Section A

Question 1(i)

A cell has 4 pairs of chromosomes. After mitotic division, the number of chromosome pairs in
the daughter cells would be :

1. 8
2. 14
3. 4
4. 48

Answer

Reason — After mitotic division, the number of chromosome pairs in the daughter cells remain
same.

Question 1(ii)

The nuclear changes that occur during cell division are collectively termed as :

1. Karyotype
2. Cytokinesis
3. Karyokinesis
4. Enterokinesis

Answer

Karyokinesis

Reason — Karyokinesis is the collective term used for the different phases involved in the
division of nucleus in mitosis.

Question 1(iii)

The point of attachment between two sister chromatids of a chromosome is :

1. Centrosome
2. Chiasma
3. Centriole
4. Centromere

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Answer

Centromere

Reason — Centromere is the point in chromosome where sister chromatids are attached.

Question 1(iv)

The full compliment of DNA of an organism is :

1. Gene
2. Genetics
3. Genome
4. Heredity

Answer

Genome

Reason — A complete set of genes or DNA of an organism is called genome .

Question 1(v)

When a cell in solution shrinks and loses its shape, then the solution is :

1. Isotonic
2. Hypertonic
3. Hypotonic
4. Potable water

Answer

Hypertonic

Reason — In a hypertonic solution the cell loses its shape and shrinks because its cell sap
(having low concentration of solute) loses water due to high concentration of hypertonic
solution. It is called as exosmosis.

Question 1(vi)

With increase in atmospheric humidity, the rate of transpiration will :

1. Increase slowly
2. Remain the same
3. Decrease

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 4. Increase rapidly

Answer

Decrease

Reason — The rate of transpiration depends on concentration of water vapour in surrounding. It

is higher when the surrounding is drier.

Question 1(vii)

In the process of photosynthesis, the substance which is reduced is :

1. Glucose
2. Oxygen
3. Water
4. Carbon dioxide

Answer

Carbon dioxide

Reason — In the process of photosynthesis, the substance which is reduced is Carbon dioxide as
oxygen is removed from it and the carbon is used in the formation of glucose.

Question 1(viii)

Which of the following is a growth-retarding hormone ?

1. IAA
2. ABA
3. GA3
4. GA2

Answer

ABA

Reason — ABA is a growth-retardant as it inhibits germination and development of plant.

Question 1(ix)

Basophils release which of the following chemicals ?

1. Histones
2. Factor X

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 3. Histamine
4. Stuart factor

Answer

Histamine

Reason — Histamine is released by basophils in response to infection or allergy for

inflammation.

Question 1(x)

Which of the following is an inorganic constituent of urine ?

1. Urea
2. Uric acid
3. Ammonia
4. Creatinine

Answer

Ammonia

Reason — Ammonia is an inorganic constituent of urine. Urea, uric acid, and creatinine are
organic compounds found in urine.

Question 1(xi)

Which part of the brain controls and coordinates muscular activity and balance of the body ?

1. Cerebrum
2. Pons
3. Cerebellum
4. Diencephalon

Answer

Cerebellum

Reason — Cerebellum has controls and coordinates muscular activity and balance of the body.

Question 1(xii)

The pigment which is sensitive to dim light :

1. Iodopsin
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 2. Melanin
3. Visual violet
4. Rhodopsin

Answer

Rhodopsin

Reason — Rhodopsin or visual purple is sensitive to dim light and do not respond to colour.

Question 1(xiii)

The hormone which stimulates milk ejection is :

1. Prolactin
2. Luteinizing hormone
3. Oxytocin
4. Estrogen

Answer

Oxytocin

Reason — Oxytocin is responsible for let down or ejection of milk.

Question 1(xiv)

The process of fertilization of sperm and ovum takes place in :

1. Uterus
2. Fallopian tubes
3. Vagina
4. Vulva

Answer

Fallopian tubes

Reason — The process of fertilization of sperm and ovum takes place in fallopian tube and later
the embryo is implanted in uterus.

Question 1(xv)

The famous book "The Origin of Species" is written by :

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 1. Jean Baptist Lamarck
2. Walther Flemming
3. Gregor John Mendel
4. Charles Darwin

Answer

Charles Darwin

Reason — The famous book "The Origin of Species" is written by Charles Darwin.

Question 2(a)

Name the following :

(i) The number of deaths per 1000 of population per year.

(ii) The liquid waste material produced by factories.

(iii) The scattered golgi bodies in plant cells.

(iv) The structures which help in the formation of spindle fibres in plant cells during cell
division.

(v) The part of inner ear responsible for dynamic balance.

Answer

(i) Mortality rate

(ii) Effluent

(iii) Dictyosomes

(iv) Microtubules

(v) Semi-circular canals

Question 2(b)

Arrange and rewrite the terms in each group in the correct order so as to be in a logical sequence
beginning with the term that is underlined.

(i) Soil water, Xylem, Pericycle, Root hair

(ii) Xylem vessels, Stoma, Mesophyll, Sub-stomatal space

(iii) Light energy, Thylakoid, Glucose, Splitting of water molecules

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 (iv) Glomerulus, Collecting duct, Loop of Henle, Distal convoluted tubule

(v) Conju nctiva,

Retina, Column I Column II Vitreous
humour, Cornea

Answer (i) Thylakoids Photorespiration

(i) Soil water →

Root hair (ii) Starch formation Photo-chemical phase →
Pericycle → Xylem
(iii) ATP Photosynthesis
(ii) Xylem vessels →

(iv) Autotrophs Photolysis of water

(v) Light reaction Polymerisation

Phagocytosis

Phosphorylation

Mesophyll → Sub-stomatal space → Stoma

(iii) Light energy → Thylakoid → Splitting of water molecules → Glucose

(iv) Glomerulus → Loop of Henle → Distal convoluted tubule → Collecting duct

(v) Conjunctiva → Cornea → Vitreous humour → Retina

Question 2(c)

Match the items given in column I with the most appropriate ones in column II and rewrite the
correct matching pairs.

Answer

Column I Column II

(i) Thylakoids Photolysis of water

(ii) Starch formation Polymerisation

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 Column I Column II

(iii) ATP Phosphorylation

(iv) Autotrophs Photosynthesis

(v) Light reaction Photo-chemical phase

Question 2(d)

Choose the odd one out from the following terms and name the category to which the others
belong :

(i) Uterine tubes, Seminiferous tubule, Epididymis, Interstitial cells

(ii) Progesterone, Testosterone, Oestrogen, Prolactin

(iii) Conjunctiva, Cornea, Cochlea, Choroid

(iv) Cell wall, Visking bag, Cellophane paper, Parchment paper

(v) Simple goitre, Myxoedema, Cretinism, Acromegaly

Answer

(i) Odd one — Uterine tubes

Seminiferous tubule, Epididymis, Interstitial cells — Parts of Testis

(ii) Odd one — Testosterone

Progesterone, Oestrogen, Prolactin — Female hormones

(iii) Odd one — Cochlea

Conjunctiva, Cornea, Choroid — Parts of Eye

(iv) Odd one — Cell wall

Visking bag, Cellophane paper, Parchment paper — Semi-permeable membranes

(v) Odd one — Acromegaly

Simple goitre, Myxoedema, Cretinism — Hypothyroidism

Question 2(e)

State the exact location of the following structures:

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(i) Chlorophyll

(ii) Lenticels

(iii) Spleen

(iv) Thyroid

(v) Uterus

Answer

(i) Walls of thylakoid.

(ii) Surface of old woody stems.

(iii) Upper left side of abdomen.

(iv) Front of neck, below larynx.

(v) Pelvic cavity.

Section B

Question 3(a)

Define - Mutation.

Answer

Mutation is a sudden change in one or more genes, or in the number or in the structure of
chromosomes.

Question 3(b)

Distinguish between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system on the basis of function.

Answer

Sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for violent action against abnormal conditions
while the parasympathetic nervous system is more concerned with re-establishing normal
conditions after the violent act is over.

Question 3(c)

What is lysozyme? Write its one important role.

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Answer

Lysozyme is an enzyme having antiseptic property and it is present in tears. It protects the eyes
from bacterial infections.

Question 3(d)

Write two significant roles of Hepatic Portal system.

Answer

Two significant roles of Hepatic Portal system are:

1. Glycogenesis — Excess sugar is converted and stored in the liver in the form of
glycogen.
2. Detoxification — If any poisonous and harmful material is absorbed through food, they
are detoxified in the liver.

Question 3(e)

Given below is a simplified diagrammatic representation of a defect of the human eye. Study the
figure and answer the following questions.

(i) Identify the defect (technical term).

(ii) Mention two reasons for the above defect.

(iii) Draw a neat and labelled diagram for the “correction of the above mentioned defect” by
using a lens. You must mention the name of the lens used.

Answer

(i) Hyperopia

(ii) Two reasons for the above defect are:

1. Shortening of the eyeball

2. Lens is too flat

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(iii) Convex lens is used for the correction of Hyperopia. The diagram is shown below:

Question 4(a)

Expand the abbreviation - MTP.

Answer

MTP — Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Question 4(b)

Name two phases of blood circulation in the human body.

Answer

Atrial systole and Ventricular systole.

Question 4(c)

What are the two important roles of the plant hormone ‘Gibberellins’ ?

Answer

Two important roles of the plant hormone ‘Gibberellins’ are:

1. Promote the growth of internodes by cell elongation.

2. Break seed dormancy and initiate germination.

Question 4(d)

Write two important functions of Amniotic fluid.

Answer

Two important functions of Amniotic fluid are:

1. Protects the embryo from physical damage by jerks or mechanical shocks.

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 2. Keeps an even pressure all around the embryo.

Question 4(e)

The diagram given alongside is the longitudinal section of a human kidney. Study the diagram
and answer the questions that follow.

(i) Label the parts numbered 1 and 3.

(ii) Name the fluid that passes down from the part numbered as 4. Also write its main
nitrogenous constituent.

(iii) Why does part 2 show a striped appearance?

Answer

(i) The parts labelled 1 and 3 are:

 1 → Cortex
 3 → Pelvis

(ii) The fluid is urine. Its main nitrogenous constituent is Urea.

(iii) Henle's loops and collecting ducts lie in the medulla of kidneys giving it a striped
appearance.

Question 5(a)

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 Define - Parturition.

Answer

Parturition is the act of expelling the full term foetus from the mother's uterus at the end of
gestation.

Question 5(b)

Differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.

Answer

Biodegradable waste Non-biodegradable waste

Biodegradable wastes are substances which can be Non-biodegradable wastes are substances
broken down by microorganisms into harmless and non- which cannot be broken down by
toxic substances. microorganisms.

Examples: Leaves, dung. Examples: Plastic, glass.

Question 5(c)

What is placenta? Write its one important role.

Answer

Placenta is the disc like structure attached to the uterine wall connecting the foetus to the uterus.
It helps the foetus to get oxygen and nutrients from mother.

Question 5(d)

Make a Punnett square for the cross between two heterozygous axial flowers. Write the
Genotypic and Phenotypic ratios of the offspring.

Answer

A a

A AA Aa

a Aa aa

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Genotypic Ratio → 1:2:1 Phenotypic Ratio → 3:1

Question 5(e)

Given below is the diagram of a human heart showing one phase of contraction. Study the same
and answer the following questions.

(i) Label the parts numbered as 3 and 4.

(ii) What is the main difference between the blood flowing through the parts numbered as 1 and
2?

(iii) Write one important role of the part numbered as 5.

Answer

(i) Parts numbered 3 and 4 are:

 3 → Bicuspid valve
 4 → Aortic Semilunar valve

(ii) Blood flowing through 1 (Pulmonary artery) is deoxygenated. Blood flowing through 2
(Aorta) is oxygenated.

(iii) Part 5 is pulmonary semilunar valve. It prevents backflow of blood into ventricles.

Question 6(a)

Define — Sanitary landfills.

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Answer

Sanitary landfills
are the Spermatogenesis Oogenesis places
where the
wastes Spermatogenesis is the process of Oogenesis is the process in are
dumped production of sperms in which the ova producing cells in a
ground seminiferous tubules. give rise to the mature ovum.

Spermatogenesis takes place in Oogenesis takes place in

testis. ovaries.

depression and covered with dirt every day.

Question 6(b)

Differentiate between spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

Answer

Question 6(c)

What is hyaluronidase ? Write its important role.

Answer

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme secreted by acrosome present at the top of the head of sperm. It
facilitates entry of the sperm into the egg by dissolving the wall of the ovum.

Question 6(d)

Name the nerves which carry impulses from eyes and ear to the brain.

Answer

The nerves which carry impulses from eyes and ear to the brain are optic nerve and auditory
nerve respectively.

Question 6(e)

The diagram given alongside represents a stage during the mitotic cell division. Study the same
and answer the following questions.

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(i) Identify the stage. Give reasons to support your answer.

(ii) Label the parts numbered 1 and 2.

(iii) Draw a neat and labelled diagram of the stage that comes before the stage shown in the
figure.

Answer

(i) The stage shown is Telophase as the daughter chromosomes have reached opposite poles,
spindle fibres have started to disappear, nuclear membrane is formed and the cleavage furrow
has started deepening.

(ii) Parts numbered 1 and 2 are:

 1 → Chromosome
 2 → Nuclear membrane

(iii) Anaphase is the stage that comes before Telophase. Diagram showing anaphase is given
below:

Question 7(a)

Explain - 'Guttation':

Answer

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Guttation is the loss of water as droplets along the margins of leaves through hydathodes.

Question 7(b)

What is 'Reflex action'? What are its two main types ?

Answer

Reflex action is an automatic or quick or immediate involuntary action in the body brought about
by a stimulus. Two types of reflex action are natural reflexes and conditioned reflexes.

Question 7(c)

Differentiate between 'Nerve' and 'Ganglion' with respect to their composition.

Answer

Nerve are a bundle of nerve fibres (axons) of separate neurons, enclosed in a tubular sheath
while ganglion is the aggregate of the cytons or cell bodies of nerve cells from which the nerve
fibres may arise or enter into.

Question 7(d)

What are the two kinds of Nucleic Acids found in the human body ? Write their full forms.

Answer

The two kinds of Nucleic Acids found in the human body are:

1. DNA — Deoxyribonucleic acid.

2. RNA — Ribonucleic acid.

Question 7(e)

The diagram given below is an experimental set-up to demonstrate a metabolic process in plants.
Study same and answer the following questions.

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(i) Name and define the physiological process being studied.

(ii) What is the aim of the above experiment?

(iii) Draw a neat diagram of an opened stoma and label the guard cells and stoma.

Answer

(i) Transpiration
Transpiration is the loss of water in the form of water vapour from the aerial parts (leaves and
stem) of the plant.

(ii) The aim of the above experiment is to demonstrate the different magnitudes of transpiration
from the upper and lower surfaces of dicot leaf.

(iii) Below diagram shows an opened stoma with guard cells and stoma labelled:

Question 8(a)

Define - Genetics.

Answer

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Genetics is the study of heredity i.e., transmission of body features (both similarities and
differences) from parents to offspring and the laws relating to such transmission.

Question 8(b)

Distinguish between Autosomes and Sex-chromosomes (2 points).

Answer

Autosomes Sex chromosomes

They determine the somatic

They determine the sex of an organism.
traits.

They are recognized by the letters XO, XY, ZO,

They are numbered as 1 to 22.
ZW.

Question 8(c)

What is meant by turgidity in plant parts ? How does it play an important role ?

Answer

Turgidity is the state of a cell in which the cell wall is rigid and stretched by an increase in the
volume of vacuoles due to the absorption of water. It provides rigidity to soft tissues of plant
such as the leaves.

Question 8(d)

Name the basic structural and functional unit of kidney. Write two main steps of 'urine
formation'.

Answer

Nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of kidney.

Two main steps of 'urine formation' are:

1. Ultrafiltration
2. Reabsorption

Question 8(e)

Identify the hormonal disorders with the following clues :

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(i) Urination is frequent and copious.

(ii) Great deal of urine, loaded with sugar.

(iii) Person becomes sluggish and there is a swelling of the face and hands.

Answer

(i) Diabetes insipidus

(ii) Diabetes mellitus

(iii) Myxoedema

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