Book Back Question and Answers

Chapter 1
1. Name the parts of an angiosperm flower in which development of male and female
gametophyte take place.
In an angiosperm plant, development of male gametophyte occurs in the pollen chamber while that of
female gametophyte takes place in nucellus.

2. Differentiate between microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis. Which type of cell division

occurs during these events? Name the structures formed at the end of these two events.
Microsporogenesis Megasporogenesis

It is the process of the formation of microsporeIt is the process of the formation of the four megaspores
1.tetrads from a microspore mother cell throughfrom a megaspore mother cell in the region of the nucellus
meiosis. through meiosis

2.It occurs inside the pollen sac of the anther. It occurs inside the ovule.
(2) The cell division that occurs during Microsporogenesis and Megasporogenesis is Reduction division or
Meiosis, which bring forth haploid reproductive cell from diploid cells.
(3) The structures formed at the end of these two events are
Pollen Grain or microspore at the end of the procedure of Microsporogenesis
Megaspore that explicates into an egg-producing or a female gametophyte at the end of the procedure of
Megasporogenesis

3. Arrange the following terms in the correct developmental sequence: Pollen grain, sporogenous
tissue, microspore tetrad, pollen mother cell, male gametes.
Sporogenous tissue - Microspore mother cells - Microspore tetrads - Microspores - Pollen grains
Sporogenous cells undergo mitosis to produce pollen mother cells (or) microspore mother
cells. They undergo meiotic divisions to form microspore tetrads. Each microspore in the tetrad
develops into pollen grain as the anthers mature.

4. With a neat, labelled diagram, describe the parts of a typical angiosperm ovule.

What is meant by monosporic development of female gametophyte?

The formation of the female gametophyte from a single functional megaspore is called as monosporic
development.
6. With a neat diagram explain the 7-celled, 8-nucleate nature of the female gametophyte.
 The eight nucleate female gametophytes of flowering plants have an egg apparatus made of one egg cell and two
flanking cells at the micropylar end. The flanking cells are known as synergids and have finger-like projections on
the wall which forms filiform apparatus. Three cells present at the chalazal end of embryo sac are called as
antipodals. The large central cell has two polar nuclei. This makes embryo sac 7 celled and 8 nucleate structure.

5. What are chasmogamous flowers? Can cross-pollination occur in cleistogamous flowers? Give
reasons for your answer.
Chasmogamous flowers are the open flower similar to the flower of other species, with exposed anthers
and stigma. They favour cross-pollination e.g., Rose, Cleistogamous flowers are intersexual. They remain
closed causing self-pollination.

6. Mention two strategies evolved to prevent self-pollination in flowers.

Two strategies evolved to prevent self-pollination are pollen release time and hypogynous flower.

7. What is self-incompatibility? Why does self-pollination not lead to seed formation in self-
incompatible species?
Self-incompatibility is a genetic process in which pollen germination of pollen tube development in the
pistil is prevented from fertilizing the ovule. Self-pollination, owing to the relationship between pollen
chemicals and stigma, does not contribute to seed formation in self-incompatible plants.

9.What is bagging technique? How is it useful in a plant breeding programme

The bagging technique is helpful in the prevention of fertilization of stigma by any undesired pollen
(a) Prevents contamination with foreign pollen.
(b) Prevents damage by animals.
(c) Prevents germination of unwanted pollen on the stigma.

8. What is triple fusion? Where and how does it take place? Name the nuclei involved in triple
fusion.
Triple fusion is a process of fusion of three haploid nuclei. It takes place in the embryo sac. The pollen
tube containing two male gametes enters into the ovule through the micropyle. Among two gametes, one of
the gametes joins with the egg cells that result in the production of zygote, whereas another gamete with
two polar nuclei produces a triploid primary endosperm nucleus.

9. Why do you think the zygote is dormant for sometime in a fertilised ovule?
The zygote is dormant in fertilized ovule for sometime because at this time, endosperm needs to
develop, As endosperm is the source of nutrition for the developing embryo, the nature ensures the
formation of enough endosperm tissue before starting the process of embryogenesis.

10. Differentiate between: (a) hypocotyl and epicotyl; (b) coleoptile and coleorrhiza; (c) integument
and testa; (d) perisperm and pericarp.
Hypocotyl Epicotyl

The portion of the embryonal axis which lies The portion of the embryonal axis which lies
1. below the cotyledon in a dicot embryo is knownabove the cotyledon in a dicot embryo is known
as the hypocotyl. as the epicotyl.

2. It terminates with the radicle. It terminates with the plumule.

(b)
Coleoptile Coleorrhiza

It is a conical protective sheath that encloses

It is an undifferentiated sheath that encloses the radicle
the plumule in a monocot seed. and the root cap in a monocot seed.
(c)
Integument Testa

It is the outermost covering of an ovule. It provides protection It is the outermost covering of a

to it. seed.
(d)
Perisperm Pericarp

It is the residual nucellus which persists. It is present in It is the ripened wall of a fruit, which
some seeds such as beet and black pepper. develops from the wall of an ovary.

14. Why is apple called a false fruit? Which part(s) of the flower forms the fruit?
The apple is called a false fruit as the apple develops from the thalamus of the flower, which forms the
thick basal structure of the flower.

15. What is meant by emasculation? When and why does a plant breeder employ this technique?
The process of removal of anthers from the flower is called as emasculation. Emasculation is useful in artificial
hybridization to pollinate stigma with selected emasculated pollens only.

16. If one can induce parthenocarpy through the application of growth substances, which fruits
would you select to induce parthenocarpy and why?
Oranges, lemons, litchis could be potential fruits for inducing the parthenocarpy

17. Explain the role of tapetum in the formation of pollen-grain wall.

Tapetum is the innermost layer of the microsporangium. It provides nourishment to the developing pollen
grains. During microsporogenesis, the cells of tapetum produce various enzymes, hormones, amino acids,
and other nutritious material required for the development of pollen grains.

18. What is apomixis and what is its importance?

Apomixis is the process of seed formation, where the seed forms without the occurrence of fertilization.
plays a vital role in the production of hybrid seeds.
Chapter 2
1. Fill in the blanks:
2. (a) Humans reproduce .
3. (b) Humans are .
4. (c) Fertilization is in humans.
5. (d) Male and female gametes are .
6. (e) Zygote is .
7. (f) The process of release of the ovum from a mature follicle is called .
8. (g) Ovulation is induced by a hormone called the .
9. (h) The fusion of the male and the female gametes is called .
10. (i) Fertilization takes place in the .
11. (j) The zygote divides to form , which is implanted in uterus.
12. (k) The structure which provides vascular connection between the fetus and uterus is called
.
2. Draw a labelled diagram of male reproductive system.

3. Draw a labelled diagram of female reproductive system.

4. Write two major functions each of testis and ovary.

(i) Functions of testis: (a) Formation of sperms by the process of spermatogenesis. (b) Secretion of
testosterone hormone. (ii) Functions of ovary: (a) Formation of ova by the process of oogenesis. (b)
Secretion of female hormones like estrogens, progesterone and relaxin.

5. Describe the structure of a seminiferous tubule.

Each seminiferous tubule is lined by germinal epithelium. It is lined on its inner side by two
types of cells namely spermatogonia and sertoli cells respectively. Spermatogonia are male
germ cells which produce primary spermatocytes by meiotic divisions.

6. What is spermatogenesis? Briefly describe the process of spermatogenesis.

The process that leads to production of sperm from the immature germ cells lining the testes in males
is called spermatogenesis.
This process takes place within the seminiferous tubules that are located inside the testes.
In the beginning of this process, a male germ cell or spermatogonium that is diploid in nature grows in
size to produce a diploid primary spermatocyte.
The primary spermatocyte now undergoes the first meiotic division or meiosis I. This division is a
reductional division giving rise two equal haploid secondary spermatocytes.
Each of the haploid spermatocytes further undergo second meiotic division or meiosis II leading to the
formation of two equal haploid spermatids.
These four spermatids undergo maturation and metamorphosis to produce 4 spermatozoa or mature
sperms. Thus, 4 spermatozoa are finally produced from a single spermatogonium.
7. Name the hormones involved in regulation of spermatogenesis.
The hormones involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis are
(i) Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) - From hypothalamus
(ii) Luteinising Hormone (LH) - From pituitary
(iii) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - From pituitary

8. Define spermiogenesis and spermiation.

Transformation of spermatids into sperm by morphological changes without involving cell division is
called as spermiogenesis. The release of mature spermatozoa from the Sertoli cells into the lumen of
seminiferous tubules is called as spermiation.

9. Draw a labelled diagram of sperm.

10. What are the major components of seminal plasma?

Seminal plasma consists of various biochemical components, such as glucose, cholesterol, proteins,
metabolites, intracellular and antioxidant enzymes, mineral elements which are important for sperm
function and metabolism

11.What are the major functions of male accessory ducts and glands?
Major functions of male accessory ducts is storage and transport of sperms from testis to outside
through urethra.
Major functions of glands are as follows:
(i) Seminal vesicles
(a) Fructose which is used as energy source by the sperm.
(b) Prostaglandins that induce muscle contraction.ofvagina.
(iii) Bulbourethral glands secrete mucus rich fluid for lubrication.

12.Oogenesis is the process of the formation of a mature ovum from the oogonia in females. It
takes place in the ovaries. What is oogenesis? Give a brief account of oogenesis.
It takes place in the ovaries. During oogenesis, a diploid oogonium or egg mother cell increases in size
and gets transformed into a diploid primary oocyte. This diploid primary oocyte undergoes first
meiotic division i.e., meiosis I or reductional division to form two unequal haploid cells.

13. Draw a labelled diagram of a section through ovary.

 14. Draw a labelled diagram of a Graafian follicle?

15. Name the functions of the following: (a) Corpus luteum (b) Endometrium (c) Acrosome (d)
Sperm tail (e) Fimbriae
(a) Corpus luteum : It secretes hormone projesterone which is necessary for maintenance of
parturition.
(b) Endometrium : It is the inner most layer of uterus. That causes cyclic changes during menstrual
cycle and prepares for implantation of morula.
(c ) Acrosome : It has hydrolytic enzyme for entry of fertilization of sperm into ovum.
(d) Sperm tail : It help in motility of sperm.
(e) Fimbriae : The part closer to the ovary is the funnel shaped infundibulam. The edges of the
infundibulam possess finger like projections called fimbria.

16. Identify True/False statements. Correct each false statement to make it true.
(a) Androgens are produced by Sertoli cells. (True/False)
(b) Spermatozoa get nutrition from Sertoli cells. (True/False)
(c) Leydig cells are found in ovary. (True/False)
(d) Leydig cells synthesise androgens. (True/False)
(e) Oogenesis takes place in corpus luteum. (True/False)
(f) Menstrual cycle ceases during pregnancy. (True/False)
(g) Presence or absence of hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity or sexual experience.
(True/False)
(a) Androgens are produced by Sertoli cells. (False) Androgens are produced by Leydig cells.
(b) Spermatozoa get nutrition from Sertoli cells. (True)
(c) Leydig cells are found in ovary. (False) Leydig cells are found in the seminiferous tubules of the testis.
(d) Leydig cells synthesise androgens. (True)
(e) Oogenesis takes place in corpus luteum. (False) Oogenesis takes place in the ovary.
(f) Menstrual cycle ceases during pregnancy. (True)
(g) Presence or absence of the hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity or sexual experience. (True)
 17. What is menstrual cycle? Which hormones regulate menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the female reproductive cycle characterized by cyclic changes in the uterine
lining. Menstrual cycle is regulated by gonadotropins secreted by anterior pituitary (FSH and LH).
FSH stimulates growth, development and hormonal secretion of Graafian follicle and ovum
maturation.
18. What is parturition? Which hormones are involved in induction of parturition?
Parturition is the process of giving birth to a baby as the development of the foetus gets completed in
the mother's womb. The hormones involved in this process are oxytocin and relaxin.

19. In our society the women are often blamed for giving birth to daughters. Can you explain
why this is not correct?
The sex of an individual is determined by the type of the male gamete (X or Y), which fuses with the
X chromosome of the female. If the fertilizing sperm is X , then the baby will be a girl and if it is Y,
then the baby will be a boy. Hence, it is incorrect to blame a woman for the gender of the child.

20. How many eggs are released by a human ovary in a month? How many eggs do you think
would have been released if the mother gave birth to identical twins? Would your answer change
if the twins born were fraternal?
Only one egg is released by a human ovary in a month.
Identical twins are produced a single egg by separation of early blastomeres resulting from first
zygotic cleavage.
If the twins born were fraternal, then twins would have developed from two separate eggs. As a result,
two eggs are released from ovary and get fertilized by two sperms. Hence young baby may have
separate gene and are known to be fraternal twins.

21. How many eggs do you think were released by the ovary of a female dog which gave birth to
6 puppies
In these species, more than one ovum is released from the ovary at the time of ovulation. Hence, six
eggs were released by the ovary of a female dog to produce six puppies.

Draw a labelled diagram of at mature pollen grain.

A mature embryo sac in a flowering plant may possess 7-cells, but 8-nuclei. Explain with the
help of a diagram only.
Draw a diagram of a section of a megasporangium of an angiosperm and label funiculus,
micropyle, embryo sac and nucellus.

Draw a labelled schematic diagram of the transverse section of a mature anther of an

angiosperm plant.:

Angiosperms bearing unisexual flowers are said to be either monoecious or dioecious. Explain with
the help of one example each. Plant bearing flowers of both sexes, i.e. staminate and pistillate flowers
called monoecious, e.g. lea mays (maize).When both sexes, i.e. staminate and pistillate flowers, are
present on different plants; these plants are called dioecious, e.g. Carica papaya (Papaya).

. Name the parts of the flower which the tassels of corn cob represent.
The parts of the flower that represent the tassels of corn cob are stigma and style which wave in the
wind to trap pollen grains flowing with the wind.
Draw a diagram of a mature microspore of an angiosperm. Label its cellular components only. (

A mature embryo sac in a flowering plant may possess 7-cells, but 8-nuclei. Explain with the
help of a diagram only.
 LS of a maize grain is given below. Label the parts A, B, C and D in it.

Answer:
A-Pericarp
B – Scutellum (cotyledon)
C – Coleoptile
D – Coleorhiza
One mark questions
Ques: What is the name of the closely assembled homogenous cells found inside the center of every
microsporangium in the anther?
Ans: Sporogenous tissue
Ques: A plant came to India along with wheat that was imported from another nation and caused
pollen allergy. Name the plant.
Ans: Parthenium
Ques: What is the reason behind the large number of pollen grains produced in Maize?
Ans: It happens so that pollination takes place as the pollens of Maize pollinate through the wind.
Ques: The compatible nature of pollen grain is determined by which part of gynoecium?
Ans: Stigma
Ques. Name the two component cells present in the egg apparatus in an embryo sac.
Ans: a) one egg or oosphere
b) two synergids
Ques: What is one common function performed by both, cotyledons and nucellus?
Ans: The common function produced by both, cotyledons and nucellus is nourishment.
Ques: Arrange the following in a correct sequence- make gamete, sporogenous tissue, microspore
tetrad, pollen grains, and the potential pollen mother cell.
Ans: the correct sequence is as follows- Sporogenous tissue, potential pollen mother cell,
[2 Marks Questions]
Ques. The outer layer of a pollen grain is made up of a highly resistant substance. Identify that
substance. When is that particular substance not present?
Ans: The outer layer of a pollen grain is called Sporopollenin. The substance is not present during germ
pore.
Ques: The development of fruit in a plant happens through the ovary, however, in a few plants, this
development of fruit happens through the thalamus.

a. Name both categories of fruits.

b. Give an example of each category

a. The two categories of fruits are true fruits and false fruits
b. An example of true fruit is the mango and an example of false fruit is the apple.
Ques: Insects such as bees are considered dominant pollinating agents. Mention any four features of an
insect-pollinated flower.

1. The size of the flowers is bigger

2. These flowers have colorful petals
3. These flowers have a fragrance to them
4. These flowers are rich in nectar
Ques: What is the difference between Geitonogamy and Xenogamy? Mention any two points.
 Geitonogamy Xenogamy
There is a transfer of pollen grains from one flower
Theretois a transfer of pollen grains from one plant
another within the same plant. to another plant.
It does not allow for genetic recombination.It allows for genetic recombination.
Ques: Write one advantage and disadvantage of cleistogamy in flowering plants.
Ans: One advantage of cleistogamy in flowering plants is that it maintains pure lines. The disadvantage is that
it only sustains parental characters.
Ques: What does the term “inflorescence” mean?
Ans: Inflorescence is described as the arrangement and distribution of flowers on a peduncle. The peduncle is
the axis of inflorescence. A flattened peduncle is known as a receptacle.
Ques: Define the following terms: ornithophily, chiropterophily, and malacophilous.

1. Ornithophily- It is the pollination that is carried out by small birds.

2. Chiropterophily- It is the pollination process performed by bats.
3. Malacophiluos- This pollination activity is performed by snails.
Long Answer Questions [3 Marks Questions]
Ques: What is the difference between microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis?
Ans: The differences between the two are as follows:
Mi microsporogenesis crosporogenesi Megasporogen megasporogenesis esis
Diploid microspore mother cell produces haploid
Diploid megaspore mother cells produce megaspores.
microspores or pollen grains.
The arrangement of pollen grains is in a tetrahedral
The arrangement of pollen grains is in a linear tetrad.
tetrad.
Ques: Describe the structure of the anatropous ovule. Also, draw a labeled diagram for the same.
Ans: A stalk is present in the anatropous ovule which is called the funicle and it is attached to the placenta.
There is a connection between the funicle and the ovule which is termed helium. The ovule is enclosed
by either one or more integuments and it has an aperture at the tip. The opening of the ovule is known
as micropyle. To the exact opposite of the micropyle, lies the chalazal end which is the basal part of
the ovule. Within the integuments containing a single embryo sac, there is a mass of cells called
nucellus.

Ques: What are the advantages of sexual incompatibility?

Ans: The advantages of sexual incompatibility are as follows:

1. It inhibits self-pollination.
2. It makes the plant outbreeders, thus maintaining their vitality and vigor.
3. It allows for variation to occur as it provides adaptability to the changing environment.
Ques: Write about the structure of microsporangium.
Ans: The microsporangium is circular and has four layers.

1. The outer layer is called the epidermis.

2. The second layer is known as endothecium. Within this layer, the cells develop thickening.
3. The middle layer is made up of 2 to 4 cells.
4. The innermost layer is termed tapetum. It is of large diploid and multinucleate cells.
5. There are four pollen sacs as well. Each of these pollen sacs has sporogenous tissue.

1 Mark Questions and Answers

Q1. What is parturition?
Ans: Parturition is the intense contraction of the uterus that leads to the delivery of the child at the end of nine
months of pregnancy.
Q2. Despite the presence of several sperms in the vicinity of an egg cell, only one sperm enters the
ovum. Explain?
Ans: Even though several sperms are there in the surroundings of an egg cell only one sperm enters the
ovum because when sperm has an encounter with the ovum (zona pellucida) it instigates changes in
the membrane to block the entry of the remaining sperms.
Q3. What is the function of Leydig cells?
Ans: The Leydig cells synthesise and release testicular hormones known as androgens.
Q4. State the reason why the male testes are located outside the abdominal cavity.
Ans: Male testes are located outside the abdominal cavity called the scrotum because it provides a lower
temperature than the typical body temperature i.e(2-3℃) needed for spermatogenesis.
Q5. How is polyspermy checked by the zona pellucida of the ovum?
Ans. The zona pellucida of the ovum is a thick layer that is surrounded by corona radiata cells. The cortical
granules are discharged from the egg which blocks the fusion of several sperms with an egg during the
process of fertilisation.
Q6. What is the importance of the cervix in the female reproductive system?
Ans. The cervix is an important part of the female reproductive system as it is a narrow opening through
which the uterus opens up to the vagina. The cervical canal is the cavity of the cervix which alongside
the vagina connects to the birth canal.
Q7. Explain the function of the epididymis in male fertility.
Ans. It is situated along the posterior surface of each testis where spermatozoa obtain motility and the
capability to fertilise the egg. The surface of the sperm is changed in response to discharges of the
epididymis, which is necessary for fertilisation of an egg.
Q8. State the role of the ampullary-isthmic junction in the female reproductive tract.
Ans. Fertilisation of the ovum happens in the ampullary-isthmic junction which is an important process of
reproduction.

2 Marks Questions and Answers

Q1. Give a reason for the following statements :
 The first half of the menstrual cycle is called the follicular phase as well as the
proliferative phase.
Ans: Primary follicles change into Graafian follicles due to FSH stimulation in the first half of the menstrual
cycle. Graafian follicles release estrogens provoking the expansion of the Endometrium of the uterus.
 The second half of the menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase as well as the secretory
phase.
Ans: The Corpus luteum is entirely produced and discharges an enormous quantity of Progesterone in the
second half of the menstrual cycle.
Q2. State the number of chromosomes in the following cells. Primary oocyte, secondary oocyte, ootid,
and follicle.
Ans: The number of chromosomes in the cells is:
 Primary oocytes contain 23 pairs.
 Secondary oocyte: 23.
 Ootid: 23.
 Follicles contain 23 pairs.
Q3. What is colostrum? State its importance to a newborn baby.
Ans: The milk secreted from mammary glands immediately after birth for 2 or 3 days is known as the
colostrum. It is considered to be high in proteins & low in fats. It also consists of the antibody IgA
which ensures immunity in newborn infants.
Q4. Where are the Leydig cells situated? What do they release?
Ans: The Leydig cells or interstitial cells are situated in between the seminiferous tubules. Leydig cells
release the male sex hormone named ‘testersterone’ which encourages the development of accessory
glands & regulates male secondary sexual characteristics.