between placenta 1
and umbilical cord?

A. The placenta secretes hormones whereas the umbilical cord does not.
B. The placenta persists after pregnancy while the umbilical cord is expelled.
C. The placenta is lined with veins and arteries while the umbilical cord is not.
D. The placenta interlocks with foetal tissues whereas the umbilical cord
interlocks with the uterine tissue.

Q.46 Some events of pregnancy in humans are written below in a sequence. 1

(i) complete development of foetus

(ii) uterine contraction

(iii) dilation of cervix

(iv) delivery of the baby

(v) lactation

Between which of the following events does the shedding of the placenta
happen?

A. (i) and (ii)

B. (ii) and (iii)
C. (iii) and (iv)
D. (iv) and (v)

Free Response Questions/Subjective Questions

Q.47 (a) Hormones play a crucial role in maintaining balance in living systems through 2
feedback loops. This means that release of a hormone
regulates (increases/decreases) its further release in the body. One such
example is oxytocin in the female reproductive system.
Explain the feedback loop for oxytocin by answering the following questions.
(i) From where is oxytocin released?
(ii) At what stage of pregnancy do oxytocin levels peak?
(b) Is the feedback mechanism for oxytocin positive or negative in nature?
Justify.

Q.48 Spermatozoa are the mature male gametes in many sexually reproducing 2
organisms. Thus, spermatogenesis is the male version of gametogenesis, of
which the female equivalent is oogenesis.
The cells in the germline that undergo meiosis, primary spermatocytes or
primary oocytes, are derived from the zygote by a long series of mitoses before
the onset of meiosis. Male and female gametes have different histories, marked
by different patterns of gene expression that reflect their developmental origin
as XY or XX embryos.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-
molecular-biology/gametogenesis
The spermatozoa fuses with the egg cell to create a viable embryo. The ovum is
released by the action of gonadotropins in the female body.

(a) Does ovulation happen during the period of pregnancy? Give a reason for
your answer.

(b) Why are contraceptive pills able to inhibit ovulation?

Q.49 The image below shows the levels of various hormones measured in a human 5
female throughout the course of her pregnancy.
 Based on the image, answer the following questions.
(a) In which week of pregnancy does the corpus luteum degenerate?
(b) Which hormone peaks around the time in (a)? Name the organ that secretes
it.
(c) Name three hormones from the above image that are secreted by the ovary.
(d) Which hormone level rises near the end of pregnancy? Mention its role.
(e) Of the hormones secreted ONLY during pregnancy:
(i) Which one has low levels in early weeks of pregnancy?
(ii) Which one starts declining 15 weeks before parturition?

Q.50 Study each of the diagrams below and answer the questions that follow them. 3
(a) The image shows a normal pregnancy and the condition of placenta previa.
 (i) Which part of the reproductive tract is the placenta obstructing?
(ii) Which part does (i) open into?
(b) The image shows a normal pregnancy and three conditions related to
placenta (accreta, increta, and percreta).

Name the layer of the uterus being penetrated in the following conditions. State
the function of the layer during pregnancy.
(i) placenta accreta
(ii) placenta increta

Q.51 In the diagram of a human sperm given below: 2

 (a) What is the ploidy of the nucleus?
(b) Why does the middle piece have a lot of mitochondria?
(c) What is the role of the acrosome?
(d) Only one sperm is able to fertilise the egg. How is this ensured?

Q.52 A period tracking app is a mobile application that maintains information such as 2
date of onset of menstruation, ovulation, duration of menstrual cycle, etc.
A female who got her period on January 22 is using the period tracking app.
Based on your understanding of the menstrual cycle, what will be the tentative
date of ovulation estimated by the app? Provide a reason.

Q.53 Polyspermy is an extremely rare condition in which an ovum is fertilised by more 2

than one sperm.
(a) How many chromosomes will a zygote contain if 2 sperms fertilised an ovum?
(b) How is polyspermy prevented in humans?

Q.54 Answer the following questions: 2

(i) For a human male, out of the two sex chromosomes, we can tell which sex
chromosome is from which parent. Can we assume the same for a human
female? Give a reason for your answer.
(ii) What is the probability of fertilisation between an ovum and a sperm
containing the Y chromosome? Give a reason.

Q.55 Answer the following questions about the human female reproductive system. 2

(a) Name the part where the secondary oocyte completes meiosis.
 (b) Complete this statement. The completion of the second meiotic division of
secondary oocyte is triggered by the ________________. (rupture of the
Graafian follicle in the ovary, penetration of zona pellucida by the sperm)

(c) The ploidy of the secondary oocyte before reaching (a) is ___ and after (b) is
___.

Q.56 Read the two statements below and answer the questions that follow. 3
Statement I: Pregnancy is characterised by the lack of menstruation.
Statement II: Lack of menstruation definitely indicates pregnancy.
(a) Mark each of statements as true or false.
(b) Give reason for to support your answer in (a).

Q.57 Read the information below and answer the questions that follow. 3
A scientist harvested an embryo from the womb of a sheep just after
implantation for the purpose of cloning.
(Note: Assume that the female reproductive system and development stages of
sheep are the same as humans.)
Draw the stage of the embryo at which the scientist harvested it and label the
part which:
(a) attaches to the endometrium
(b) is capable of giving rise to a clone

Q.58 (a) Highlight one aspect by which meiosis during oogenesis differs from regular 3
meiosis.

(b) Name two hormones that are common to spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

(c) State the function of hormone identified in (b) in both human male and
female.

Q.59 Read the two statements below and answer the questions that follow: 2
Statement I: Female P has been a surrogate mother once.
Statement II: Female Q is a national-level swimmer.
(a) Is it correct to say that the hymen is DEFINITELY broken in both females P and
Q?
(b) Give a reason to support your answers to (a).

Q.60 Refer to the diagram below. 5

 where, the first circle (P) includes parts of the human female reproductive
system that support conception and the second circle (R) includes parts
that support pregnancy.
(a) Name two parts each that belong to
(i) P
(ii) R
(b) Name two parts that support both contraception and pregnancy.
(c) Name two parts that function as endocrine glands and indicate whether they
belong to P or R.
(d) Which part from (c) is temporary?

Q.61 Observe the diagram of the human male reproductive system shown below with 5
some of its parts marked P, Q, R, S, and T.

(a) For each of the following statements pertaining to male infertility, identify
and name the parts between which sperm transfer is obstructed.
(i) The obstruction of the vas deferens leads to low sperm count.
(ii) Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis.
(b) Fill in the blank using one of the options enclosed in the brackets.
Retrograde ejaculation occurs when the semen enters the urinary bladder. This
is possible because of the existing anatomy of the human male reproductive
system, i.e., the ____________________ (vas deferens merges with ureter,
urinary bladder opens into the vas deferens, urethra emerges from the urinary
bladder).

Q.62 For each of the following parameters, compare the processes of oogenesis and 3
spermatogenesis and comment if they are similar or different. Enter your answer
in the format as shown:

Parameter Oogenesis Spermatogenesis Similar/Different

Number of
gametes
 produced
from
one oocyte or
primary
spermatocyte

Onset

Q.63 The table below outlines some milestones of pregnancy. 2

Day 1 fertilisation

Day 2 morula is formed

Day 5 inner cell mass is formed

Day 7 implantation

Pregnancy tests detect the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
in blood or urine to confirm.

(a) A pregnancy test done after which day is likely to yield a positive result?

(b) Give reason for your answer to (a).

Q.64 (a) Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend 3
from the abdomen.
(i) If cryptorchidism of both testes is left untreated, would it lead to
infertility? Give reason.
(ii) Can a male with cryptorchidism of only one testis produce sperm? Give
reason.
(b) Orchidopexy is a surgical procedure for treating cryptorchidism.
(i) Name the part to which the testes are moved outside the abdomen.
(ii) Write the exact temperature range of the testes after orchidopexy.

Q.65 Mark the following statements as true or false and provide a reason for each. 3
(a) The Graafian follicle persists in the absence of fertilisation.
(b) The corpus luteum is detected only in pregnant women.
(c) The urethra serves as the common opening for the elimination of urine,
unfertilised egg, and menstrual blood.

Q.66 Mark the following statements as true or false and provide an explanation for 5
each.
(a) The umbilical cord contains blood vessels that connect the foetus to the
mother's heart.
 (b) The mitotic differentiation of immature male and female germ cells begins at
puberty.
(c) The meiotic divisions in oogenesis are unequal.
(d) Sexual intercourse between a healthy male and female might not always lead
to fertilisation.
(e) The sex of the child depends on the sex chromosome contributed by the
ovum.

Q.67 Answer the following questions about the human female reproductive system: 5
(a) The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy causes birth defects in the
foetus. What is the function of placenta due to which alcohol should be avoided
during pregnancy?
(b) Indu gave birth to a pair of female twins. How many egg/s were released at
the start of her pregnancy?
(c) C-section is a surgical procedure performed when there are complications
during the delivery. The baby is safely delivered through an incision in the
abdominal wall and uterus. Which two parts of the female reproductive tract
does the baby NOT pass through?
(d) To delay menstruation, a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin is
commonly prescribed. This is administered by a medical professional for
managing heavy or painful periods or preventing menstrual symptoms during
important events or vacations. What could be the possible role of progesterone
here?
(e) Infants suffer from the risk of infection if they are not breastfed within few
hours of birth. What could be the reason?
 Answer key and Marking Scheme

Q.No Answers Marks

Q.39 A. Both A and R are true, and R is a correct explanation of A. 1

Q.40 D. Males are heterogametic while females are homogametic. 1

Q.41 A. spermatid 1

Q.42 B. penetrate the ovum 1

Q.43 A. Menarche marks the initiation of oogenesis. 1

Q.44 C. progesterone 1

Q.45 A. The placenta secretes hormones whereas the umbilical cord does not. 1

Q.46 D. (iv) and (v) 1

Q.47 (a) 0.5 marks for each correct answer: 2

(i) pituitary

(ii) initiation of parturition

(b) positive

- because the secretion of oxytocin stimulates the release of further oxytocin

Q.48 (a) 2

- no

- because levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) drop very low during pregnancy

[o.5 marks for each correct answer]

(b)- because high levels of progesterone inhibit the production of follicles

Q.49 (a) week 10 5

(b) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin

- placenta

(c) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

 - progesterone

- oestrogen

- relaxin

(d) 0.5 mark each for naming and describing role:

- oxytocin

- It stimulates contractions of the uterus and leads to childbirth

(e) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

(i) hCG

(ii) relaxin

Q.50 (a) 0.5 mark for each of the following: 3

(i) cervix

(ii) vagina

(b) (i) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- endometrium

- prepare the uterus for implantation or protecting the embryo

(b) (ii) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- myometrium

- exhibits strong contractions

Q.51 (a) haploid 2

(b) to provide energy to the sperm to swim

(c) contains enzymes that help in the process of fertilization

(d) The first sperm induces changes in the ovum membrane to block the entry of
other sperms.

Q.52 1 mark for each of the following: 2

-Tentative date: between February 4 and February 6

- Reason: Ovulation happens between 14th-16th day from the onset of latest or
previous menstruation/period
Q.53 1 mark for each of the following: 2

(a) 69 chromosomes

(b) Contact between a sperm and ovum causes changes in the zona pellucida
that block the entry of other sperms.

Q.54 (i) 0.5 mark for each of the following: 2

- No

- Reason: Unlike males, a human female contains of a pair of the same sex
chromosome 'X', one from each parent.

(ii) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- 50%

- Reason: Half of the sperms (50%) carry X chromosome and the other half (50%)
carry Y chromosome.

Q.55 (a) Fallopian tube or oviduct 2

(b) penetration of zona pellucida by sperm

(c) 0.5 marks for each of the following:

first blank - n

second blank - n

Q.56 (a) 0.5 mark for each of the following: 3

- I is true.

- II is false.

(b) 1 mark for each of the following reasons:

I - The level of estrogen and progesterone is high during pregnancy to maintain

the endometrium which in turn suppresses gonadotropins needed for
development of the follicle.

II - Lack of menstruation could also be due to stress, poor health, etc.

[Accept any other valid reason.]

Q.57 1 mark for drawing and 1 mark each for the correct label as follows: 3

(a) trophoblast
 (b) inner cell mass

Q.58 (a) 1 mark for the following: 3

- oogenesis results in a one gamete and some polar bodies, while meiosis results
in the production of four haploid gametes.

(b) 0.5 mark each for any two of the following:

- FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone

- LH or Luteinizing hormone

- GnRH or Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

[Accept any other relevant answer.]

(c) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- In females, FSH stimulates the development of follicles in ovary.

- In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone hormone by Leydig cells.

OR

- In females, LH triggers ovulation.

- In males, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells and stimulates them to secrete some
factors which help in spermiogenesis.

[Accept any other relevant answer.]

Q.59 (a) 0.5 marks for each of the following: 2

- Female P - No

- Female Q - No

(b) 1 mark for any of the following:

Hymen can persist after childbirth or coitus or even after intense physical
activity.
Q.60 (a) 0.5 mark each for naming any two of the following: 5

(i) P: vagina, oviducts, ovaries, uterus

(ii) R: uterus, cervix, placenta

(b) 0.5 mark each for any two of the following:

- oviducts

- ovaries

- uterus

(c) 0.5 marks each for identifying the following organs and indicating the
category

- ovaries (P)

- placenta (R)

(d) placenta

Q.61 (a) (i) 0.5 marks each for indicating the parts from the diagram and 0.5 marks 5
each for naming them

- R (epididymis)

- T (urethra)

(a) (ii) 0.5 marks each for indicating the parts from the diagram and 0.5 marks
each for naming them

- S (rete testes)

- Q (vas deferens)

(b) urethra emerges from the urinary bladder

Q.62 0.5 mark for each blank cell 3

Parameter Oogenesis Spermatogenesis Similar/Different

Number of 1 4 Different
gametes produced
from
one oocyte or
primary
spermatocyte
 Onset fetal puberty Different
development

Q.63 (a) after day 7 OR after implantation 2

(b) Placenta is formed after implantation and it secretes hCG.

Q.64 (a) (i) 0.5 each mark for answering and giving reason: 3

- Cryptorchidism of both testes means infertility.

- Spermatogenesis cannot happen at the normal internal body temperature.

(a) (ii) 0.5 each mark for answering and giving reason:

- A male with cryptorchidism of one testes might be able to produce sperm.

- Spermatogenesis can occur in the descended testis as its temperature will be

lower than the normal internal body temperature.

(b) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

(i) scrotum

(ii) 34.5 °C - 35 °C

Q.65 (a) 0.5 mark for stating and giving reason. 3

- false

- The Graafian follicle releases the ovum and transforms into the corpus luteum.

(b) 0.5 mark for stating and giving reason.

- false

- The corpus luteum is detected in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. It is

formed after ovulation.

(c) 0.5 mark for stating and giving reason.

- false

- The urethra is the passage for urination only OR

- The unfertilised egg and menstrual blood pass through the vagina.

Q.66 (a) 0.5 mark for each of the following: 5

 - false

- The umbilical cord contains blood vessels that connect the foetus to the
placenta. The placenta serves as an interface between maternal and foetal
circulation.

(b) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- false

- The female germ cells (oogonia) undergo mitotic differentiation during fetal life
to form primary oocytes.

(c) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- true

- A meiotic division in oogenesis give rise to oocyte and polar body, instead of
two oocytes.

[Accept any other relevant answer.]

(d) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- true

- Fertilisation occurs when ovum and sperms are transported simultaneously to

the ampulla of the oviduct.

[Accept any other relevant answer.]

(e) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- false

- The sex of the child depends on the sex chromosome contributed by the sperm.
50% of sperms carry the X chromosome while the other 50% carry the Y
chromosome.

[Accept any other relevant answer.]

Q.67 (a) The placenta facilitates the supply of nutrients from the mother to the foetus. 5

(b) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- 1 egg in the case of identical twins

- 2 eggs in the case of fraternal twins

(c) 0.5 mark for each of the following:

- cervix
- vagina

(d) 1 mark for any of the following:

- Progesterone prevents the shedding of endometrium.

OR

- Progesterone prevents ovulation.

(e) 1 mark for the following:

- Breast milk contains antibodies which provide resistance to the newborn baby.

[Accept any other relevant answer.]