Life Processes Class 10 Questions Solved: From Basic to Advanced NCERT Problems

Are you struggling with life processes class 10 questions and answers? Life processes such as respiration, digestion, excretion, circulation, and transportation are essential for maintaining life. Understanding these fundamental processes not only helps you grasp how living organisms function but also prepares you for academic success.

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The four vital life processes—nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion—form the foundation of biological functions in all living organisms. When you develop a strong command over life processes class 10 NCERT solutions, you position yourself to easily crack competitive exams like NEET, AIIMS, and JIPMER. Additionally, knowing specific concepts such as how the alveoli provide a surface for gas exchange in lungs or understanding that xylem transports water upward while phloem distributes food from leaves to various plant parts will help you answer both basic and advanced questions with confidence.

Throughout this comprehensive guide, you’ll find detailed explanations and solutions to questions ranging from the holozoic nutrition in Amoeba to the breakdown of glucose through aerobic and anaerobic respiration pathways. Furthermore, you’ll discover how respiratory pigments like hemoglobin transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. By the end of this article, you’ll have mastered all the important questions and concepts needed to excel in your exams.

Understanding Life Processes in Class 10 Science

Life processes form the foundation of biology in Class 10 Science, representing the essential functions that maintain living organisms. Let’s explore these vital processes that differentiate living beings from non-living entities and understand their significance in the NCERT curriculum.

Definition of life processes

Life processes refer to the basic maintenance functions that must continue in all living organisms even during rest or sleep. These are the fundamental activities performed by an organism to maintain its life on earth. The core life processes include nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion. In fact, these processes must continue functioning regardless of whether an organism is active or inactive.

For multicellular organisms like humans, specialized organ systems carry out these functions, whereas in unicellular organisms, a single cell performs all these processes. Nevertheless, the underlying principles remain consistent across all life forms. These processes involve numerous chemical reactions, particularly oxidation-reduction reactions that break down molecules to release energy.

Why life processes are essential for survival

Life processes are vital because they perform maintenance jobs that prevent damage and breakdown of body structures. Therefore, these processes require energy, which comes from outside the body in the form of food. Moreover, this energy must be transferred from outside to inside the body through nutrition.

The maintenance of homeostasis (internal stability) directly depends on these processes. Consequently, even a slight disturbance in any life process can disturb the entire functioning of the body. For growth to occur, additional raw materials from outside the body are needed, primarily carbon-based molecules that serve as food sources.

Life processes help organisms:

  • Produce energy for daily activities
  • Maintain internal balance despite environmental changes
  • Support growth and repair of body structures
  • Remove harmful waste products

Overview of NCERT Chapter 6 structure

The NCERT Chapter 6 (renumbered as Chapter 5 according to CBSE Syllabus 2023-24) provides a comprehensive exploration of four major life processes. The chapter is organized to build a progressive understanding of these interconnected systems.

Initially, the chapter introduces nutrition, explaining both autotrophic and heterotrophic modes. Autotrophs like green plants prepare their food through photosynthesis, whereas heterotrophs depend on other organisms for nutrition. The chapter then details the human digestive system, tracing food’s journey from ingestion through the alimentary canal to absorption.

Following nutrition, the chapter explores respiration—both aerobic and anaerobic—describing how organisms break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP. This section covers the entire process from inhalation to energy production at the cellular level.

Transportation comes next, focusing on how substances like food, oxygen, and carbon dioxide move throughout the body. For humans, this involves studying the circulatory system, including blood, blood vessels, and the heart. Plant transportation systems are also examined.

The final section covers excretion, explaining how organisms remove metabolic waste products. This includes studying the human excretory system with its kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder, alongside exploring how plants excrete waste materials.

Throughout the chapter, important concepts are reinforced with questions and examples that help students prepare for both classroom assessments and competitive exams.

Solved Questions on Nutrition in Plants and Animals

Nutrition stands as one of the most critical life processes through which organisms obtain energy for survival. This section tackles solved questions ranging from basic concepts to complex nutritional mechanisms that frequently appear in NCERT-based assessments.

Autotrophic vs Heterotrophic Nutrition Questions

Q: What is the main difference between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition?

A: Autotrophs prepare their own food using simple inorganic substances, whereas heterotrophs depend on other organisms for nutrition. Specifically, autotrophs utilize carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight through photosynthesis, while heterotrophs consume complex organic compounds.

Q: Where are autotrophs and heterotrophs placed in the food chain?

A: Autotrophs are producers placed at the primary level (bottom) of the food chain, while heterotrophs are consumers positioned at secondary or tertiary levels.

Q: Give examples of organisms showing autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.

A: Autotrophs include green plants, algae, and certain photosynthetic bacteria. Heterotrophs include animals, fungi, most bacteria, and non-photosynthetic organisms.

Photosynthesis: Raw Materials and Byproducts

Q: What raw materials are required for photosynthesis?

A: Plants require carbon dioxide (obtained from the atmosphere through stomata), water (absorbed from soil via roots), sunlight, and chlorophyll (present in chloroplasts) for photosynthesis.

Q: Write the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis.

A: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Q: What are the byproducts of photosynthesis and their significance?

A: The primary byproducts are glucose and oxygen. Glucose provides energy for plant growth, while oxygen supports respiration in animals and combustion of fuels.

Digestion in Humans: Mouth to Intestine

Q: Describe the role of saliva in digestion.

A: Saliva contains salivary amylase that breaks down starch into sugar. It moistens food to form a bolus that can be easily swallowed, thus initiating digestion in the mouth.

Q: How are fats digested in our body?

A: Fats are digested primarily in the small intestine. Bile juice from the liver emulsifies large fat globules into smaller droplets, allowing pancreatic lipase to break them down into fatty acids and glycerol.

Q: Why do herbivores have longer small intestines than carnivores?

A: Herbivores consume plants rich in cellulose, which takes longer to digest. The longer intestine provides more time and surface area for the symbiotic bacteria to break down cellulose completely.

Life process class 10 important questions on enzymes

Q: What are digestive enzymes and their functions?

A: Digestive enzymes are biological catalysts that break down complex food molecules into simpler forms for absorption. They accelerate the rate of digestion and make nutrients available for cellular use.

Q: Name the enzyme that digests proteins in the stomach.

A: Pepsin digests proteins in the stomach. It requires an acidic environment created by hydrochloric acid (HCl) to function effectively.

Q: What enzyme is secreted by the pancreas to digest emulsified fats?

A: Lipase is secreted by the pancreas to digest emulsified fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Q: What happens if mucus is not secreted by gastric glands?

A: Without mucus protection, the stomach’s inner lining would be eroded by hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, leading to acidity and ulcers.

These solved questions cover essential concepts about nutrition in plants and animals, helping you understand the fundamental processes that sustain life. Mastering these questions will strengthen your foundation for more advanced topics in life processes.

Respiration: From Basic Concepts to Advanced Questions

Respiration represents a fundamental metabolic process that releases energy from glucose molecules to power cellular activities. By understanding the mechanics of respiration, you can tackle both basic and complex questions on this vital life process in your Class 10 examinations.

Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration Differences

The primary distinction between aerobic and anaerobic respiration lies in their oxygen requirements and subsequent energy yield. Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen, yet anaerobic respiration takes place when oxygen is unavailable.

FeatureAerobic RespirationAnaerobic Respiration
Oxygen requirementRequires oxygenOccurs without oxygen
LocationCytoplasm and mitochondriaCytoplasm only
Glucose breakdownComplete oxidationIncomplete breakdown
End productsCO₂ and H₂OCO₂ and ethyl alcohol or lactic acid
Energy yield (ATP)38 ATP moleculesOnly 2 ATP molecules

Essentially, aerobic respiration produces significantly more energy because it completely breaks down glucose molecules. Unlike its anaerobic counterpart, aerobic respiration involves gas exchange and happens in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells.

Glucose Breakdown Pathways: Cytoplasm vs Mitochondria

The breakdown of glucose follows distinct pathways depending on its location within the cell:

In Cytoplasm: Glycolysis initiates respiration in all organisms, regardless of oxygen availability. During this process, a six-carbon glucose molecule splits into two three-carbon pyruvate molecules. This stage yields a small amount of energy as ATP and converts NAD+ to NADH.

In Mitochondria: Provided oxygen is available, pyruvate moves from the cytoplasm into the mitochondrial matrix. Inside mitochondria, pyruvate undergoes oxidation to form acetyl CoA, releasing carbon dioxide and generating NADH. Subsequently, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) begins, producing more ATP, NADH, and FADH₂.

The final phase, oxidative phosphorylation, occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane where electrons carried by NADH and FADH₂ pass through the electron transport chain. This process ultimately reduces oxygen to water while producing substantial ATP.

Respiration in Muscles During Exercise

During vigorous physical activity, your muscles demand more energy than usual. Initially, they rely on aerobic respiration, which explains why your breathing and heart rate increase to supply additional oxygen. However, when the exercise becomes intense, oxygen supply cannot match the demand.

At this point, muscle cells switch to anaerobic respiration. The pyruvate produced during glycolysis converts to lactic acid instead of entering the mitochondria. This anaerobic pathway generates limited energy but does so rapidly.

The equation for this process can be expressed as: C₆H₁₂O₆ → C₃H₆O₃ (lactic acid) + 2ATP

This lactic acid accumulation leads to muscle fatigue and painful cramps. After exercise, you continue breathing deeply for some time—a period called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)—during which lactic acid reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water.

Life processes class 10 extra questions with answers on respiration

Q1: Why does anaerobic respiration occur in our muscles during heavy exercise? A: During strenuous exercise, oxygen gets used up faster in muscle cells than can be supplied by blood, forcing muscles to respire anaerobically.

Q2: Where does glycolysis take place in a cell? A: Glycolysis occurs exclusively in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Q3: What happens to pyruvic acid under anaerobic conditions in muscles? A: Under anaerobic conditions, pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) in muscles.

Q4: Distinguish between breathing and respiration. A: Breathing is a physical process involving inhalation and exhalation, whereas respiration is a biochemical process involving gas exchange and food oxidation. Breathing is extracellular, doesn’t involve enzymes, and consumes energy, while respiration occurs in all body cells, involves numerous enzymes, and releases energy.

Q5: Why is aerobic respiration considered more efficient than anaerobic respiration? A: Aerobic respiration is more efficient because it produces 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, compared to only 2 ATP molecules in anaerobic respiration.

Mastering these concepts and questions will undoubtedly strengthen your understanding of respiration as a vital life process and prepare you for both basic and advanced examination questions.

Transportation in Humans and Plants: NCERT-Based Q&A

Transportation stands as a crucial life process that connects various body systems by moving essential substances within organisms. This fundamental system ensures survival by delivering nutrients, oxygen, and removing waste products from cells throughout the body.

Structure and Function of Human Heart

The human heart consists of four chambers: two upper atria and two lower ventricles. These chambers work in coordination to pump blood throughout the body. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior and inferior vena cava, while the left atrium collects oxygenated blood from the lungs via pulmonary veins.

The heart contains four valves that prevent backflow of blood: tricuspid valve (between right atrium and ventricle), pulmonary valve (between right ventricle and pulmonary artery), mitral valve (between left atrium and ventricle), and aortic valve (between left ventricle and aorta).

Q: What initiates the pumping action of the heart? A: The pumping action is initiated by a set of muscles called the sinoatrial node (SAN), with heart rate controlled by nerves and hormones.

Double Circulation Explained with Questions

Double circulation means blood passes through the heart twice in a single cycle, separating oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to maintain constant body temperature. It involves two main circuits:

Q: What are the two types of circulation in humans? A: Pulmonary circulation and systemic circulation.

Q: How does pulmonary circulation work? A: The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. Afterwards, this oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium.

Q: What happens in systemic circulation? A: The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to various body parts. Subsequently, deoxygenated blood from these parts returns through the vena cava to the right atrium.

Transport of Water and Food in Plants

Plants have two specialized conducting tissues for transportation:

  1. Xylem: Primarily transports water and minerals from roots to other plant parts. It forms a continuous system of water-conducting channels reaching all parts of the plant.
  2. Phloem: Transports food materials (mainly sugars) from leaves to different parts of the plant. This process, called translocation, requires energy from ATP.

Q: What creates the force that pulls water up in plants? A: Transpiration creates suction pressure, forcing water into the xylem cells of roots.

Important questions of life processes class 10 on blood vessels

Q: What are the three types of blood vessels and their features? A: Arteries carry blood away from the heart, have thick walls, and narrow lumen. Veins return blood to the heart, have thin walls with valves, and wider lumen. Capillaries are tiny vessels where exchange of materials occurs.

Q: What functions does blood perform? A: Blood transports nutrients, respiratory gasses, and excretory wastes. Additionally, it plays roles in the immune system, pH maintenance, temperature regulation, and homeostasis.

Q: What is the normal blood pressure value? A: The normal blood pressure value is 120/80 mm of Hg, measured using a sphygmomanometer.

Excretion: Solved Questions from NCERT and Beyond

The elimination of metabolic waste stands as the final link in life processes, ensuring organisms maintain internal balance. Waste removal prevents toxic buildup and maintains homeostasis, making excretion essential for survival.

Structure and Function of Nephron

Nephrons serve as microscopic filtration units in kidneys, with each human kidney containing nearly one million of these structures. Each nephron consists of several key components working in precise coordination:

  • Glomerulus: A tuft of capillaries where blood filtration begins
  • Bowman’s Capsule: A cup-like structure enclosing the glomerulus
  • Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT): Reabsorbs 70-80% of water and essential nutrients
  • Loop of Henle: Contains descending and ascending limbs with different permeabilities
  • Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT): Enables conditional reabsorption of sodium and water
  • Collecting Duct: Receives filtered fluid from multiple nephrons

Functionally, nephrons perform three critical processes: filtration at the glomerulus, selective reabsorption of valuable substances like glucose and amino acids in the tubules, and secretion of waste molecules. The blood enters the kidney through the renal artery, which branches into capillaries associated with the glomerulus where filtration occurs under high pressure.

Urine Formation and Regulation

Urine formation involves three main steps: glomerular filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. During ultrafiltration, blood passes through three layers—the endothelium of glomerular vessels, the epithelium of Bowman’s capsule, and a basement membrane—filtering out everything except proteins.

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a healthy individual averages about 125 ml/minute, amounting to approximately 180 liters per day. Yet, remarkably, only 1.5 liters of urine is typically excreted daily, indicating that 99% of the filtrate gets reabsorbed.

The amount of urine produced varies based on:

  • Excess water and dissolved waste levels in the body
  • Environmental conditions (summer vs. winter)
  • Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) levels, which regulate water reabsorption

Indeed, even when we drink more water during summer, we urinate less frequently since considerable water is lost through perspiration, prompting kidneys to reabsorb more water.

Excretion in Plants: Gums, Resins, and Transpiration

Unlike animals, plants lack specialized excretory organs yet still eliminate waste products effectively. Plants employ several methods for excretion:

  1. Transpiration: Excess water evaporates through stomata, lenticels, and leaf surfaces
  2. Storage: Plants store wastes like tannins, resins, oils, and latex in bark, stems, and leaves
  3. Shedding: Plants eliminate stored wastes by shedding leaves, bark, and flowers
  4. Deposition: Some waste products are deposited in cellular vacuoles or excreted into soil

Metabolic wastes in plants primarily come from cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and protein metabolism. These include carbon dioxide, excess water, and nitrogenous compounds that must be eliminated to maintain plant health.

Class 10 life process question answer on excretory system

Q: Describe the structure and functioning of nephrons. A: Nephrons filter blood through the glomerulus into Bowman’s capsule. The filtrate then passes through the proximal tubule where substances like glucose and salts are reabsorbed, followed by the loop of Henle for further water absorption, then distal tubule, and finally collecting duct.

Q: How is urine production regulated? A: Urine production depends on excess water levels, environmental factors, and ADH hormone, which regulates water reabsorption in collecting ducts.

Q: What are methods used by plants to eliminate excretory products? A: Plants eliminate wastes through transpiration, storage in vacuoles, deposition in old xylem as resins and gums, and shedding of leaves.

Q: What is the main nitrogenous waste in humans? A: Urea is the primary nitrogenous waste in humans, produced in the liver by combining ammonia with carbon dioxide.

Diagram-Based Questions with Labeled Answers

Visual learning through diagrams offers a powerful way to understand complex biological systems in NCERT Class 10 Life Processes. Diagram-based questions frequently appear in exams, requiring both identification and functional understanding of biological structures.

Human Digestive System Diagram Questions

Q: Label the parts of the human digestive system that convert food into essential nutrients.

The digestive system begins at the mouth, where teeth break down food physically and salivary amylase starts carbohydrate digestion . Food then passes through the pharynx into the esophagus, which connects to the stomach . The stomach produces hydrochloric acid and pepsin to digest proteins, additionally protecting itself with mucus .

From the stomach, partially digested food enters the small intestine through the pyloric sphincter . The small intestine, a coiled tube about 9-10 feet long, receives secretions from the pancreas and liver to complete digestion . Meanwhile, the large intestine, measuring 4-5 feet, absorbs water and breaks down waste . Throughout this journey, the liver processes absorbed nutrients and produces bile for fat digestion .

Respiratory System with Alveoli Labeling

Q: Identify the structures in this human respiratory system diagram.

In the respiratory system, air enters through the pharynx and travels down the trachea (windpipe), which branches into bronchi leading to each lung . The bronchi divide into smaller bronchioles ending in balloon-like alveoli . The alveolar sacs provide an extensive surface area for gas exchange, surrounded by networks of blood vessels .

The thoracic cavity houses the lungs, with the diaphragm beneath them . During inhalation, the diaphragm flattens and ribs lift, expanding the chest cavity to draw air in . This mechanism creates negative pressure that fills the alveoli with air .

Nephron Structure and Function Diagram

Q: Label this nephron diagram and explain its filtering function.

Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons, the microscopic filtering units . A nephron consists of a renal corpuscle (Bowman’s capsule surrounding the glomerulus) connected to a renal tubule . The tubule includes the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), Loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule (DCT), and collecting duct .

Blood enters the glomerulus through afferent arterioles where filtration begins . The filtered fluid passes through the tubules where selective reabsorption occurs—with 99% of the filtrate being reabsorbed . Different segments of the tubule have specific functions: PCT reabsorbs glucose and nutrients, the Loop of Henle creates concentration gradients, and DCT regulates electrolytes .

Transport in Plants: Xylem and Phloem Diagrams

Q: Compare the structure and function of xylem and phloem in this plant transport diagram.

Plant vascular tissues form bundles throughout roots, stems, and leaves . Xylem tissue forms non-living tubes without cross walls, allowing continuous water transport from roots to other plant parts . Its walls are thickened with lignin, providing structural support alongside its transport function .

In contrast, phloem consists of living cells that transport food materials bidirectionally . Although both tissues work together as a unit, they differ markedly—xylem transports unidirectionally, primarily moving water and minerals upward, while phloem distributes sugars and nutrients from leaves to growing regions and storage organs .

MCQs and One Mark Questions from Life Processes

Multiple-choice questions form a significant portion of your Class 10 Science exam, making them crucial for scoring well. First and foremost, these one-mark questions test your conceptual understanding in formats that require precision and clarity.

Life processes class 10 MCQs from previous year papers

MCQs in life processes typically cover definitions, specific roles, and fundamental concepts. For instance, “Which statement about autotrophs is incorrect?” tests your understanding of photosynthesis fundamentals. Similarly, questions like “In which group of organisms is food broken down outside the body?” assess your knowledge of nutrition types.

Solving these questions helps identify gaps in your preparation. Timing yourself while answering multiple MCQs can improve your speed and accuracy—essential skills for examination success.

Assertion-Reason Type Questions

This format presents a statement (Assertion) followed by an explanation (Reason). For example:

Assertion: Green plants are autotrophs. Reason: They synthesize food using carbon dioxide and water in sunlight presence. Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Other examples include “Muscles may respire anaerobically during vigorous exercise” and “Arteries have thick, elastic walls”. These questions test your ability to connect concepts and evaluate relationships between biological phenomena.

Match the Following and Fill in the Blanks

Fill-in-the-blanks questions typically cover key terms and processes: “Plants get rid of excess water by _______ (transpiration)”.

Match-the-following questions might connect structures with functions or organisms with their nutrition types. These formats test your recall ability and precise terminology knowledge, preparing you for both classroom assessments and competitive exams.

Short Answer Questions with Step-by-Step Solutions

Mastering short answer questions requires both knowledge and strategic answering techniques. These questions typically test your understanding of core life processes concepts while demanding concise explanations.

2-mark and 3-mark questions from NCERT exercises

Short questions often focus on fundamental concepts like “Why is diffusion insufficient for multicellular organisms?” Answer by explaining how diffusion is slow and all cells aren’t in direct contact with the environment. For questions about “Functions of digestive enzymes,” mention how they break complex food into simpler components for easier absorption.

Questions comparing processes—like autotrophic versus heterotrophic nutrition—require tabular answers highlighting key differences in food sources, chlorophyll requirements, and examples of organisms.

Life processes class 10 notes questions and answers

Questions about plant processes often appear, such as “How is water transported in plants?” Explain how roots absorb water, creating concentration differences that push water upward through xylem vessels. Root pressure coupled with transpiration pull creates suction, drawing water to leaves.

Questions concerning human systems primarily address structure and function, like “How are lungs designed to maximize gas exchange?” Highlight bronchioles terminating in alveoli with thin walls and extensive blood vessels.

Common mistakes in short answers and how to avoid them

Above all, avoid vague explanations. Instead of simply stating “plants excrete waste,” specify exact mechanisms like transpiration, shedding leaves, and releasing resins. Beforehand, ensure you understand the question’s requirements—whether it asks for definition, comparison, or explanation.

Long Answer and HOTS Questions with Explanations

Tackling long-answer questions demands thorough conceptual clarity and excellent articulation skills. These comprehensive questions evaluate your deeper understanding of life processes beyond basic recall.

5-mark questions from CBSE board papers

Board examinations primarily feature questions relating to digestive system intricacies. One recurring question asks: “The length of small intestine varies depending on diet.” You must explain how herbivores require longer intestines for digesting cellulose-rich plant material, whereas carnivores need shorter ones as meat digestion is simpler. Correspondingly, questions about pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, lipase, amylase) and bile juice emulsifying fats often appear.

Questions regarding small intestine design typically require elaborating on villi structure—explaining how finger-like projections increase absorption surface area through their one-cell-thick walls containing blood vessels.

High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions

HOTS questions explore connections between life processes. Explicitly compare alveoli and nephrons regarding structure and function. Otherwise, explain differences between breathing (physical process) and respiration (biochemical process).

Questions asking “Why is respiratory pigment needed in multicellular organisms?” require mentioning hemoglobin’s role in oxygen transport throughout body tissues.

Life process important questions for board exam

Throughout board exams, questions about double circulation appear frequently, asking for flow-chart representations of blood pathway. Notably, questions regarding urine formation pathway occur regularly: Kidney → Ureter → Urinary bladder → Urethra. Overall, questions on respiratory structures demand explaining how cartilage rings prevent airway collapse.

Practice Set: Life Processes Class 10 Extra Questions

Preparing effectively for exams requires practice with diverse question types. Throughout your preparation, working through extra questions helps reinforce concepts while exposing you to various question formats that might appear in assessments.

Topic-wise practice questions with answers

On Nutrition: Q1: Secretion of less saliva in mouth will affect which conversion? A: It affects the conversion of starch into simple sugars, as saliva contains salivary amylase that breaks down starch.

On Respiration: Q2: Where do sites ‘a’ and ‘b’ refer to in glucose breakdown? A: ‘a’ refers to cytoplasm and ‘b’ to oxygen-deficient muscle cells.

On Transportation: Q3: What blood vessels bring oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to the heart? A: Pulmonary veins bring oxygenated blood while vena cava brings deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Mixed question set for revision

Q1: What is the basic filtration unit of the excretory system? A: The nephron.

Q2: Select the correct sequence of nutrition in Amoeba: A: (i) Food vacuole formation, (ii) Diffusion of nutrients into cytoplasm, (iii) Breaking down of complex substances, (iv) Expulsion of undigested material, (v) Formation of pseudopodia.

Q3: In aerobic respiration, where does glucose breakdown to pyruvate and further conversion occur? A: Cytoplasm and mitochondria respectively.

Life process ncert solutions for practice

NCERT solutions provide structured approaches for answering examination questions. Primarily, these solutions help you understand concepts better while clearing common misconceptions. Besides content knowledge, they improve answer-writing skills by demonstrating correct formats expected in examinations.

Studying these solutions firstly helps in systematically covering all key topics—nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion. Yet merely memorizing answers is insufficient; understanding underlying principles ensures success in applied questions that test conceptual clarity.


Throughout this comprehensive guide, you’ve explored the four fundamental life processes essential for all living organisms. Mastering these concepts undoubtedly prepares you for success in your Class 10 examinations and beyond. Most importantly, your understanding of nutrition, respiration, transportation, and excretion now extends from basic definitions to complex mechanisms that sustain life.

The detailed examination of nutrition revealed how organisms obtain energy—whether through autotrophic means like photosynthesis or heterotrophic consumption. Subsequently, your journey through respiration explained both aerobic and anaerobic pathways, clarifying how glucose breakdown releases energy for cellular activities. Transportation systems, particularly the human circulatory system and plant vascular tissues, demonstrated how essential substances move within organisms. Finally, the excretory mechanisms highlighted how waste removal maintains internal balance in both plants and animals.

Practice questions ranging from MCQs to diagram-based problems have equipped you with examination strategies for various question formats. Additionally, the step-by-step solutions provided offer templates for structuring your answers effectively. Common mistakes and misconceptions have also been addressed, thus strengthening your conceptual clarity.

Remember that life processes represent interconnected systems rather than isolated functions. The oxygen from respiration supports cellular metabolism, while transportation distributes nutrients from digestion to body cells. Waste products from these processes must then be eliminated through excretion. Understanding these relationships will help you tackle even the most challenging HOTS questions confidently.

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