CHAPTER-6

LIFE PROCESS
1. What do you mean by Life Process?

All living organisms show certain processes essential for maintenance of life called life process, which
are nutrition, respiration, transportation and excretion.
2. Define nutrition
The process by which living organisms obtain their nutrients to get energy for various life activities is
called nutrition
3. Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular organism like humans?
In multicellular organisms like us, all body cells are not in direct contact with the surrounding
environment. Thus, every cell of the body will not get oxygen by diffusion. Thus diffusion is insufficient to
meet the oxygen requirements.
4. What are enzymes?
Enzymes are biological catalysts which catalysis biochemical reactions.
5. In which form carbohydrates are stored in plants and animals?
Starch in plants and glycogen in animals
6. Name two types of nutrition
Autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition
7. Define autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition
Autotrophic nutrition:- The mode of nutrition in which the organisms take in raw materials like CO 2 and
H2O from outside environment and convert them into carbohydrates in the presence of sunlight and
chlorophyll is known as autotrophic nutrition. Eg. Green plants and some bacteria

Heterotrophic nutrition:- The mode of nutrition in which organisms obtain their food from other
organisms or matter, is called heterotrophic nutrition. Eg. Nutrition in animals

8. Name the types of heterotrophic nutrition

Saprophytic nutrition, parasitic nutrition and holozoic nutrition
9. What is holozoic nutrition?
It is a type of nutrition in which the organisms obtain food by ingesting the food and breaking in down into
absorbable form inside the body. It consists of 5 steps- Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and
egestion.
10. Write the overall equation of photosynthesis

6CO2 + 12H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O

11. What are the events occur during photosynthesis?
The following events occur during photosynthesis:
i. Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll
ii. Conversion of light energy into chemical energy and splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen
iii. Reduction of CO2 into carbohydrates.
12. Which process of the plant is necessary for the maintenance of oxygen in our environment?
Photosynthesis
13. What is the site of photosynthesis in a leaf?
Chloroplast
14. What is the source of oxygen released during photosynthesis?
Water
15. What is the by product and end product of photosynthesis?
By product – Oxygen
End product – Starch
16. Upper part of leaf has more green than lower part. Why?
Upper part of leaf is made up of parenchyma cell with large number of chloroplast. So Chlorophyll is
more in the upper part. But lower part of leaf is made up of parenchyma cells with less number of
chloroplast and less chlorophyll. This is the reason why the upper part of the leaf has more green than
lower part.

17. Write the functions of stomata

i. Exchange of gases (Oxygen and Carbon dioxide)
ii. Elimination of excess water in the form of water vapour through stomata. (Transpiration)
18. How stomata opening and closing occur?
The opening and closing of stomata is a function of the guard cells. The guard cells swell when water
flow into them, causing stomatal pore to open. Similarly, the stomatal pore close if the guard cells shrink
when water flow out of them.
(Diagram from text book)
 WHO
19. Name three organisms break down the food materials outside the body and then absorb it
Bread moulds, yeast and mushrooms.
20. Name the method by which amoeba obtain its food?
Phagocytosis (A type of holozoic nutrition)
21. Explain the nutrition in amoeba
Amoeba takes in food by using temporary feet like cytoplasmic extensions called pseudopodia which
engulf the food particle forming a food vacuole. Food in the food vacuole is broken down with the help of
enzymes.The nutrients of the food is absorbed by the cytoplasm and utilized by the body.The undigested
part is moved to the surface of the cell and thrown out. (Diagram from text book)
22. Herbivores have longer intestine and carnivores have shorter intestine . Why?
Herbivores eating grass need a longer small intestine to allow the cellulose to be digested. But
carnivores eat meat which is easy to digest, hence they have a shorter inestine.

23.Name the biggest gland and its secretion

Liver is the biggest gland and its secretion is called bile
24. What is the role bile juice(liver) in digestion?
Bile juice emulsifies the fat (Break down large fat into small fat globules or droplets). Bile juice converts
the acidic food from the stomach into alkaline. (BASE)
25. Name the digestive gland in the mouth and its secretion
Salivary gland is the digestive gland in the mouth. Its secretion is saliva. It contains salivary amylase
enzymes which breaks down starch into sugar.

26.What is peristalsis? Or How the food is moving through the food pipe?
Peristalsis is the rhythemic contraction and relaxation of the muscles of alimentary canal, which push
the food foreward.
27. Name the glands in the stomach wall
Gastric glands
28. Name the part of the alimentary canal and structure which absorb the digested food material.
Villi in the small intestine absorb the nutrients from the digested food.
29. What are villi?
Villi are finger like projections in the inner lining of the intestine to increase the surface area for the
absorption of digested food.
30. What are the parts of alimentary canal?
The parts of alimentary canal are mouth, esophagus (food pipe), stomach, small intestine, large
intestine and anus.
 (Human Digestive System) (For Practice)
31. Name the glands associated with alimentary canal.
Salivary glands – mouth
Gastric glands – stomach
Liver – Near to small intestine
Pancreas - Near to small intestine
Intestinal glands – Intestine
32. Name the secretions of gastric glands
Secretions of gastric glands are HCL, pepsin and mucus
33. What is the function of HCL in the stomach? OR Why HCL is secreted from gastric glands in
the stomach?
Importance of HCL in the stomach are:
1. It creates an acidic medium which is necessary for the action of the enzyme pepesin.
2. It kills harmful bacteria.
34. What is the role of mucus in the stomach?
Mucus protects the inner lining of the stomach from the action of HCL.
35.Name the secretion of pancreas and what are the enzymes present in it?
The secretions of pancreas is called pancreatic juice. It contains two enzymes – Trypsin and lipase
36. Name the site of alimentary canal where the complete digestion of carbohydrates, fats and
protein take place?
Small intestine
37. Name the end products formed in small intestine from carbohydrates, fats and proteins
The enzymes of the intestinal juice finally convert the carbohydrate into glucose, fat into fatty acid
and glycerol and proteins into amino acids.
38. What are the functions of the following enzymes in the process of digestion
i) Pepsin ii) Trypsin iii) Lipase iv) Salivary amylase
i) Pepsin:- This enzyme converts proteins into peptones
ii) Trypsin enzyme converts peptones into amino acids.
iii) Lipase:- Converts fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
iv) Salivary amylase converts starch into sugar or glucose
39. What is dental caies?
Dental caries is the tooth decay that causes gradual softening of enamel and dentine due to the
formation of acids by bacterial growth on teeth.
40. How is the small intestine designed to absorb digested food?
The wall of the small intestine contains small finger like projections known as villi. Villi provide a large
area for absorption. The have thin layer of cells and are richly supplied with blood capillaries. These ville
will absorb the digested food.

41. What is the function of digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes break down the complex food molecules into smaller molecules. So that they can be
easily absorbed by intestine.

42. What is respiration?

Respiration is a biochemical process that involves oxidation of glucose molecules in the presence of
enzymes to release energy. The process may occur in the presence or absence of oxygen.

43. What are the types of respiration?

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
44. Differentiate between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration

Aerobic Respiration Anaerobic Respiration

1.Glucose molecules breakdown in the presence of 1.Glucose molecules breakdown in the absence of
oxygen oxygen
2.The end products are CO2 , H2O and energy 2.The end products are CO2 , Ethyl alcohol and
3. Large amount of energy is released energy
4.The process take place in the cytoplasm and 3. Less amount of energy is released
mitochondria 4.The process take place in the cytoplasm
45. Write down the chemical equation of aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
1. Aerobic respiration
Glucose Pyruvate +O2 CO2 + H2O + Energy
2. Anaerobic respiration(Microorganisms)
Glucose Pyruvate Ethanol + CO2 + Energy
3. Anaerobic respiration(Muscle cells)
Glucose Pyruvate Lactic Acid + Energy

OR

Show breakdown of glucose by various pathways for different organisms

46. Name the site of respiration in a cell

Mitochondria
47. Where do the exchange of gases takes place in our lungs?
Alveoli
48. Explain the mechanism of gaseous exchange between tissue and blood?
In tissues, O2 is used up and CO2 is produced. So concentration of CO2 is more in tissues. The blood
coming from the lungs contain more O2 and less CO2. Due to difference in concentration O 2 diffuses
from blood to tissues and CO2 diffuses from tissue to blood.

49. How is oxygen and carbondioxide transported in human beings?

In human beings the respiratory pigment called haemoglobin present in the blood carries oxygen to
different parts of the body. But carbondioxide is more soluble in water. Hence CO2 is mostly transported
in dissolved form in our body.
50. Why an athlet develops muscle cramp during running?
It is due to accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle cells. Lactic acid is formed by the anaerobic
(absence of oxygen) break down of glucose in the muscle cells.
51. Name the parts of human respiratory system.
The parts of human respiratory system are nose, nostrils, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs
and alveoli.

Alveoli Tracea

52. How are alveoli designed to maximize the exchange of gases?

The following features of alveoli are designed to maximize the exchange of gases:
I.They are large in number
ii. They have large surface area
iii. Their membrane is very thin and moist
iv. They are richly supplied with blood capillaries.
53. Name the compond known as the energy currency of the cell
ATP
54. Why is the rate of breathing in aquatic organisms is much faster than that seen in terrestrial
organism?
The rate of breathing in aquatic organisms is much faster than that seen in terrestrial organism because
the amount of dissolved oxygen is fairly low in water when compared to the amount of oxygen in air.
55. Why do the walls of trachea not collapse when there is less air in it?
Trachea is supported by C- shaped continuous rings of cartilage. These cartilage rings will provide
mechanical support to the wall of trachea so the walls of trachea do not collapse.
56. What products are formed during respiration in our muscles when there is less supply of
oxygen?
Lactic acid and energy
57.Why is more energy released in aerobic respiration than in anaerobic respiration?
More energy released in aerobic respiration than in anaerobic respiration because complete oxidation of
glucose takes place in aerobic respiration and incomplete oxidation of glucose in anaerobic respiration.
58. When is lactic acid formed in our muscles?

When there is lack of oxygen in our muscle cells due to contineous work,the pyruvate breakdown in the
absence of O2 to form lactic acid.

59. What is residual volume?

Volume of air remaining in the lungs even after a forcible expiration is called residual volume.
60. Name three types of blood vessels
Arteries, veins and capillaries
61. Define the following terms - a) Pulmonary vein b) Pulmonary artery
Pulmonary Vein: - The vein which carries oxygenated blood from lungs to heart after oxygenation.
Pulmonar artery: - The artery which carries deoxygenated blood from heart to lungs for oxygenation.
62. Which part of the heart receives oxygenated blood?
Left side
63. Name the oxygen carrier in human blood?
Haemoglobin
64. Name the chamber of the heart receives deoxygenated blood?
Right auricle or right atrium
65. Which chamber of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to lungs?
Right ventricle
66. How many chambers are present in the following groups of organisms
1. Fish 2. Amphibians 3. Reptiles 4. Birds 5. Mammals
Fish – 2 chambers, Amphibians – 3 chambers, Reptiles – 3 chambers except crocodale
Birds – 4 chambers, Mammals – 4 chambers
67. Name the components of the circulatory system in humans
Heart, blood and blood vessels(arteries, veins and capillaries)
68. Which organ acts as a pump in the circulatory system?
Heart
69. Why does heart need valves?
Heart needs valves to prevent the backward flow of blood.
70. Name the largest vein in our body
Vena cava
71. Name the largest artery in our body
Aorta
72. Name two transporting system in Human beings
Blood circulatory system and lymphatic system
73. Name two liquids which help in the transport of substances in the human body
Blood and lymph
74. Name the liquid part of the blood
Plasma
75. What is the normal BP of Human beings?
80mm Hg – 120mm Hg
76.Name the instrument used to measure blood pressure
Sphygmomanometer
77. Name the various types of blood cells and write its function
RBC – transport O2 and CO2
WBC – Protect the body from germs
Platelets – Helps blood clotting
78. Write the functions of blood
1. Blood transport O2 and CO2
2.It carries digested food to different cells of the body
3. It transports hormones and proteins
4. It carries nitrogenous waste to kidneys and skin for excretion
5.Many other substances like salts are are also transported by blood
6. It protects our body from microorganisms
79. Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to all parts of the body?
Left ventricle
80. Why is it necessary to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in mammals and birds?
It necessary to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in mammals and birds because they need
high energy to maintain their body temperature.If it is not separated, oxygenated and deoxygenated
blood will be mixed so a highly efficient supply of oxygen cannot be provided. But highly efficient supply
of oxygen is necessary for producing a lot of energy.
81. State three functions of lymph
1. It transports of tissue fluid
2. It protect the body from infection
3. It removes waste products from the body cells to drain into blood
82. Define hear beat
One complete contraction and relaxation of the heart is called a heart beat
83. Mention the differences between blood and lymph
Blood Lymph
1. Haemoglobin present 1. It is absent
2. Blood flows in blood vessels 2. It bathes in the body tissues
3.It flows from heart all parts and returns to
3. It flows from tissues to heart only
heart
4. It is red in colour 4. It is pale yellow in colour
5. It transport O2, CO2, food , hormones etc. 5. It absobs fat and transport wastes

84. How does lymph formed?

When blood passes through the capillaris the WBC, plasma, some proteisn and salts come out through
the pores presnt in the capillaries. This forms a pale yellow fluid in beteen the cells. This is called lymph
85. What is blood pressure?
The force exerted by blood against the wall of the blood vessel is called blood pressure.
86. What is hypertension?
Hypertension is the condition of high blood pressure
87. Distinguish between artery and vein
Artery Veins
1. Arteies carry blood from the heart to the all
1. Veins carry blood from body organs to the heart
body organs
2. It carries oxygenated blood except pulmonary 2. It carries deoxygenated blood except pulmonary
artery vein
3.Arteries have thick walls 3. Veins have thin walls
4. Blood flows with high pressure 4. Blood flows with low pressure
5. Valves present to prevent backward flow of
5. Valves absent
blood
88. Explain the structure of human heart
The heart is roughly triangular in shape.It is a muscular organ which is as big as our fist.Heart is covered
by a membrane called pericardium.Our heart has 4 chambers. Upper two chambers are called atria.
Lower two chambers are called ventricles.Right side of the heart carries deoxygenated blood and left
side of the heart carries oxygenated blood. Right and left side is separated by a septum.Valves are
present

89. Describe double circulation in human beings.Why is it necessary?

Flow of blood twice through the heart during each cardiac cycle is called double circulation. The
deoxygenated blood comes to the right side of the heart through veins. It is taken to the lungs for
oxygenation and oxygenated blood comes back to the left side of the the heart. From the left side of the
heart oxygenated blood is distributed to all parts of the body by aorta. Since blood flows twice through
the heart in one cycle, it is called double circulation. The energy demand of human beings is too large
and hence it is necessary for the separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to meet this energy
demand.
90. What is lymph?
It is a colourless tissue fluid present in the intercellular spaces of cells.
91. Name the conducting tissues in plants
Xylem and phloem
92. Name the process responsible for the distribution of water and minerals to all parts of plant
body
Transpiration
93. How does uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere into the leaf cells takes place?
By difussion process
94. How does water constantly flow into root from the soil?
The root cells remain in contact with the soil and actively take up ions. This creates a difference in the
concentration of the ions between the root and the soil. As a result, water moves into the root from the
soil to eliminate this difference. There is steady movement of water into xylem . This creates a column of
water in the root.

95. Define transpiration

The loss of water in the form of water vapour trough stomata of leaves is called transpiration.
96. What are the importance of transpiration?
1. Transpiration helps the absorption and upward movement of water (From roots to leaves)
2. It helps in temperature regulation
97. How water and minerals transported in plants?
Xylem tissue (Vessels and tracheids) is responsible for the transportation of water and dissolved
minerals in plants. Xylem tissue of root,stem and leaves are interconnected .Roots will get water from
soil. Due to the accumulation of water in the root cause root pressure in roots.This pressure pushes the
water upward during night when stomata are closed. During day time transpiration pull become the major
driving force to push water upwards.

98. How is food transported in plants?

Phloem transports food materials from the leaves to different parts of the plant. The soluble product of
photosynthesis is transferred into phloem using energy from ATP. This cause to increase osmotic

pressure. This pressure moves the material from the area of high concentration to low concentration.

99.Define excretion

Excretion is the process of removal of nitrogenous waste materials from the body
100.Name some excretory organs of man
Kidneys ,lungs sweat glands etc
101. Where are the kidneys located in human beings?
They are located on the back side of abdomen on either side of the vertebral column.
102. What are the parts of Human excretory system?
A pair of kidneys, a pair of ureters, urinary bladder and urethra.

103. What is the basic unit of kidney?

Nephron
104. What are the functions of kidney in our body?
1. Excretion of nitrogenous waste
2. Osmoregulation
105. Expalin the structure and working of nephron
Nephron is an elongated cell. One end of the nephron has a cup shaped bag called Bowman's Capsule.
The lower end of Bowman's Capsule is tube shaped and is called a tubule. The other end of the
nephron is connected to a collecting duct. The Bowman's Capsule contains a bundle of capillaries which
is called glomerulus.

When blood rich in nitrogenous wastes passes through glomerulus, the small molecules like water,urea,
glucose,amino acids ,salts etc.will be squeezed into the Bowman's Capsule. This form uric acid or urine
with water and passes through the tubule When it passing through the tubule the useful materials will be
reabsorbed by the blood capillaries around the tubule of neophron. The tubule will pass this urine to
collecting duct and from there it will move to urinary bladder through ureter .
106.What is the role of glomerulus in the kidney?
It filters the nitrogenous waste materials from the blood.
107. What is hemodialysis?
The artificial method of removal of nitrogenous waste materials from blood is known as haemodialysis
108. What is artificial kidney?
It is a device used to remove nitrogenous waste products from the blood by dialysis
109. Explain the working of artificial kidney?
Artificial kidney is a machine which contains a no.of tubes with semipermeable lining. These tubes
remain suspended in a tank filled with dialysing fluid. This fluid has the same composition as that of
blood plasma but lacks nitrogenous wastes.The patients blood from one of the arteries is pumped into
the dialyser. As it passes through the tubes, the waste products from blood pass out into the dialysing
fluid by diffusion. The purified blood is returned back to one of the veins in the human body.

110. What are the methods used by plants to get rid of excretory products?
1. Excess water is removed by transpiration
2. Oxygen produced during photosynthesis is removed through stomata.
3. Some wastes are stored in leaves which are removed from the plants when leaves fall off.
4. many plant waste products are stored in cellular vacuole
5. Some waste products are stored as resins and gums, especially in old xylem
6. Plants also excrete some waste substances into the soil around them.
111. How is the amount of urine produced is regulated?
The amount of urine produced depends on the amount of water and dissolved wastes present in the
body. More water and wastes will produce more urine.