Life Processes -Intext questions

1. Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular

organisms like humans?

Multi-cellular organisms like humans have very big bodies and require a lot of
oxygen to diffuse into the body quickly in order to meet the oxygen requirement.
Diffusion is a slow process which will take a lot of time to circulate oxygen to all
the body cells. Because of its slow nature, diffusion is insufficient to meet the
oxygen requirements of multicellular organisms like humans.

2. What criteria do we use to decide whether something is alive?

Walking, breathing, growth and other visible changes can be used to determine
whether something is alive or dead. However, some living things will have
changes that are not visible to our eye; Hence, the presence of the life process is a
fundamental criterion to decide whether something is alive.

3. What are outside raw materials used for by an organism?

The outside raw material is used by organisms for food and oxygen. Raw
materials’ requirement varies on the complexity of the organism and the
environment it is living.

4. What processes would you consider essential for maintaining life?

Life processes such as respiration, digestion, excretion, circulation and

transportation are essential for maintaining life.

5. What are the differences between autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic

nutrition?

Autotrophic Nutrition Heterotrophic Nutrition

Organism prepares its own food and is An organism that does not prepare its own
not dependent on any other organism. food and is dependent on other organisms for
food.
Food is prepared from CO2, water, and Food cannot be prepared from CO2, water, or
sunlight. sunlight.

Chlorophyll is required for food Chlorophyll is not required for food

preparation. preparation.

Green plants and certain bacteria have All animals and fungi, most bacteria, have
autotrophic modes of nutrition. heterotrophic modes of nutrition.

6. Where do plants get each of the raw materials required for photosynthesis?

Plants require the following raw material for photosynthesis:

1. CO2 is obtained from the atmosphere through stomata

2. Water is absorbed by plant roots from the soil.

3. Sunlight is an essential raw material for photosynthesis

4. Nutrients are obtained by soil by plant roots

7. What is the role of the acid in our stomach?

HCl present in the stomach dissolves food particles and creates an acidic medium.
In an acidic environment, protein-digesting enzymes, pepsinogen, are converted
into pepsin. HCl in the stomach also acts as a protective barrier against many
disease-causing pathogens.

8. What is the function of digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes break complex food molecules into simpler ones. This will
make the food absorption process easy and effective. Absorbed food is
transported to all parts of the body by the blood.

9. How is the small intestine designed to absorb digested food?

The small intestine has small projections called microvilli, which increase the
surface volume, making the absorption more effective. Within the villi, there are
numerous blood vessels that absorb digested food and carry it to the
bloodstream. Blood transports food to each part of our body.

10. What advantage over an aquatic organism does a terrestrial organism have
with regard to obtaining oxygen for respiration?

Terrestrial organisms breathe by using atmospheric oxygen, whereas aquatic

organisms take oxygen dissolved in water. The oxygen level is high in the
atmosphere when compared to oxygen in the water. Hence, terrestrial organisms
need not breathe fast to obtain organisms, whereas aquatic organisms need to
breathe faster to get the required oxygen.

11. What are the different ways in which glucose is oxidised to provide energy in
various organisms?

In the cytoplasm, Glucose is first broken down into two 3 carbon compounds
called pyruvate by the process known as Glycolysis. Further breakdown takes
place in different organisms by different processes.

12. How are oxygen and carbon dioxide transported in human beings?

Oxygen and Carbon dioxide are transported in human beings via the bloodstream.
Oxygen is carried to the cells, whereas carbon dioxide is carried away from the
cells. The exchange of gases takes place between the alveoli of the lungs and the
surrounding blood capillaries. Oxygen is absorbed by the blood capillaries from
the lungs’ alveoli by diffusion, while carbon dioxide is absorbed by the lungs’
alveoli from the blood capillaries by diffusion.

13. How are the lungs designed in human beings to maximise the area for the
exchange of gases?

 The lungs are an important part of the body. The passage inside the lungs
divides into smaller and smaller tubes, which finally terminate in balloon-
like structures called alveoli.

 The alveoli provide a surface where the exchange of gases can take place.
The walls of the alveoli usually contain an extensive network of blood
vessels. We know that when we breathe in, we lift our ribs, flatten our
diaphragm and the chest cavity becomes larger.

 Because of this action, the air is sucked into the lungs and fills up the
expanded alveoli.

 The blood brings the essential carbon dioxide from the rest of the body and
supplies it to the alveoli; the oxygen in the alveolar air is taken up by the
blood in the alveolar blood vessels to be transported to all other cells of the
body. During the normal breathing cycle, when air is taken in and let out,
the lungs always contain a residual volume of air so that there is sufficient
time for oxygen to be absorbed and carbon dioxide to be released.

14. What are the components of the transport system in human beings? What
are the functions of these components?

The heart, blood and blood vessels are the main components of the transport
system in human beings.

Functions of these components

Heart

The heart pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body. It receives

deoxygenated blood from the various body parts and sends impure blood to the
lungs for oxygenation.
Blood

Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, CO2, and nitrogenous wastes.

Blood vessels

Blood vessels, arteries and veins carry blood to all parts of the body.

15. Why is it necessary to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in

mammals and birds?

Mammals and birds are warm-blooded animals which keep their body
temperature constant irrespective of the environment they live. This process
requires a lot of oxygen for more cellular respiration so that warm-blooded
animals produce more energy to balance their body temperature. Hence, it is very
important for warm-blooded animals to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated
blood to keep their circulatory system efficient.

16. What are the components of the transport system in highly organised
plants?

There are two types of conducting tissues in highly organised plants that carry out
the transport system 1) Xylem 2) Phloem. Xylem conduct water and minerals from
roots to the rest of the plant parts. Similarly, Phloem transports food materials
from the leaf to other parts of the plant.

17. How are water and minerals transported in plants?

Xylem parts of the tracheids and vessels of roots, stems and leaves are
interconnected to form a continuous system of water-conducting channels that
reaches all parts of the plant. Transpiration creates a suction pressure which
forces water into the xylem cells of roots. After this, there will be a steady
movement of water from the root xylem to all parts of the plant connected
through conducting interconnected water-conducting channels.

18. How is food transported in plants?

Food is transported in plants by a special organ called the phloem. Phloem
transports food materials from leaves to different parts of a plant. Transportation
of food in phloem is achieved by the expenditure of energy from ATP. This
increases osmotic pressure in the tissue, causing water to move. This pressure
moves material in the Phloem to the tissues with less pressure. This helps in the
transportation of food materials as per the needs. Example, Sucrose

19. Describe the structure and functioning of nephrons.

Nephrons are the filtration units of the kidney, which are large in numbers. Some
substances in the initial filtrate, such as glucose, amino acids, salts and a major
amount of water, are selectively re-absorbed as the urine flows along the tube.

The main components of Nephrons are

Glomerulus Bowman’s Capsule

Long Renal Tube

Structure of Nephron

Functioning of Nephron

 The blood enters the kidney through the renal artery, which branches into
many capillaries associated with the glomerulus.

 The water and solute are transferred to the nephron at Bowman’s capsule.

 In the proximal tubule, substances such as amino acids, glucose, and salts
are selectively reabsorbed, and unwanted molecules are added to the
urine.

 The filtrate then moves down into the loop of Henle, where more water is
absorbed. From here, the filtrate moves upwards into the distal tubule and
finally to the collecting duct. The collecting duct collects urine from many
nephrons.

 The urine formed in each kidney enters a long tube called the ureter. From
the ureter, it gets transported to the urinary bladder and then into the
urethra.

19. What are the methods used by plants to get rid of excretory products?

Plants can get rid of excess water by transpiration.

For other wastes, plants use the fact that many of their tissues consist of dead
cells and that they can even lose some parts, such as leaves. Many plant waste
products are stored in cellular vacuoles. Waste products may be stored in leaves
that fall off.

Other waste products are stored as resins and gums, especially in old xylem.
Plants also excrete some waste substances into the soil around them.
20. How is the amount of urine produced regulated?

The amount of urine produced depends on the amount of excess water and
dissolved waste present in the body. Other factors may be the environment and
the ADH hormone, which regulates the production of urine.

NCERT Exercises
5. How are fats digested in our bodies? Where does this process take place?

 The small intestine is the place for the complete digestion of

carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It receives the secretions of the liver and
pancreas for this purpose.

 The food coming from the stomach is usually acidic in nature, and it has to
be made alkaline so that pancreatic enzymes can act on it. Bile juice
produced in the liver accomplishes this process.

 Fats are usually present in the intestine in the form of larger globules,
which makes it difficult for enzymes to act on them. The bile salts help in
breaking down larger globules into smaller globules. The pancreas helps in
secreting pancreatic juice, which contains enzymes like trypsin for digesting
proteins and lipase for breaking down emulsified fats.

 The walls of the small intestine contain glands, which secrete intestinal
juice. The enzymes present in it finally convert the proteins to amino acids,
complex carbohydrates into glucose and finally, fats into fatty acids and
glycerol.

6. What is the role of saliva in the digestion of food?

The food we intake is complex in nature; if it is to be absorbed from the

alimentary canal, then it has to be broken into smaller molecules. This process is
mainly done with the help of biological catalysts called enzymes. The saliva
contains an enzyme called salivary amylase that breaks down starch, which is a
complex molecule to give sugar. The food is mixed thoroughly with saliva and
moved around the mouth while chewing the muscular tongue. Hence, saliva plays
a pivotal role in the digestion and absorption of food.

8. What are the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration? Name
some organisms that use the anaerobic mode of respiration.

Aerobic respiration

 The process takes place in the presence of free oxygen.

 The products of aerobic respiration are CO2, water and energy.

 The first step of aerobic respiration (glycolysis) takes place in the

cytoplasm, while the next step takes place in mitochondria.

 The process of aerobic respiration takes place in all higher organisms.

 In this process, complete oxidation of glucose takes place.

Anaerobic respiration

 The process takes place in the absence of free oxygen.

 The products of anaerobic respiration are ethyl alcohol, CO2 and a little
energy.

 Even in anaerobic respiration, the first step takes place in the cytoplasm,
while the next step takes place in mitochondria.

 In this process, the glucose molecules are incompletely broken down.

 The process of anaerobic respiration takes place in lower organisms like

yeast, some species of bacteria and parasites like tapeworms.

9. How are the alveoli designed to maximise the exchange of gases?

Solution:
  The lung is an important part of the body. The passage inside the lungs
divides into smaller and smaller tubes, which finally terminate in balloon-
like structures called alveoli.

 The alveoli provide a surface where the exchange of gases can take place.
The walls of the alveoli usually contain an extensive network of blood
vessels. We know that when we breathe in, we lift our ribs, flatten our
diaphragm and the chest cavity becomes larger.

 Because of this action, the air is sucked into the lungs and fills up the
expanded alveoli.

 The blood brings the essential carbon dioxide from the rest of the body and
supplies it to the alveoli; the oxygen in the alveolar air is taken up by the
blood in the alveolar blood vessels to be transported to all other cells of the
body. During the normal breathing cycle, when air is taken in and let out,
the lungs always contain a residual volume of air so that there is sufficient
time for oxygen to be absorbed and carbon dioxide to be released.

10. What would be the consequences of a deficiency of haemoglobin in our

bodies?

Solution:

Haemoglobin is a protein responsible for the transportation of oxygen to the body

cells for cellular respiration. A deficiency of Haemoglobin can affect the oxygen-
carrying capacity of RBCs. This leads to a lack of oxygen in our body cells.
Haemoglobin deficiency leads to a disease called anaemia.

11. Describe the double circulation of blood in human beings. Why is it

necessary?

Solution:

Double circulation means, in a single cycle, blood goes twice in the heart. The
process helps in separating oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to maintain a
constant body temperature.
The double circulatory system of blood includes

 Pulmonary circulation

 Systemic circulation.

Pulmonary circulation

The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood into the lungs, where it is
oxygenated. The oxygenated blood is brought back to the left atrium, and from
there, it is pumped into the left ventricle. Finally, blood goes into the aorta for
systemic circulation.

Systemic circulation

The oxygenated blood is pumped to various parts of the body from the left
ventricle. The deoxygenated blood from different parts of the body passes
through the vena cava to reach the right atrium. The right atrium transfers the
blood into the right ventricle.

12. What are the differences between the transport of materials in the xylem
and phloem?

Solution:

Transport of Materials in Xylem Transport of Materials in Phloem

Xylem tissue helps in the transport Phloem tissue helps in the transport of food.
of water and minerals.

Water is transported upwards Food is transported in both upward and downward

from roots to all other plant parts. directions.
13. Compare the functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys
with respect to their structure and functioning.

Solution:

Alveoli Nephrons

Structure Structure

(i) Alveoli are tiny balloon-like structures (i) Nephrons are tubular structures present
present inside the lungs. inside the kidneys.

(ii) The walls of the alveoli are one cell (ii) Nephrons are made of glomerulus,
thick, and it contains an extensive Bowman’s capsule, and a long renal tube.
network of blood capillaries.

Function Function

(i) The exchange of O2 and CO2 takes (i) The blood enters the kidneys through the
place between the blood of the renal artery. The blood is entered here, and
capillaries that surround the alveoli and the nitrogenous waste in the form of urine is
the gases present in the alveoli. collected by the collecting duct.

(ii) Alveoli are the site of gaseous (ii) Nephrons are the basic filtration unit.
exchange.