CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 6: Life Processes NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental "Life Processes" essential for maintaining life, covering key biological functions for Class 10 students. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations for concepts such as nutrition, respiration, transport of substances, and excretion in living organisms. It breaks down the mechanisms of autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition, the process of cellular respiration, the roles of xylem and phloem in plants, and the excretory system in humans. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the intricate details of these vital processes, offering step-by-step answers to exercise questions. They are an invaluable resource for exam preparation, enabling students to revise and reinforce their understanding of biological functions critical for survival.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 6

Chapter summary

Chapter 6, "Life Processes," focuses on the essential biological functions that organisms perform to survive. This NCERT Solutions set covers topics like nutrition (autotrophic and heterotrophic), respiration (aerobic and anaerobic), transport of materials in plants (xylem and phloem) and animals, and excretion in humans. The solutions explain the breakdown of food, energy production, and waste removal, providing clear answers to the chapter's exercises.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the different modes of nutrition.
  • Explain the process of respiration and its location.
  • Identify the function of xylem in plants.
  • Describe the role of kidneys in excretion.
  • Explain the function of saliva in food digestion.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Life Processes
  • Nutrition
  • Autotrophic Nutrition
  • Heterotrophic Nutrition
  • Respiration
  • Aerobic Respiration
  • Anaerobic Respiration
  • Transport in Plants
  • Xylem
  • Transport in Animals
  • Excretion
  • Kidneys

Important topics

  • Life Processes Overview
  • Modes of Nutrition
  • Cellular Respiration
  • Transport Mechanisms
  • Excretory System Function

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What system are the kidneys in human beings a part of? Choose from the following options: (i) nutrition, (ii) respiration, (iii) excretion, (iv) transportation.
Solution: The kidneys are a vital component of the excretory system in human beings. Their primary function is to filter waste products, such as urea, from the blood and produce urine, which is then eliminated from the body. Therefore, the correct option is (iii) excretion.

Question 2

What is the primary function of the xylem tissue in plants? Choose from the following options: (i) transport of water, (ii) transport of food, (iii) transport of amino acids, (iv) transport of oxygen.
Solution: In plants, the xylem is a specialized vascular tissue that plays a crucial role in the transport of water and dissolved mineral nutrients from the roots, where they are absorbed from the soil, up to the stem and leaves. Thus, the correct option is (i) transport of water.

Question 3

The autotrophic mode of nutrition requires which of the following? Choose from the following options: (i) carbon dioxide and water, (ii) chlorophyll, (iii) sunlight, (iv) all of the above.
Solution: Autotrophic nutrition, the process by which organisms like plants produce their own food, requires several key components. These include carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, water absorbed from the soil, sunlight as an energy source, and chlorophyll, the pigment that captures light energy. Therefore, all the listed items are necessary for autotrophic nutrition. The correct option is (iv) all of the above.

Question 4

In which part of the cell does the breakdown of pyruvate to yield carbon dioxide, water, and energy take place? Choose from the following options: (i) cytoplasm, (ii) mitochondria, (iii) chloroplast, (iv) nucleus.
Solution: The breakdown of pyruvate, a molecule produced during glycolysis, into carbon dioxide, water, and a significant amount of energy occurs during aerobic respiration. This process, known as the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, takes place within the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. Therefore, the correct option is (ii) mitochondria.

Question 5

How are fats digested in our bodies, and where does this process primarily take place?
Solution: Fats are digested in the small intestine. Initially, fats are present as large globules. The liver secretes bile juice, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine. Bile salts in the bile juice break down these large fat globules into smaller ones, a process called emulsification. This increases the surface area for digestive enzymes. Subsequently, the pancreas secretes pancreatic juice, which contains enzymes like lipase. Lipase breaks down the emulsified fats into fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be absorbed by the body. This entire process occurs in the small intestine.

Question 6

What is the role of saliva in the digestion of food?
Solution: Saliva is produced by the salivary glands, located in the mouth. Its role in digestion is twofold: Firstly, it moistens and lubricates the food, making it softer and easier to swallow. Secondly, saliva contains a digestive enzyme called salivary amylase (also known as ptyalin). This enzyme begins the chemical digestion of carbohydrates (starch) by breaking it down into simpler sugars like maltose. Saliva also contains lysozyme, which has antibacterial properties, and antibodies.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the sites of different metabolic processes (e.g., pyruvate breakdown).
  • Misidentifying the transport tissues in plants.
  • Not fully explaining the role of enzymes and secretions in digestion.
  • Incomplete understanding of the requirements for autotrophic nutrition.

Revision tips

  • Review the functions of key organs like kidneys and their system.
  • Understand the specific roles of plant tissues like xylem.
  • Memorize the requirements and products of different metabolic processes.
  • Focus on the step-by-step processes of digestion and excretion.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which system are the kidneys a part of in human beings?

Q2. What is the primary role of xylem in plants?

Q3. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for autotrophic nutrition?

Q4. The breakdown of pyruvate into carbon dioxide, water, and energy occurs in which part of the cell?

Q5. What is the process called where bile salts break down large fat globules into smaller ones?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main life processes covered in CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 6?

Chapter 6 covers essential life processes including nutrition, respiration, transport of substances, and excretion in living organisms.

Where does the breakdown of pyruvate to release energy occur?

The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water, and energy takes place in the mitochondria through aerobic respiration.

What is the function of xylem in plants?

Xylem in plants is primarily responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

How are fats digested in the human body?

Fats are first emulsified into smaller globules by bile salts in the small intestine, and then digested by enzymes like lipase present in pancreatic juice.

What role does saliva play in digestion?

Saliva moistens food for easy swallowing and contains salivary amylase, an enzyme that begins the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars.

What is the main function of the kidneys?

The kidneys are the principal organs of the excretory system, responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine.

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