CBSE Class 10 Science: Life Processes — Important Concept-Based Questions | BACE IIT JEE
CBSE Class 10 Science: Life Processes — Important Concept-Based Questions
Master the Life Processes chapter with BACE IIT JEE’s carefully curated concept-based questions, clear explanations and exam-smart tips. This guide is tailored for Class 10 students preparing for CBSE board exams and competitive foundations — focusing on nutrition, respiration, transport, excretion and control & coordination.
Why this chapter matters
Life Processes connects biological principles to everyday living — how living organisms obtain food, convert it into energy, transport substances, remove wastes, and respond to their environment. Questions from this chapter test conceptual clarity, diagram-based skills and application of NCERT fundamentals — all high-weight areas for board exams.
Tip: Focus on mechanisms and labelled diagrams. Many marks are won simply by drawing a neat, labeled diagram of the alimentary canal, nephron, human respiratory system or a reflex arc.
Core topics you must master
- Nutrition — modes of nutrition (autotrophic, heterotrophic), photosynthesis (equation, factors), digestion in animals (human alimentary canal).
- Respiration — aerobic vs anaerobic, human respiratory system, gaseous exchange, breathing mechanism and lungs.
- Transport — circulatory system in plants (xylem/phloem) and humans (heart, blood vessels, blood components).
- Excretion — human excretory system, kidney structure (nephron), urine formation and dialysis concept.
- Control & Coordination — nervous system (neurons, reflex action), hormones and human endocrine glands.
How to use this article
Use the concept-based questions below for practice. Attempt answers in your notebook before reading explanations. This approach builds recall, application and exam confidence quickly.
Concept-Based Important Questions (Short & Long)
Q1. Distinguish between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition with one example each.
Answer (concise): Autotrophic organisms (e.g., green plants) synthesize food using simple inorganic substances and sunlight (photosynthesis). Heterotrophic organisms (e.g., humans, animals) obtain food by consuming other organisms.
Q2. Explain the process of photosynthesis and write the chemical equation. Mention two factors affecting it.
Answer (concise): Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts where light energy converts CO2 and H2O into glucose and oxygen. Equation:
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2. Factors: light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and chlorophyll availability.
Q3. Describe the role of stomata in plants.
Stomata are pores on the leaf surface that allow gas exchange (CO2 in for photosynthesis and O2/H2O vapor out). Guard cells control opening and closing to balance photosynthesis and water loss (transpiration).
Q4. Draw and label the human heart (simple diagram). Explain double circulation.
Double circulation means blood passes through the heart twice in one complete body circuit: pulmonary circulation (heart → lungs → heart) and systemic circulation (heart → body → heart). This separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, improving efficiency.
Q5. What is the structure and function of a nephron? How is urine formed?
Nephron (functional unit of kidney) consists of Bowman's capsule, glomerulus, proximal tubule, loop of Henle and distal tubule. Urine forms by filtration (in glomerulus), selective reabsorption (in tubules) and secretion — concentrating wastes while retaining useful substances.
Q6. Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration with examples.
Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to fully oxidize glucose yielding more energy (e.g., human cells). Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and yields less energy producing lactic acid (in animals) or ethanol & CO2 (in yeast).
Q7. Explain reflex action with an example (draw the reflex arc).
Reflex action is an involuntary, rapid response to stimulus (e.g., hand withdrawal from hot object). A reflex arc: receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord (interneuron) → motor neuron → effector. No conscious brain involvement speeds response.
Q8. How do plants transport water from roots to leaves? Mention the primary mechanism.
Water transport occurs through xylem by transpiration pull, cohesion and adhesion of water molecules and root pressure. Transpiration creates negative pressure that draws water up the xylem vessels.
Higher-order & Application Questions (Practice)
- Why are leaves thin and flat? Explain advantages related to life processes.
- Design an experiment to show that oxygen is produced during photosynthesis.
- Explain how dialysis mimics kidney function. When is it required?
- A person feels breathless at higher altitudes. Explain with reference to respiration.
- Describe the effects of adrenaline during fight-or-flight response — link to hormones and coordination.
Model Answers & Exam Strategy
Write answers with the following structure to score high:
- Heading/Definition (1–2 lines)
- Mechanism/Steps (use numbered points)
- Equation/Diagram (wherever relevant)
- Example/Importance (1 line)
Top-scoring Diagram Tips
- Use pencil for sketches and dark pen for labels (neatness counts).
- Label parts clearly and horizontally (avoid slanted text).
- Include arrows showing flow/direction (e.g., food flow in alimentary canal, blood flow in heart).
- Annotate important processes succinctly (e.g., filtration in glomerulus).
Quick Revision Checklist (Before Exam)
| Topic | What to revise |
|---|---|
| Photosynthesis | Equation, chloroplast, light & dark reactions (basic), factors |
| Respiration | Difference aerobic/anaerobic, breathing mechanism, lungs structure |
| Transport | Heart (structure), blood components, xylem & phloem |
| Excretion | Kidney anatomy, nephron stages: filtration, reabsorption, secretion |
| Control & Coordination | Neuron structure, reflex arc, major endocrine glands & hormones |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How many marks are typically asked from Life Processes in CBSE Class 10?
Approximately 6–10 marks across short & long answer sections (varies by year). Expect at least one diagram-based question and a couple of 3–4 mark application questions.
Q. Should I memorise diagrams or understand them?
Understand first; memorise key labels and flow directions. Understanding helps you adapt diagrams to slightly changed exam prompts.
Practical & Viva Tips (Lab Skill Boost)
- Practice identifying parts from real specimens or models (e.g., dissected flower, grass blade stomata under microscope).
- Be ready to explain simple experiments: testing for starch in leaves, effect of light on photosynthesis.
- Viva short answers: know the function of the kidney, liver, pancreas and major endocrine glands.
Why Choose BACE IIT JEE for Concept Clarity?
At BACE IIT JEE (Bokaro), we build foundations with clarity-first teaching. Our Class 10 coaching emphasises NCERT mastery, diagram precision and frequent concept-checks — perfect for students who want to secure excellent board marks while preparing for higher competitive studies.
What we offer
- Experienced faculty with a student-first approach.
- Concise concept sheets and diagram practice booklets.
- Regular mock tests modelled on CBSE patterns.
- Small batch doubt-clearing and personalised feedback.
Study Plan (30 Days) — Life Processes Focus
- Days 1–5: Photosynthesis & Nutrition — definitions, equation, stomata, experiments.
- Days 6–12: Respiration — breathing mechanism, lungs, aerobic vs anaerobic.
- Days 13–18: Transport — heart structure, blood, plant transport mechanisms.
- Days 19–24: Excretion — kidney, nephron, urine formation, dialysis concept.
- Days 25–28: Control & Coordination — neurons, reflex arc, hormones.
- Days 29–30: Revision + Diagram drills + Mock test.
Sample 5-mark Question (with model answer)
Question:
Explain the structure of a nephron and describe the process of urine formation. Include a labelled diagram.
Model Answer (points):
- Nephron consists of Bowman's capsule (with glomerulus), proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct.
- Filtration: Blood pressure in glomerulus filters plasma (containing water, salts, glucose, urea) into Bowman's capsule — forms filtrate.
- Selective reabsorption: Useful substances (glucose, amino acids, most water, some salts) reabsorbed in proximal tubule and loop of Henle back to blood.
- Secretion: Additional wastes and ions secreted into tubule (fine tuning).
- Concentration: Loop of Henle and collecting duct regulate water reabsorption, producing concentrated urine sent to ureter.
Final Exam Day Checklist
- Revise labelled diagrams — heart, lungs, nephron, alimentary canal and reflex arc.
- Go through the photosynthesis equation and limiting factors summary.
- Practice 2–3 past year questions from Life Processes (CBSE official papers).
- Sleep well the night before — biological memory consolidates with rest!
Conclusion
Life Processes is a scoring, concept-rich chapter. With targeted practice, clear diagrams and application-focused revision you can secure top marks. BACE IIT JEE’s structured coaching, practice resources and doubt-resolution are designed to make concepts stick — not just for exams but for higher studies too.
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