Hello, champions!
You've shown incredible grit and have mastered the 1, 2, and 3-mark questions. Now, we face the final boss: the Long Answer Questions (LAQs). These 5-mark questions are your chance to showcase your deep understanding of the chapter. They often require diagrams, detailed explanations, and a well-structured answer.
Don't worry, we'll break them down step-by-step. Let's do this!
Reproduction Top 30 Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Q1. (a) Draw a neat diagram of the human female reproductive system and label the part where:
(i) eggs are produced.
(ii) fertilization takes place.
(iii) the embryo is implanted.
(b) What changes are seen in the uterus if fertilization does not occur?
Answer:
(a) Here is the diagram of the human female reproductive system:
(i) Eggs are produced in the Ovary.
(ii) Fertilization takes place in the Oviduct (or Fallopian tube).
(iii) The embryo is implanted in the Uterus.
(b) If fertilization does not occur, the thick and soft inner lining of the uterus is no longer needed to nourish an embryo. This lining breaks down and is released from the body through the vagina as blood and mucous. This process is called menstruation and it lasts for about 2-8 days.
Q2. (a) Draw a diagram of the longitudinal section of a flower and label the following parts:
(i) Part that produces pollen grains.
(ii) Part that transfers male gametes to the female gametes.
(iii) Part that contains the female gametes.
(iv) Part that attracts insects for pollination.
(b) What is meant by pollination?
Answer:
(a) Here is the diagram of the longitudinal section of a flower:
(i) Part that produces pollen grains: Anther
(ii) Part that transfers male gametes: Pollen tube
(iii) Part that contains the female gametes: Ovule (inside the Ovary)
(iv) Part that attracts insects for pollination: Petal
(b) Pollination is the process of transfer of pollen grains from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of a flower. It is the first step in the process of seed formation in flowering plants.
Q3. Describe five different modes of asexual reproduction in living organisms and provide one example for each.
Answer:
Five modes of asexual reproduction are:
Fission: The parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. It is of two types:
Binary Fission: The parent divides into two individuals. Example: Amoeba.
Multiple Fission: The parent divides into many individuals. Example: Plasmodium.
Budding: A small outgrowth, or bud, forms on the parent's body, which grows and eventually detaches to become a new individual. Example: Hydra, Yeast.
Spore Formation: The parent organism produces thousands of tiny, thick-walled reproductive units called spores. When the spore case bursts, these spores are released and can grow into new individuals under favourable conditions. Example: Rhizopus (bread mould).
Fragmentation: The body of a simple multicellular organism breaks into two or more pieces upon maturation, and each piece grows into a complete new organism. Example: Spirogyra.
Regeneration: If an organism is cut or broken up into many pieces, some of these pieces can grow into separate new individuals. This is carried out by specialized cells. Example: Planaria, Hydra.
Q4. (a) Why is there a need for using contraceptive methods? Give two reasons.
(b) Describe three different methods of contraception in brief.
Answer:
(a) There is a need for contraception for the following reasons:
To Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies: It helps in family planning, allowing couples to decide when to have children and maintain a desired family size.
To Prevent STDs: Barrier methods of contraception protect individuals from sexually transmitted diseases like HIV-AIDS, syphilis, etc.
Population Control: It is an essential measure to control the population of a country and prevent strain on its resources.
(b) Three methods of contraception are:
Barrier Methods: These methods physically prevent the sperm from meeting the egg. Examples include condoms for males and diaphragms for females. Condoms have the added advantage of preventing the spread of STDs.
Chemical Methods: These involve the use of hormones that disrupt the menstrual cycle. Oral contraceptive pills, for instance, prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation), thus preventing fertilization.
Surgical Methods: These are permanent methods. In males, it is called vasectomy, where the vas deferens is blocked to prevent sperm transport. In females, it is called tubectomy, where the fallopian tubes are blocked to prevent the egg from reaching the uterus.
Q5. (a) Draw a neat diagram of the human male reproductive system and label the following:
(i) Testis
(ii) Seminal Vesicle
(iii) Vas deferens
(iv) Urethra
(b) Write the functions of the testis and seminal vesicle.
Answer:
(a) Here is the diagram of the human male reproductive system:Getty Images
(b)
Function of Testis: The testes are the primary reproductive organs in males. They have a dual function: to produce the male gametes called sperm, and to produce the male sex hormone testosterone.
Function of Seminal Vesicle: This is an accessory gland. It produces a fluid that mixes with the sperm to form semen. This fluid provides nutrition to the sperm and facilitates their transport.
Q6. (a) What is vegetative propagation?
(b) Describe two natural and two artificial methods of vegetative propagation.
(c) State one major advantage of this method.
Answer:
(a) Vegetative propagation is a type of asexual reproduction in which new plants are produced from the vegetative parts of the parent plant like roots, stems, and leaves.
(b)
Two Natural Methods:
By Leaves: In plants like Bryophyllum, buds are produced in the notches along the leaf margin. When the leaf falls on moist soil, these buds grow into new plantlets.
By Stem: Runners, which are modified stems, grow horizontally along the ground and develop new plants from their nodes. Example: Grass, Strawberry.
Two Artificial Methods:
Cutting: A piece of a stem with some buds is cut from the parent plant and planted in moist soil. It develops roots and grows into a new plant. Example: Rose, Sugarcane.
Layering: A branch of the plant is pulled towards the ground and a part of it is covered with moist soil, leaving the tip exposed. After some time, roots develop from the covered part, which can then be cut from the parent plant. Example: Jasmine.
(c) Advantage: Plants grown by vegetative propagation can bear flowers and fruits much earlier than those produced from seeds.
Q7. (a) What happens to the lining of the uterus:
(i) before the release of a fertilized egg?
(ii) if the egg is not fertilized?
(b) Describe the process of menstruation in human females.
Answer:
(a)
(i) Before the release of a fertilized egg (in anticipation of pregnancy), the lining of the uterus becomes thick, soft, and spongy. It gets richly supplied with blood and nutrients to nourish the developing embryo.
(ii) If the egg is not fertilized, this thick lining is no longer needed. It breaks down and is shed from the body.
(b) Menstruation is the process of the breakdown and discharge of the inner, thick lining of the uterus along with blood, mucous, and the unfertilized egg.
It occurs if the ovum (egg) is not fertilized by a sperm.
This cycle of preparing the uterus for pregnancy and then shedding the lining if pregnancy doesn't occur happens approximately every 28-30 days.
The flow of blood, called the menstrual flow, usually lasts for about 2-8 days. This entire cycle is controlled by hormones.
Q8. (a) Differentiate between pollination and fertilization in plants.
(b) What are the changes that take place in a flower after fertilization?
Answer:
(a)
| Pollination | Fertilization |
| It is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma. | It is the fusion of the male gamete with the female gamete (egg). |
| It is an external process that happens on the surface of the stigma. | It is an internal process that occurs inside the ovule. |
| It is brought about by external agents like wind, water, or insects. | It is brought about by the growth of the pollen tube. |
| It precedes fertilization. | It occurs only after pollination. |
(b) After fertilization, the following changes occur in a flower:
The zygote develops into the embryo.
The ovule develops a tough coat and turns into the seed.
The ovary grows rapidly and ripens to become the fruit.
The petals, sepals, stamens, style, and stigma typically shrivel and fall off because their work is done.
Q9. (a) What is variation?
(b) How does the creation of variations in a species promote survival?
(c) Explain how sexual reproduction is a source of variation.
Answer:
(a) Variation refers to the differences in the characteristics or traits among the individuals of a species.
(b) The creation of variations promotes the survival of a species in the following ways:
Environments are constantly changing. If a species were made of identical organisms, a drastic change (like a rise in temperature or a new disease) could wipe out the entire population.
Variations ensure that some individuals in the population might have traits that allow them to survive the change. For example, some bacteria might have a variation that makes them resistant to heat.
These surviving individuals can then reproduce and pass on their advantageous traits, ensuring the species as a whole continues to exist and adapt.
(c) Sexual reproduction is a major source of variation because it combines the genetic material (DNA) from two different individuals (parents). This fusion of gametes creates a new combination of genes in the offspring that is different from both parents, leading to new variations.
Q10. Describe in detail the process of fertilization in human beings and the events that follow it until the implantation of the embryo.
Answer:
The process of fertilization and subsequent implantation occurs in the following steps:
Ovulation: The ovary releases a mature egg (ovum) into the fallopian tube.
Sperm Journey: During intercourse, millions of sperm are deposited into the vagina. They travel up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes.
Fertilization: If a sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tube, one sperm penetrates the egg. The nucleus of the sperm fuses with the nucleus of the egg to form a single cell called a zygote. This fusion is called fertilization.
Cell Division (Cleavage): The zygote begins to divide rapidly by mitosis as it travels down the fallopian tube. It forms a 2-cell stage, then 4-cell, then 8-cell, and so on, becoming a solid ball of cells called an embryo.
Implantation: The embryo reaches the uterus in about 5-7 days. It attaches itself to the thick, soft, nutrient-rich inner lining of the uterine wall. This attachment process is called implantation. After implantation, the embryo continues to grow and develop into a foetus.
Q11. (a) Name the organism that reproduces by multiple fission.
(b) Draw a diagram to show the process of binary fission in Amoeba.
(c) How is binary fission in Leishmania different from that in Amoeba?
Answer:
(a) The malarial parasite, Plasmodium, reproduces by multiple fission.
(b) Here is the diagram showing the stages of binary fission in Amoeba:
(c) The binary fission in Leishmania is different from that in Amoeba based on the plane of division:
In Amoeba, which has an irregular shape, the division of the cytoplasm can happen along any plane.
In Leishmania, which has a more defined, whip-like structure (flagellum) at one end, the division happens in a definite longitudinal plane in relation to the flagellum.
Q12. (a) What is a seed?
(b) Draw a diagram of the germination of a seed and label the parts that are responsible for providing food and developing into a shoot.
(c) List two advantages that seeds provide to a plant.
Answer:
(a) A seed is the mature, fertilized ovule of a flowering plant. It contains an embryo (the baby plant) and a food store, all enclosed within a protective seed coat.
(b) Here is the diagram of seed germination:
The part that provides food is the cotyledon.
The part that develops into a shoot is the plumule.
(c) Two advantages of seeds are:
Protection: The tough seed coat protects the dormant embryo inside from physical damage, dehydration, and harsh environmental conditions.
Dispersal: Seeds are small and can be easily dispersed to new locations by wind, water, or animals. This helps the plant colonize new habitats and avoids overcrowding.
Q13. (a) What is meant by asexual reproduction?
(b) Name and describe the method of asexual reproduction in Rhizopus.
(c) Draw a neat, labeled diagram of the same.
Answer:
(a) Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which a new offspring is produced by a single parent without the involvement of gametes or fertilization. The offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
(b) Rhizopus (bread mould) reproduces asexually by the method of spore formation.
The body of Rhizopus consists of thread-like structures called hyphae.
Some of these hyphae grow vertically upwards and develop blob-like structures at their tips called sporangia.
Inside each sporangium, the nucleus divides several times, and each nucleus gets surrounded by a bit of cytoplasm to form thousands of tiny reproductive units called spores.
When the sporangium matures, it bursts open, releasing the spores into the air. These spores can survive for a long time due to their protective walls. Under favourable moist conditions, each spore germinates and grows into a new Rhizopus individual.
(c) Here is the diagram of spore formation in Rhizopus:
Q14. What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Name one STD caused by a bacterial infection and one by a viral infection. State two methods of preventing them.
Answer:
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person primarily through sexual contact.
An STD caused by a bacterial infection is Gonorrhoea or Syphilis.
An STD caused by a viral infection is AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) or Genital Warts.
Two methods of preventing STDs are:
Use of Condoms: Using a condom during sexual intercourse provides a physical barrier that prevents the exchange of infected body fluids, thereby preventing the transmission of most STDs.
Maintaining Fidelity: Being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner or abstaining from sexual activity are the surest ways to avoid STDs.
Q15. (a) Define fertilization. Differentiate between external and internal fertilization.
(b) What is the site of fertilization in human beings?
(c) Explain the development of a zygote into an embryo.
Answer:
(a) Fertilization is the process of fusion of a male gamete (sperm) with a female gamete (ovum or egg) to form a zygote.
| External Fertilization | Internal Fertilization |
| The fusion of gametes occurs outside the female's body, usually in water. | The fusion of gametes occurs inside the female's body. |
| A large number of gametes must be released to ensure fertilization. | Fewer gametes are produced as the chances of fusion are high. |
| The offspring have a lower chance of survival as they are exposed to predators. | The offspring have a higher chance of survival due to protection inside the mother's body. |
| Example: Frogs, Fish | Example: Humans, Birds, Reptiles |
(b) The site of fertilization in human beings is the oviduct, also known as the fallopian tube.
(c) After the zygote is formed, it undergoes a series of rapid mitotic divisions, a process known as cleavage. It divides from one cell into two, then four, eight, sixteen, and so on, without any significant growth in overall size. This ball of cells is now called an embryo. This process happens as the zygote travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus for implantation.
Q16. (a) What are hormones?
(b) Name the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle in human females.
(c) Describe the role of these hormones in the cycle.
Answer:
(a) Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that are transported by the bloodstream to target organs to regulate physiological and behavioural activities like digestion, metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
(b) The main hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle are Oestrogen and Progesterone.
(c) Role of Hormones:
At the beginning of the cycle, oestrogen levels rise. This causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to grow and thicken in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
A surge in another hormone (LH, not required in detail for class 10) causes the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation).
After ovulation, the ovary starts producing progesterone. Progesterone's role is to maintain the thickened uterine lining and prepare it for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
If fertilization does not occur, the production of progesterone drops. This drop in hormone levels causes the uterine lining to break down, leading to menstruation.
Q17. (a) What is grafting? Explain with an example.
(b) What is layering? Explain with an example.
(c) Draw a simple diagram for each to illustrate the processes.
Answer:
(a) Grafting is an artificial method of vegetative propagation where parts of two different plants are joined together so that they continue their growth as a single plant. The upper part (stem or bud) is called the scion, and the lower, rooted part is called the stock. This method is used to combine the desirable characteristics of two plants, like good fruit from the scion and disease-resistant roots from the stock. Example: Mango, Apple.
(b) Layering is another artificial method where a branch of a plant is bent and a part of it is buried in the soil while it is still attached to the parent plant. The buried part develops its own roots. Once the roots are formed, the branch is cut from the parent plant and can grow as an independent plant. Example: Jasmine, Bougainvillea.
(c) Diagrams:
Q18. (a) What are the main parts of a seed?
(b) Draw a diagram of the structure of a dicot seed (like a bean seed) and label its parts.
(c) What is seed dormancy?
Answer:
(a) The main parts of a seed are:
Seed Coat: The tough, protective outer layer.
Embryo: The baby plant itself, which consists of the plumule (future shoot), radicle (future root), and cotyledons.
Cotyledon(s): These are the seed leaves that store food for the embryo. A seed can have one (monocot) or two (dicot) cotyledons.
(b) Diagram of a Bean Seed:
(c) Seed dormancy is a state in which a viable seed will not germinate even when provided with the necessary conditions (water, oxygen, temperature) for germination. It is a survival mechanism that prevents seeds from sprouting in unsuitable seasons, ensuring they germinate only when conditions are favourable for the seedling's survival.
Q19. (a) Define double fertilization in plants.
(b) What is the fate of the following parts of a flower after fertilization?
(i) Ovary (ii) Ovule (iii) Zygote (iv) Sepals and Petals
Answer:
(a) Double fertilization is a unique process in flowering plants. When the pollen tube enters the ovule, it releases two male gametes.
One male gamete fuses with the female gamete (egg cell) to form the zygote. This is called syngamy.
The other male gamete fuses with the two polar nuclei in the centre of the ovule to form the primary endosperm nucleus, which develops into the endosperm (a nutritive tissue).
Since two fertilization events occur, it is called double fertilization.
(b) Fate of floral parts after fertilization:
(i) Ovary: Ripens and develops into the fruit.
(ii) Ovule: Develops into the seed.
(iii) Zygote: Develops into the embryo inside the seed.
(iv) Sepals and Petals: Usually wither and fall off.
Q20. (a) What is the full form of DNA? Where is it found in a cell?
(b) What is its role in the process of reproduction?
(c) Why is variation that occurs during DNA copying important for a species?
Answer:
(a) The full form of DNA is Deoxyribonucleic Acid. In a eukaryotic cell, it is primarily found inside the nucleus.
(b) DNA's role in reproduction is fundamental. It is the molecule that carries the genetic information or the "blueprint" for building and maintaining an organism. During reproduction, a copy of the parent's DNA is passed on to the offspring. This transfer of genetic material ensures the inheritance of traits and maintains the characteristics of the species across generations.
(c) Variation during DNA copying is crucial for the survival and evolution of a species. The copying mechanism is not perfectly accurate and produces minor errors, leading to variations. These variations allow a population to adapt to changing environments. If the environment changes, individuals with favourable variations are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass those traits on. Without variation, a species would be unable to adapt and could face extinction.
Q21. Explain the technique of tissue culture. List two major advantages of this method for farmers.
Answer:
Tissue Culture, also known as micropropagation, is a modern technique for growing plants. The process is as follows:
A small piece of tissue (called an explant) is taken from the growing tip of a parent plant.
This explant is placed in a sterile, jelly-like nutrient medium in a test tube or petri dish.
The cells in the tissue divide rapidly to form an unorganised mass of cells called a callus.
Hormones are added to the medium to induce the callus to develop roots and shoots, forming tiny plantlets.
These plantlets are then transferred to soil where they can grow into mature plants.
Two advantages for farmers:
Mass Production: A very large number of plants can be grown from a single parent plant in a very short period. This is useful for commercial-scale farming of ornamental plants like orchids or crops like bananas.
Growing Disease-Free Plants: By using the meristematic tissue from the tip of a plant (which is usually free of viruses), farmers can grow plants that are completely free from diseases, even if the parent plant was infected.
Q22. "Asexual reproduction is a simpler and faster mode of reproduction, yet sexually reproducing organisms have evolved and are more successful." Justify this statement.
Answer:
This statement is justified because the success of a species over the long term depends on its ability to adapt, which is directly linked to genetic variation.
Asexual reproduction is indeed simpler and faster. It requires only one parent and can produce a large number of offspring quickly. However, all the offspring are genetically identical to the parent (clones). This lack of variation is a major disadvantage. If the environment changes (e.g., a new disease appears), the entire population could be wiped out as they all share the same vulnerabilities.
Sexual reproduction, while more complex and energy-intensive, involves the fusion of gametes from two different parents. This mixing of DNA creates genetic variation in the offspring. This variation is the raw material for evolution. In a changing environment, some individuals will have traits that allow them to survive and reproduce. This adaptability gives sexually reproducing organisms a significant long-term survival advantage, making them more successful in an evolutionary sense.
Q23. (a) Draw a diagram showing the germination of pollen on a stigma.
(b) Explain the sequence of events from pollination to the formation of a zygote in a flowering plant.
Answer:
(a) Diagram of Pollen Germination:Shutterstock
(b) Sequence of Events:
Pollination: A pollen grain from an anther lands on the stigma of a compatible flower.
Germination: The pollen grain absorbs nutrients from the stigma and germinates, growing a long, thin tube called the pollen tube.
Growth of Pollen Tube: The pollen tube grows down through the style, carrying two male gametes with it.
Entry into Ovule: The pollen tube enters the ovule, which is located inside the ovary.
Fertilization: The tip of the pollen tube ruptures, releasing the male gametes. One male gamete travels to the egg cell and fuses with its nucleus. This fusion of the male and female gametes forms the zygote.
Q24. What is puberty? Tabulate the changes that occur in males and females during this period and name the hormones responsible for these changes.
Answer:
Puberty is the period in a person's life during which they become sexually mature and capable of reproduction. It involves significant physical and hormonal changes.
| Feature | Changes in Males | Changes in Females |
| Primary Hormone | Testosterone | Oestrogen |
| Voice | Voice deepens and cracks. | Voice becomes more high-pitched. |
| Hair Growth | Growth of hair on face (beard, moustache), chest, armpits, and pubic region. | Growth of hair in armpits and pubic region. |
| Body Shape | Shoulders broaden, muscles develop. | Hips broaden, fat deposits on thighs and hips. |
| Reproductive Organs | Testes enlarge and start producing sperm. | Ovaries enlarge, and menarche (start of menstruation) occurs. |
| Skin | Skin becomes oily, may develop acne. | Skin becomes oily, may develop acne. |
| Glands | Development and enlargement of breasts (mammary glands). |
Q25. (a) What are IUCDs? Give one example.
(b) How do they prevent pregnancy?
(c) Why are they not effective against STDs?
Answer:
(a) IUCDs stand for Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Devices. These are small devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor or a trained nurse to prevent pregnancy. An example is the Copper-T.
(b) IUCDs like the Copper-T prevent pregnancy through a few mechanisms:
The copper ions released by the device are toxic to sperm, reducing their motility and ability to fertilize the egg.
They also cause a mild inflammation of the uterine lining (endometrium), making it unsuitable for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
They can also change the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to enter the uterus.
(c) IUCDs are not effective against STDs because they are placed inside the uterus and do not create any physical barrier to stop the exchange of body fluids (like blood or semen) during sexual contact. STDs are transmitted through these fluids, so only barrier methods like condoms, which prevent this exchange, can protect against STDs.
Q26. (a) Describe the process of regeneration in Planaria with diagrams.
(b) Why can't complex multicellular organisms like humans reproduce through regeneration?
Answer:
(a) Regeneration in Planaria is a form of asexual reproduction. Planaria has a remarkable ability to regenerate.
If the body of a Planaria is cut into several pieces, either horizontally or vertically, each piece can grow into a complete new individual.
This is possible because Planaria possesses a large number of specialized cells (stem cells) that can multiply rapidly (proliferate) and change (differentiate) to form all the different cell types and tissues needed to reconstruct the entire organism.
Diagrams:
(b) Complex organisms like humans cannot reproduce this way because our bodies are highly complex and organised.
Our cells are highly differentiated and specialised to form specific tissues, organs, and organ systems (e.g., heart, lungs, brain).
These specialised cells have largely lost the ability to de-differentiate and create all other types of cells. While we can regenerate some tissues like skin or liver to an extent, we cannot regenerate a whole limb, let alone an entire individual, from a cut piece.
Q27. (a) Differentiate between unisexual and bisexual flowers with two examples of each.
(b) How is cross-pollination ensured in a papaya plant?
Answer:
(a)
Answer:
(b) A papaya plant is dioecious, which means individual plants are either male (bearing only male flowers) or female (bearing only female flowers).
Because the male and female flowers are on entirely separate plants, self-pollination is impossible.
Therefore, for fruit to be produced, pollen must be transferred from the flowers of a male plant to the flowers of a female plant.
This transfer is done by external agents like insects or wind. This mechanism ensures that only cross-pollination occurs in papaya.
Q28. Explain the significance of the placenta and the umbilical cord in the development of a human foetus. What happens if the placenta does not form properly?
Answer:
Placenta: The placenta is a vital, disc-shaped organ that connects the developing foetus to the uterine wall of the mother. Its significance is immense:
Nutrition and Respiration: It acts as the interface for transferring nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood to the foetus.
Excretion: It allows waste products like carbon dioxide and urea to pass from the foetus's blood to the mother's blood for disposal.
Barrier: It acts as a protective barrier, preventing certain harmful substances and pathogens from reaching the foetus.
Endocrine Function: It produces hormones like progesterone that are essential for maintaining the pregnancy.
Umbilical Cord: This is a tube-like structure that connects the foetus to the placenta. It contains blood vessels that transport blood to and from the foetus, acting as its "lifeline."
If the placenta does not form properly, it can lead to serious complications. The foetus may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), where the baby is smaller than normal. It can also lead to premature birth or, in severe cases, miscarriage.
Q29. Trace the path of sperm from the site of their production to their release from the body. Mention the glands involved in this process and their role.
Answer:
The path of sperm is as follows:
Testes: Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules inside the testes.
Epididymis: From the testes, the sperm move into the epididymis, a coiled tube where they mature and are stored.
Vas Deferens: During ejaculation, sperm are propelled from the epididymis through a muscular tube called the vas deferens.
Ejaculatory Duct: The vas deferens joins with the duct from the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct.
Urethra: The ejaculatory duct opens into the urethra, which is a tube that runs through the penis. The urethra serves as the common passage for both urine and semen.
Release: Semen, containing the sperm, is ejaculated from the body through the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis.
Glands Involved:
Seminal Vesicles and Prostate Gland: As sperm pass through the ducts, these glands add their secretions. This fluid mixes with the sperm to form semen. The role of this fluid is to provide nutrition for the sperm, neutralize the acidity of the female reproductive tract, and provide a medium for the sperm to swim in.
Q30. What changes occur during adolescence that can lead to health and social concerns? List five such concerns and suggest ways to manage them.
Answer:
Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, hormonal, and psychological changes, making adolescents vulnerable to several issues.
Five Major Concerns and Their Management:
Nutritional Deficiencies: Rapid growth spurts increase nutritional demands. Junk food habits can lead to obesity or deficiencies.
Management: Promoting a balanced diet rich in proteins, iron, and calcium. Educating them about healthy eating habits.
Acne and Skin Problems: Increased activity of oil glands due to hormonal changes can lead to pimples and acne, causing low self-esteem.
Management: Maintaining good personal hygiene, washing the face regularly, avoiding oily foods, and seeking medical advice if severe.
Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse: A desire to fit in with friends can lead to experimenting with harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
Management: Strong family support, open communication with parents, education about the harmful effects of drugs, and learning to say "no."
Mental Health Issues: Hormonal fluctuations and social pressures can lead to mood swings, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Management: Encouraging hobbies, physical exercise, yoga, meditation, and seeking counselling or professional help without hesitation.
Risk of STDs and Unwanted Pregnancies: The onset of sexual maturity without proper knowledge can lead to unsafe sexual practices.
Management: Providing comprehensive and scientific sex education about contraception, safe sex, and the consequences of unprotected intercourse.
You've done it! You've tackled the toughest questions in the chapter. Give yourself a huge pat on the back. You have built an incredibly strong conceptual understanding, and that is a massive achievement.
The next posts will be about applying this knowledge in different ways, starting with the very important Case-Based Questions.
Take a well-deserved rest; you've absolutely earned it!
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