HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE?

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

DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid is the genetic material that is present in the
cells of all organisms. DNA carries genetic information from one generation
to the other, and this helps in producing organisms of its own types. DNA
copying is a must for inheriting the traits from parents. Any variations in
DNA copying will give rise to origin of new species.
2. Why is the variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the
individual?
The reason why the variation is beneficial to the species rather than
individuals is because sometimes the climatic changes have a drastic effect on
the species, which makes their survival difficult.
For examples, if the temperature of the water body increases, there might be
certain species of microorganisms which might die. This may result in
disturbance in the environment. So, variation is beneficial to species and not
for the individuals.
Questions Page no: 128
1. How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?
When a single cell divides into two equal halves, it is known as binary fission.
Bacteria and amoeba are examples of binary fission.

When a single cell divides into multiple daughter cells at the same time, it is
known as multiple fission. Algae and plasmodium are examples of multiple
fission.
2. How will an organism be benefited if it reproduces through spores?
Following are the ways through which an organism will be benefited if it
reproduces through spores:

 Number of spores produced in one sporangium would be large.

 In order to avoid competition at one place, spores can be distributed to
faraway places with the help of air.
 In order to prevent dehydration under unfavourable conditions, the
spores are covered by thick walls.
3. Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give
rise to new individuals through regeneration?
Organisms at higher complex levels cannot give rise to new individuals
through regeneration because they have organization of their organs system at
different levels. All these organ systems are interconnected and work in full
coordination. They can regenerate a few of their lost body parts like skin,
blood, muscles, etc. but can’t give rise to new individuals.
4. Why is vegetative propagation practised for growing some types of
plants?
Following are the advantages of practising vegetative propagation for growing
some types of plants:

 Crops like orange, banana, pineapple do not have viable seeds, so

vegetative propagation can be used.
 It is a rapid, cheap and easier method to grow crops.

 It can be used in places where seed germination fails.

 A good quality of variety can be preserved.

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

DNA copying is an essential part of the process of reproduction because it
carries the genetic information from the parents to offspring. A copy of DNA
is produced through some chemical reactions resulting in two copies of DNA.
Along with the additional cellular structure, DNA copying also takes place,
which is then followed by cell division into two cells.

Questions Page No: 140

1. How is the process of pollination different from fertilization?
Pollination is defined as the process of transfer of pollens from anther to
stigma. The process takes place with the help of pollinators like air, water and
some insects.
Fertilization is defined as the fusion of male and female gametes. It takes
place in the ovule and leads to the formation of zygote.
2. What is the role of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland?
Lubrication of sperms and providing of a fluid medium for the easy
transportation of sperms takes place with the help of secretions from the
seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. These secretions also provide
nutrients in the form of fructose, calcium and some enzymes.
3. What are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty?
Following are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty:

 Hair growth appears in genital area.

 Hair growth in other areas like underarms, face, hands and legs.
 The size of uterus and ovary increases.
 The size of the breast increases followed by darkening of the nipple skin
that is present at the tip of the breast.
 Beginning of menstrual cycle.
 Appearance of pimples, as there is more oil secretion from the skin.


4. How does the embryo get nourishment inside the mother’s body?
The lining of the uterus thickens after fertilization. The blood flow is good so
as to nourish the growing embryo. Placenta is a special tissue which is
embedded in the uterine wall and helps the embryo get the nourishment from
the mother’s tissue. Placenta has villi on the embryo side and blood space on
the mother’s side. This spacing provides a large area between the mother and
the embryo and also for waste removal.
5. If a woman is using a Copper-T, will it help in protecting her from
sexually transmitted diseases?
No, the usage of copper-T cannot stop the contact of body fluids. Hence, it
cannot protect her from getting sexually transmitted diseases.
Exercises Page no: 141
1. Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in
(a) Amoeba (b) Yeast
(c) Plasmodium (d) Leishmania
Solution:
(b) 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
Solution:
(c) Vas deferens
3. The anther contains
(a) Sepals (b) Ovules
(c) Pistil (d) Pollen grains
Solution:
(d) Pollen grains.
4. What are the advantages of sexual reproduction over asexual
reproduction?
Solution:
Following are the advantages of sexual reproduction:

 The offspring has the characters of both the parents.

 The survival of the species is ensured as there are more variations.

 The offspring can easily adapt to environmental changes.

 It also improves the health of humans.

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

Following are the functions performed by the testis in human beings:

 Apart from the production of sperms, it also produces the male hormone
known as androgens.
  They also produce hormone called testosterone, which is responsible for
secondary sexual characters in boys.
6. Why does menstruation occur?
Menstruation is the normal bleeding of the vaginal line, which starts at
puberty and lasts till menopause. During this period, the body prepares itself
for pregnancy.
Every month an egg is released from one of the ovaries at the same time when
the uterus prepares itself for the fertilized egg. The inner lining of the uterus
gets thickened and is supplied with a sufficient amount of blood for the
embryo. Since there is no interaction between the egg and the sperms, the
fertilization of egg doesn’t takes place. So when the egg doesn’t get fertilized,
the uterus lining breaks down slowly resulting in menstruation.
7. Draw a labelled diagram of the longitudinal section of a flower.

8. What are the different methods of contraception?

Following are the different methods of contraception:

 Natural method: In this method, the main focus is to avoid the meeting
of sperms and ovum. This can be achieved by avoiding the mating from
10th to 17th day of the menstrual cycle. During this period, there are high
chances of fertilization as ovulation is expected.
 Barrier method: In this method, the meeting of sperms and ovum is
avoided by using a barrier. These barriers are available for males as well
as for females. Condoms for both male and female, diaphragms for
female, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge for females.
 Oral contraceptives: In these methods, pills are taken orally. These
pills contain small portion of hormones that block the eggs so that
fertilization doesn’t takes place.
 Implants method: In this method, contraceptive devices like copper-T
or a loop can be used to block the meeting of sperms and ovum.
  Surgical method : In surgical method, the fallopian tubes are blocked in
females (tubectomy)to stop the flow of eggs and vas deference is
blocked (vasectomy) in men to stop the flow of sperms.
9. How are the modes for reproduction different in unicellular and
multicellular organisms?
The different modes of reproduction in unicellular organisms are fission,
budding, etc. Here, the cell divides into two daughter cells and this process of
cell division continues.
Whereas, in multicellular organisms there is a different organ system for
reproduction. The different modes of reproduction in multicellular organisms
are vegetative propagation, spore formation, etc.
In more complex organisms like humans and animals, reproduction is through
sexual reproduction.
10. How does reproduction help in providing stability to populations of
species?
Reproduction is the process of producing the same kind of species by the
existing species. This is done so as to maintain the population of that species
and also to take forward their species to the next generations. Stability is
maintained by keeping a check of rate of births and rate of deaths.
11. What could be the reason for adopting contraceptive methods?
Following are the reasons for adopting contraceptive methods:

 To control population
 To avoid unplanned pregnancy
 To avoid transfer of sexually transmitted diseases
 To maintain gap between siblings